Agra Monuments - आगरा स्मारक
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Taj mahal , a dream etched in milky white pristine marble is the peerless monuments portraying the beauty of enternal love , a commemoration of the memory of Shajahan's beloved wife Taj mahal is indeed Indians rich tribute to womanhood. Renowned for its aesthetic beauty,this extravagent building of timeless beauty is the outcome of a unique combination of passion and architectured exuberance.
The Taj mahal is situated more than 900 ft.(275m).away from the entrance at the opposite end of the garden.Towering almost 200ft.(76m.)in height,the tomb stands on its own marble plinth ,which rests on a red sandstone platform that serves to level the land as it slopes to the land as it slopes to the river.Four tall minarets rise up from the corners of the white marble plinth.They taper to a majestic height of 138 ft. and are crowned with eight windowed cupolas.
The resort's classical architecture is complemented by eleborated gardens,fountains,reflection pools and pavilions . But most importantly,all rooms , suites,lobby and restaurants,bar and lounge frame an uninterrupted view of the Taj Mahal.The decor and service spell the ultimate in comfort and the luxurious spa offers non-clinical therapies.
The land on which the Taj Mahal was built was acquired from Raja Jai Singh. The construction began in 1631 AD and completed in 22 years. 20,000 labors and artisans were employed for the work. The material for the mausoleum was brought from all over India and central Asia. The Iranian architect Ustad Isa designed the structure.
The Taj is situated 900 ft away from the entrance gate at the opposite end of the garden. The tomb is built over a marble plinth, which rests over a high sandstone base. Four tapering minarets on the four corners of the marble plinth flank the tomb. The minarets rise to a height of 138 ft and are crowned by with eight windowed cupolas over the marble plinth.
The main building is built of marble and is square in plan with chamfered corners. Each side of the corner has an iwan adorned with calligraphy. There are small rectangular double arches one over the other on both sides of the iwan. The arched alcoves of equal sizes at the angles of the tomb are semi-octagonal. The pilasters demark each section of the façade on both side, which rises from plinth of the tomb up to the frieze and are topped by beautiful pinnacles with lotus buds and finials.Tour to Taj Mahal, Agra The central chamber is octagonal in shape. The height of the hall is 80 ft from the pavement to the side of the interior dome. The crowning glory of the mausoleum is the bulbous onion-shaped double dome. The height from the base of the drum to the top of the finial is 145 ft. The dome provides a desirable and harmonious ceiling to the inner hall and present a majestic and stately effect from outside by giving the desired height. Four small kiosks around the dome reduce the severity of the perpendicular stress.
The jewel-laid cenotaph of the queen lies within the dome. The cenotaph of the emperor was built beside the queen in 1666 AD upon his death. The cenotaph of Mumtaz is in the center while that of Shah Jahan's is on the west side of the enclosure. Pietra dura inlay work decorates the marble surface of the screen and the cenotaphs with various motifs like flowers, delicate arabesques and superb calligraphy. The red sandstone was quarried from local quarries and marble was dug from the hills of Makrana in Rajasthan. Nephrite jade and crystal was brought from Central Asia, turquoise from Tibet yellow amber from Burma, lapis lazuli from Badakshan and chrysolite from Egypt. Some of the rare shells, coral, and mother-of-pearl were taken out from the Indian Ocean. Forty-three kinds of gems including topaz, onyx, garnet, sapphire and bloodstone were used in embellishing the Taj Mahal. The marble was transported through a ten-mile long ramp of packed earth and placed by an elaborate post and beam pulley. The tomb was the first building to be constructed. The mosques on the two side were erected the next, then the four minarets and lastly the gateway and the auxiliary buildings.
The Taj is entered through a massive gate that opens to the south. The gate symbolizes an entrance into the paradise and represented the transition point between the outer world and the inner world. The 150 ft wide and 100 ft high gate is made of red sandstone. The gateway has a series of eleven attached chhatris with marble cupolas flanked by pinnacles above the central portal on the north and south sides. The door at the base is made of eight different metals and studded with knobs. Tour to Taj Mahal, Agra A green carpet of garden runs from the main gateway to the foot of the Taj laid in the Persian Char Bagh concept. Two marble canals studded with fountains and lined with cypress trees symbolizing death cross in the center of the garden dividing it into four equal squares. The fountains and canals provide the reflection of the Taj. The mausoleum, instead of occupying the central point unlike other Mughal mausoleums, stands majestically at the far end just above the river.
