Agra Fort, also known as Red Fort is located 2.5 km away from the world famous monument Taj Mahal. It is one of the UNESCO Word Heritage sites in Agra. The zenith of Agra came with reign of the great Mughal Emperor Akbar. Shah Jahan, his grandson built most of the buildings inside the fort. It is not simply a fort, but a walled palatial city.Agra Fort is located on the banks of River Yamuna and it has a grand wall made up of red sandstone. It is seventy feet high and runs for 2.5 km around the perimeter of the fort. It has two gateways- Delhi gate and Amar Singh gate. As the northern part of the fort is occupied by the Indian Army, you can enter the fort via Amar Singh gate only. An inner gateway is also there, which is known as Hathi Pol or Elephant Gate. It is guarded by two majestic stone elephants. You can find several splendid buildings like Diwan-I-Am, Diwan-I-Khas, Shish Mahal, Mina Masjid and Nagina Masjid inside the fort.

 

• Diwan-I-Am:

Diwan-I-Am, also known as the Hall of Public audience is the most remarkable building located inside the Agra Fort. It was built by Shah Jahan in 1631 to 1640. The main hall has two arched gateways made up of red sandstone. The hall is divided into three walkways. The emperor addressed the people from a raised ornamental rectangular chamber. The Takht-i-Murassa or the throne room is made in marble and inlaid with precious stones. Diwan-I-Am once housed the world famous Peacock throne, which was created for Shah Jahan.

 

• Diwan-I-Khas:

Diwan-I-Khas is the hall of private audience, where the Emperor received important guests like kings, nobles and ambassadors. It was built in 1635. You can enter this building through five arched openings. The chambers were decorated with floral patterns and marvelous carvings.

• Shish Mahal:

Shish Mahal is a glass palace located near the Diwan-I-Khas building in Agra Fort. Shah Jahan built this Mahal to be used as imperial baths. The walls and the ceilings featured extensive use of mirrors and they lent a dazzling effect, when illuminated. This palace contains two large chambers, which had marble tanks with fountains. There were separate arrangements for hot and cold waters. There were two candle niches, in which the candles were kept to throw beautiful reflection on the waters. You can see the beautiful stucco relief work in the dado panels in the outer hall.

 

• Mina Masjid:

Mina Masjid is another impressive building in Agra Fort. It was also built by Shah Jahan. Mina Masjid was used by the emperor and the royal ladies to offer their prayers. It is enclosed on all sides by high walls, which assure privacy. Unlike other buildings constructed by Shah Jahan, it is too simple and plain. The only decoration elements in this Masjid are marbles and tiles paved in the court.

 

• Nagina Masjid:

Nagina Masjid, also known as Gem Mosque located inside the Agra Fort is a pure white marble structure. The prayer chamber is made up of marble. The Mihrab located on the western wall of the prayer chamber points the direction of the Holy Kabah.

 

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