Highlights of Agra – The Agra Fort Overview The beauty and splendour of the Agra Fort, also known as the “Lal Qila”, “Fort Rouge” and the “Qila-e-Akbari” is often overshadowed by the most popular monument in India, the Taj Mahal. Having said that, the Agra Fort still retains the 2 nd place in the list of must-visit places on a same day Agra tour by car or a trip to Taj Mahal from New Delhi.
The Agra Fort is a symbol of Mughal prowess and architecture, as you’ll be able to see once you’re outside the titanic structure. The high fortification structure was built primarily as a military structure, and is famous for once holding the world-famous 'Koh-I-Noor' diamond, as well as for being a prison for the emperor Shah Jahan in his later years, put there by his own son emperor Aurangzeb. The fort was originally a brick fort held by Chauhan Rajputs, and went through several modifications by many rulers including Ibrahim Lodi who held the fort for 9 years and built several mosques and wells. It was the emperor Akbar who had it rebuilt with red sandstone, and finally it was during the reign of Shah Jahan who modified it to its current state.
Inside The Fort The Agra Fort is usually a part of every Delhi Agra tour, and is a favourite among travellers on a day trip to Agra from Delhi by car.
These are the various structures inside the Agra Fort which are allegory to Mughal history.
The Diwan-I-Am, was used as a communications ground where the Mughals received members of the general public and heard their grievances. On the far side of the large courtyard is Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audiences), which was reserved for important dignitaries. The Musamman Burj, was built by Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. The Khas Mahal is where Shah Jahan was imprisoned for eight years until his death in 1666, and from where he could gaze out at the Taj Mahal, the tomb of his wife. The Anguri Bagh, which is a large garden which was known for harvesting grapes and flowers, as its name suggest. Jehangir’s Palace, which was built by Akbar for his son Jehangir as a reminder of the Mughals' Afghani cultural roots.