On either side of the Taj Mahal are buildings of red sandstone. The one to the west is a mosque, which faces towards Mecca and is used for prayer. There is a small stone enclosure along the western boundary wall of the Mosque. The structure, measuring 19 ft by 6.5 ft is the site where the remains of Mumtaz Mahal were buried when first brought to Agra. On the east side of the Taj stands the twin of the Mosque, a parallel structure also made of red sandstone, referred to as the jawed, or "answer". It was built to counterbalance the mosque and preserve the symmetry of the entire design on the platform.
The Taj Mahal is immortalized as the 'Monument of Love'. It is one of the most photographed monuments in India. It is in the list of UNESCO's World Heritage Site. Tourists from world over come to have the glimpse of this monument.
Agra's history goes back more than 2500 years, but the it wasn't until the reign of the Mughals that Agra became more than a provincial city. Humayun, son of the founder of the Mogul empire, was offered jewelry and precious stones by the family of the Raja of Gwalior, one of them the famous Koh-i-Noor. The heydays of Agra came with the reign of Humayun's son, Akbar The Great. During his reign, the main part of the Agra fort was built. Construction of the fort started in 1156 and was finished in 1605. Shah Jahan, who built the Taj Mahal, erected most of the buildings inside the fortress.
The fort is built alongside the Yamuna river and stretches almost 2.5 km. It consists of a wall built in red sandstone and several buildings inside. The wall has 2 gates, the Delhi Gate and the Amar Singh Gate. You can only enter the fort via the Amar Singh Gate. Part of the fort is still in use by the Indian Army and are not accessible to the public, but there's still enough left to get an insight on the way the Mughals lived in the 16th century.
The site is founded by Akbar the great, who at 26 years did not have a heir. He went to a saint, Shaikh Salim Chishti who lived in a city called Sikri. His blessing gave Akbar 3 sons. As a gesture, Akbar built a whole new city in Sikri.
It was built between 1569 and 1585 and was intended to be the joint capital with Agra, but was soon deserted because the water system could not support the any residents. It remained untouched for over 400 years now and its palaces are a remainder of the extravagance of the Mughals.
The Kos Minar is a solid round pillars that stands on a masonry platform built with bricks and plastered over with lime. Kos Minars became an institution during the rule of the Mughals that after Akbar, emperor Jehangir and Shah Jahan, both added to the existing network of Kos Minars. In the north they were extended as far as Peshawar and in the east to Bengal via Kanauj. The geographic span makes for nearly three thousand kilometers of Mughal highways, accounting for nearly 1000 Kos Minars, i.e., 1 every Kos or 3 km. there is no record as to how many of them have survived since then. The Kos Minars are never looked at as architecturally impressive structures. It is only when we view them in the totality of a much larger design that their real significance emerges. Some of the major cities of north India along with some of the most important historical monuments, battlefields etc. have come up on the route marked by the Kos Minars.
A network of medieval caravan sarai or inn or traveler's lodge has always been there from the Mughal times. A few of them still exist today. Besides, there are baolis or stepped-wells containing drinking water built beside some of the Kos Minars for the benefit of travelers. The Kos Minars proved critical in the governance, as there was a horse, a rider, a drummer posted at every Kos Minar and royal messages were relayed back and forth with great speed. Some historians believe that the Kos Minars were principally made to facilitate transportation and not communications. Those were the days when the Mughal emperors traveled on elephant back, in a royal entourage that included more than a thousand people consisting of bodyguards, personal retainers, tent erectors, cooks, foot soldiers and cavalry.
Whatever the reasons, the Kos Minars present a great travel story and it would indeed be a worthwhile exercise to check their present status. Lining the highway on either side, the most visible presence of the Kos Minars is between Agra and Delhi. What is interesting to note is that the modern highway is running almost on the same route as that of the Mughals. While the modern day highway goes past the Keoladeo National Park to Bharatpur, the Kos Minars take a more older and historic route via Bayana and Khanwa (where Babur fought with Rana Sanga). Between Agra and Jaipur, the Kos Minars run their parallel route along the highway, at least 15 to 20 kilometers in the hinterlands, coming closer as the road approaches Jaipur. While the highway goes straight through a hill pass into the modern city of Jaipur, the Kos Minars cross over the road to make their way to Amber. From Amber, the Kos Minars make their way towards Sanganer, an old town just south of Jaipur and finally meet up with the modern highway near Bagru, en route Ajmer. After making their presence felt on the highway with two quick appearances in succession, the Kos Minars cross over from the right to the left side of the road. A couple of kilometers from the road, they run their parallel course in the countryside, rejoining the highway just before Ajmer. Three kilometers away from the Durgah of Chisiti is the last Kos Minar on that route, which is located inside the bungalow of the Superintendent of Police.
Akbar made Agra its capital and started the construction of Red Fort in 1565 AD. It was initially made as the military fortress of mud and bricks on the banks of the River Yamuna. The fort is 2.5 km long with 20 ft high walls. The outer walls had two gates called the Amar Singh Gate on the southern side and the Delhi Gate on the western side respectively. The Delhi Gate was used as the main entrance gate. Both gates are sheathed in red sandstone and consist of an enormous facade flanked by twin towers. The entry is in several turns of ninety degree to foil invaders. A deep moat surrounds the fort. Jehangir and Shah Jahan made several additions during their respective reigns and added white marble to rose-red sandstone. Akbar built the Jehangiri Mahal, the earliest of all the structures, as the women's quarters. Akbar also built the Jehangir Palace for his favorite son. Out of 500 buildings inside the Red Fort, only a few remain intact today. These buildings are a classic example of the Indo-Islamic architecture.
The Jehangiri Mahal (Jehangir's Palace) was the principal royal zenana palace used mainly by the Rajput wives of Akbar. A magnificent gateway leads to an interior courtyard, which is surrounded by massive halls covered with profuse carvings on stone, heavily fashioned brackets, piers, and crossbeams. One can still spot remnants of decoration in gold and blue done in the prevalent Persian style. The Jehangiri Mahal is the admixture of the Trans-Oxanian (Central Asian) features such as the balcony on the east front with its high slender columns as well as the Rajput features. The typically Gujarati brackets, fabulously carved animal and floral motifs, register a dominating effect on the few Islamic features such as the verandah on the eastern front with exquisitely slender pillars facing the riverfront. The Jehangiri Mahal is the most important building of the Akbar's period in the Agra Fort.Akbar's Tomb Agra The Diwan-I-khas (Hall of Private audience) was built between 1636 and 1637 AD to receive the important dignitaries. It is a small hall with double marble columns inlaid with the pietra dura decoration. There are two marble thrones in the front of the hall on the terrace. Below this terrace lies the grand courtyard called the Machchi Bhawan lies below the terrace, which was meant for the harem functions. On the opposite side stands the small mosque built by Aurangzeb for Shah Jahan.
The Diwan-I-Aam (Hall of Public audience) was constructed by Shah Jahan by replacing an earlier wooden structure. The arches are made of white lime polished to a smooth finish. The triple arched royal canopy has lavish ornamentation of the pietra dura work. The famous Peacock Throne of Shah Jahan was kept here. He met officials and commoners and listened to them over here.
Both Jehangir and Shah Jahan were in love with white marble and thus demolished many of Akbar's red sandstone structures. The Khas Mahal is an airy edifice, overlooking the specially laid Angoori Bagh or Grape Garden. The windows made with jali or latticework present fabulous view of the riverfront. The two copper-roofed pavilions built in the Bengali traditions were meant for prominent ladies of the harem. The three sides of this garden are surrounded by the residential quarters of the women. The Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace) and the Royal Hammam (Bath) is decorated with myriad glass pieces and have a fountain in the center.
The Musamman Burj is the most ornamented pavilion where Noor Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal lived. The quality of pietra dura decoration is fabulous and perfect. Shah Jahan spent his last few years here looking at the Taj Mahal.
Further in the north stands the Moti Masjid or the Pearl Mosque. It has three domes in white marble rising over the red sandstone wall. The Moti Masjid is known for its sheer grandeur, calm beauty and perfect proportions. The Red Fort was included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.Hilkusha Palace The Fatehpur Sikri is 16 km from Agra. It was build by Akbar between 1570-1586 AD in red sandstone. But it was abandoned within 20 years of its construction because of severe scarcity of water. Sikri was the small village and had the royal mint of the Mughals. This fort was build around the Dargah of Salim Chisti. The buildings in this fort have been built in Gujarati and Rajasthani architectural styles, using the help ornate columns, fanciful jali work, sumptuous carving and surface ornamentation. All the structures at Fatehpur Sikri are at an upper level because the climate was very hot over there.
The Diwan-I-Aam has the royal pavilion overlooking a large open area where petitioners and courtiers came to meet the king. Just behind it stands the Diwan-I-khas, which was used for confidential, diplomatic and religious discourses. The famous stone column stand in the middle of the room, sprouting 36 elegant brackets carved in the Gujarati style.
The Panch Mahal is a five storeyed pavilion supported by pillars in receding order for the ladies of the harem. Originally jali screens stood between pillars. The Jodha Bai's palace has the most distinctively Gujarati and Rajasthani architectural features The Turkish Sultana's palace is known for exquisitely carved dado panels depicting wildlife-lions, birds and foliage. The Mariam's Palace is also noteworthy for European architectural style. All the three palaces represented the cultural and religious background of the queen's of Akbar.
The central platform at the Anup Talao is linked by four bridges. Here court musician Tan Sen played music. Akbar's private apartments stand close to the tank. The Birbal's Palace and the Stable for the horses are also worth seeing. Most of the places have names invented by misinformed guides to please still more misinformed visitors.
The Jami Masjid, sacred center of the Sikri, symbolizes the city's spiritual prominence. In the vast courtyard stands the tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti whose blessings are still sought by childless women. Akbar came here for the blessing of the Saint for a son. He promised that if he had a son he would name him after the Saint and cover the dargah with white marble. Earlier it was made of wood and stone. Later Salim (Jehangir) made the entire structure of the marble. The jali work on the dargah is intricately carved in white marble and each window has a different design. The 54 m high Buland Darwaza or Tower of Victory is the southern gateway to the Jami Masjid and the mausoleum of the Saint Salim Chisti. It was built in 1575 AD to celebrate Akbar's victory over Khandesh in Gujarat. It is the most stupendous architectural work of the Mughals and is the highest gateway in Asia.
Fatehpur Sikri had a short life of splendor. It was included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Sikandara is 4 km from Agra. The Akbar's tomb was initiated by Akbar during his lifetime in the Timurid tradition but was completed by his son Jehangir. It stands amidst a large walled garden in the Charbagh pattern. It has the most magnificent gateway covered with floral and geometrical arabesque decoration in white and colored marble. It is crowned with four elegant minarets in white marble, which were used for the first in any tomb and were an inspiration for the four minarets of the Taj. The tomb is decorated with marble on red sandstone and calligraphy. The gateway is a stately composition. Its high central arch is flanked by others in two storey. The tomb is in the pyramidal style. On the uppermost terrace, a replica of the sarcophagus lies open to the sky. Large panels of superbly crafted jail or filigree screens form the outer wall of the verandah on all four sides. Akbar's grave lays in the basement, reached through a portico covered with superb stucco paintings in gold, blue and green floral arabesque of Persian inspiration. The tomb is unique in architecture because it is the only tomb without a dome. Sikandara is one of the most beautiful Mughal buildings.Tour to Jama Masjid Agra In 1628 AD, Noor Jahan, queen of Jehangir, built the tomb for her father Itmad-ud-Daula. It is the first ever tomb in India to use pietra dura, which is the inlay work of precious ad semi-precious stones. The decoration depicts cypresses, wine glasses and an amazing variety of geometrical arabesque. The jali screens set in arched recesses are splendid. Four small minarets rise at the four corners of the small tomb structure. It is placed in the walled garden overlooking the River Yamuna and is crisscrossed by channels of water.
The Chini ka Rauza is the Tomb of Afzal Khan who was a minister of Shah Jahan. It was built in 1639 AD. The high domed structure was originally covered with glazed tiles in glorious blue, green and yellow colors. Now it is in ruins. The tomb is truly Persian in concept.
Taj Mahal is a tribute from Shah Jahan to his favorite wife Arjumand Begum, popularly known as Mumtaz Mahal. Taj Mahal was constructed over a period of twenty-two years, employing twenty thousand workers. It was completed in 1648 AD at a cost of 32 Million Rupees. The tomb stands on a high podium in a grand paradise setting. Ustad Isa Khan was the master architect. Taj stands on a raised, square platform measuring 186 x 186 feet. It is a double-domed structure. The chamfered corners make it an irregular octagon. The architectural design uses the interlocking arabesque concept, in which each element stands on its own and perfectly integrates with the main structure. It uses the principles of self-replicating geometry and symmetry of architectural elements. There are four elegant tapering minarets, one at each corner of the platform inspired from the Akbar's Tomb at Sikandara. The minarets measure 162.5 ft each. Its bulbous central dome is 58 feet in diameter and rises to a height of 21 ft. It is flanked by four subsidiary domed chambers.
The real sarcophagi of the Mumtaz and Shah Jahan in the basement have their replicas placed directly above in the upper hall. The interior of the dome is decorated with pietra dura work and filigree work. The entire mausoleum is decorated with floral and geometrical pattern as well as calligraphy using precious gems such as agate and jasper. Taj is the best example of pietra dura work. The main archways are chiseled with verses from the Holy Qur'an. To the west of the Taj is a mosque and to the east is a replica of the mosque structure, which was used as the guesthouse.
The mausoleum is placed at the far end of an elaborate garden with the river Yamuna behind it. The large garden contains four reflecting pools dividing it at the center. Each of these four sections is further subdivided into four sections and then each into yet another four sections. The concept of Charbagh is derived from Islamic tradition. There is a belief in Islam that Jannat or Paradise is a place in the center of the garden. Hence there is a tradition among Mughals to make their tombs amidst a garden so that the body of the dead rest in piece.
Taj is colossal structural complex of gigantic proportions, each part harmoniously integrated into the ultimate concept. The total height of the Taj, including the podium and the copper finial is over 73 meters, slightly higher than the towering Qutub Minar in Delhi or equivalent to an 8-storey building. The entire covered area is larger than the Humayun's Tomb.
The white marble lends the tomb a certain air of purity. The overall ornamentation, through rich and exquisite, is restrained and does not look overdone. The calligraphic inscriptions are bold and rise in rhythmic grace. The screen around the sarcophagus on the upper terrace has stunning perfection, a worthier replacement for the original gold railing. The pietra dura floral decoration on the screen and the graves reveals an amazing depth. Sometimes there are as many as 64 types of precious stones like cornelian, coral, jasper, onyx, amethyst, lapis lazuli, turquoise, and jade used on a single bloom. The Taj Mahal represents the Zenith of Mughal architecture.
The Taj Mahal stands serene and perfect in its garden of cypresses and reflecting pools on the banks of the River Yamuna. Its pure white marble shimmers silvery white in the moonlight,glows softly pink at dawn,and at close of day reflects the fiery tints of the setting sun. The Taj in all its timeless beauty is still the inspiration of poets and painters,writers and photographers. And lovers still meet here in the moonlight in the shadow of the world's most famous monument to love.
Shahjehan built the Taj in memory of Mumtaz Mahal who died giving birth to their 14th child. No cost was spared to make it the most beautiful monument the world had ever seen. White marble and red sandstone,silver and gold,carnelian and jasper,moonstone and jade,lapis lazuli and coral were fashioned by 20,000 skilled workers to make the emperor's dream a reality. It took 22 years to complete - a symbol of eternal love where Shahjehan too lies buried,re-united at last with his beloved Mumtaz.
Set at the north end of a formal Persian garden with water courses,paved walkways and rows of dark cypresses,the Taj rises on a high red sandstone base topped by a huge white marble terrace,its flawless double dome flanked by four tapering minarets. Within lies the jewel-inlaid cenotaph of the queen,and a little to one side - the only asymmetrical feature in the Taj - the richly decorated casket of the emperor. Both are enclosed by an octagonal screen of finely pierced marble. So perfect are the proportions of the Taj,so exquisite its workmanship,that it has been described as having been designed by giants and finished by jewellers.
The legend,the poetry and the romance that shroud was described by Rabindranath Tagore as "a teardrop on the cheek of time". Taj Mahal means "Crown Palace" and is in fact the most well preserved and architecturally beautiful tomb in the world. It is best described by the English poet,Sir Edwin Arnold,as "Not a piece of architecture,as other buildings are,but the proud passions of an emperor's love wrought in living stones." It is a celebration of woman built in marble and that's the way to appreciate it. Taj Mahal stands on the bank of River Yamuna,which otherwise serves as a wide moat defending the Great Red Fort of Agra,the center of the Mughal emperors until they moved their capital to Delhi in 1637.
The various buildings within this sprawling fort complex represent the assimilation of different cultures, which was the mark of the Mughal period.
For instance, the Jahangiri Palace built by Akbar is a good blend of Islamic (Persian) and different local Hindu styles. Other buildings either have a mixed style or conform predominantly to the Islamic style.
Both Jahangir (Akbar's son) and Shahjahan (Akbar's grandson) were enamored of the sensuous effect of white marble; in their quest to make buildings of marble, they demolished many of Akbar's red sandstone structures. In the Khas Mahal enclosure (built by Shahjahan), later Mughal architecture comes of age. The Khas Mahal is an airy edifice, overlooking the specially laid Angoori Bagh (grape garden; a simple formal Mughal garden). Windows closed with jali (intricately perforated decorative stone screens) present fabulous view of the riverfront. The two copper-roofed pavilions built in the Bengali traditions were meant for prominent ladies of the harem. On three sides of this garden are residential quarters of women. Sheesh Mahal (mirror palace) or the royal hammam (bath) is decorated with myriad glass pieces and a central fountain.
Musamman Burj (an octagonal tower) within the Agra fort is the most romantic, ornamental pavilion wherein lived two beautiful and powerful Mughal queens-Nurjahan (Jahangir's chief queen) and Mumtaz Mahal (Shahjahan's chief queen). The quality of pietra dura (stone inlay work) decoration is fabulous and perfect. Here Shahjahan spent his last few years as a captive held by Aurangzeb (Shahjahan's son). Shahjahan languished and died looking at the Taj Mahal.
Diwan-I-Khas (hall of private audience) was built by Shahjahan in 1636-37. It is a small hall with double marble columns inlaid with pietra dura decoration. Here the Mughal emperor received important dignitaries or foreign ambassadors. On the terrace, in front of this hall, are two marble thrones. The black throne belongs to Jahangir who, as Prince Salim in rebellion against Akbar at Allahabad, had ordered it for himself. Below this terrace lies the grand courtyard of Machchi Bhawan, meant for harem functions. On another side stands a small mosque built for Shahjahan by Aurangzeb.
Concealed steps lead to the Diwan-I-Aam (hall of public audience). The arches are covered with white lime polished to a smooth finish. The triple arched royal canopy has lavish pietra dura ornamentation. Here was kept the famous Peacock Throne ordered by Shahjahan. He met officials and commoners and listened to the petitioners in the Diwan-I-Aam. Further north stands the Moti Masjid (pearl mosque), its three domes in white marble raising their heads over the red sandstone wall. Moti Masjid is known for its sheer grandeur and perfect proportions.
The Taj mahal is situated more than 900 ft.(275m).away from the entrance at the opposite end of the garden.Towering almost 200ft.(76m.)in height,the tomb stands on its own marble plinth ,which rests on a red sandstone platform that serves to level the land as it slopes to the land as it slopes to the river.Four tall minarets rise up from the corners of the white marble plinth.They taper to a majestic height of 138 ft. and are crowned with eight windowed cupolas.
The resort's classical architecture is complemented by eleborated gardens,fountains,reflection pools and pavilions . But most importantly,all rooms , suites,lobby and restaurants,bar and lounge frame an uninterrupted view of the Taj Mahal.The decor and service spell the ultimate in comfort and the luxurious spa offers non-clinical therapies.
Taj Mahal - The Symbol of Love
Located at the city of Agra in the State of Uttar Pradesh, the Taj Mahal is one of the most beautiful masterpieces of architecture in the world. Agra, situated about 200 km south of Delhi, was the Capital of the Mughals (Moguls), the Muslim Emperors who ruled Northern India between the sixteenth and nineteenth centuries. The Mughals were the descendents of two of the most skilled warriors in history: the Turks and the Mongols. The Mughal dynasty reached its highest strength and fame during the reign of their early Emperors, Akbar, Jehangir, and Shah Jehan The Taj Mahal was built by the fifth Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. She died in childbirth while accompanying her husband to Burhanpur to control a rebellion. The Taj Mahal was the outcome of the one of the four promises that Mumtaz Mahal extracted from Shah Jahan while she was alive. Taj Mahal symbolizes eternal love of a man for his wife. The body of the queen was buried temporarily in the Zainabadi Garden in Burhanpur and moved to Agra after six months.The land on which the Taj Mahal was built was acquired from Raja Jai Singh. The construction began in 1631 AD and completed in 22 years. 20,000 labors and artisans were employed for the work. The material for the mausoleum was brought from all over India and central Asia. The Iranian architect Ustad Isa designed the structure.
The Taj is situated 900 ft away from the entrance gate at the opposite end of the garden. The tomb is built over a marble plinth, which rests over a high sandstone base. Four tapering minarets on the four corners of the marble plinth flank the tomb. The minarets rise to a height of 138 ft and are crowned by with eight windowed cupolas over the marble plinth.
The main building is built of marble and is square in plan with chamfered corners. Each side of the corner has an iwan adorned with calligraphy. There are small rectangular double arches one over the other on both sides of the iwan. The arched alcoves of equal sizes at the angles of the tomb are semi-octagonal. The pilasters demark each section of the façade on both side, which rises from plinth of the tomb up to the frieze and are topped by beautiful pinnacles with lotus buds and finials.Tour to Taj Mahal, Agra The central chamber is octagonal in shape. The height of the hall is 80 ft from the pavement to the side of the interior dome. The crowning glory of the mausoleum is the bulbous onion-shaped double dome. The height from the base of the drum to the top of the finial is 145 ft. The dome provides a desirable and harmonious ceiling to the inner hall and present a majestic and stately effect from outside by giving the desired height. Four small kiosks around the dome reduce the severity of the perpendicular stress.
The jewel-laid cenotaph of the queen lies within the dome. The cenotaph of the emperor was built beside the queen in 1666 AD upon his death. The cenotaph of Mumtaz is in the center while that of Shah Jahan's is on the west side of the enclosure. Pietra dura inlay work decorates the marble surface of the screen and the cenotaphs with various motifs like flowers, delicate arabesques and superb calligraphy. The red sandstone was quarried from local quarries and marble was dug from the hills of Makrana in Rajasthan. Nephrite jade and crystal was brought from Central Asia, turquoise from Tibet yellow amber from Burma, lapis lazuli from Badakshan and chrysolite from Egypt. Some of the rare shells, coral, and mother-of-pearl were taken out from the Indian Ocean. Forty-three kinds of gems including topaz, onyx, garnet, sapphire and bloodstone were used in embellishing the Taj Mahal. The marble was transported through a ten-mile long ramp of packed earth and placed by an elaborate post and beam pulley. The tomb was the first building to be constructed. The mosques on the two side were erected the next, then the four minarets and lastly the gateway and the auxiliary buildings.
The Taj is entered through a massive gate that opens to the south. The gate symbolizes an entrance into the paradise and represented the transition point between the outer world and the inner world. The 150 ft wide and 100 ft high gate is made of red sandstone. The gateway has a series of eleven attached chhatris with marble cupolas flanked by pinnacles above the central portal on the north and south sides. The door at the base is made of eight different metals and studded with knobs. Tour to Taj Mahal, Agra A green carpet of garden runs from the main gateway to the foot of the Taj laid in the Persian Char Bagh concept. Two marble canals studded with fountains and lined with cypress trees symbolizing death cross in the center of the garden dividing it into four equal squares. The fountains and canals provide the reflection of the Taj. The mausoleum, instead of occupying the central point unlike other Mughal mausoleums, stands majestically at the far end just above the river.
On either side of the Taj Mahal are buildings of red sandstone. The one to the west is a mosque, which faces towards Mecca and is used for prayer. There is a small stone enclosure along the western boundary wall of the Mosque. The structure, measuring 19 ft by 6.5 ft is the site where the remains of Mumtaz Mahal were buried when first brought to Agra. On the east side of the Taj stands the twin of the Mosque, a parallel structure also made of red sandstone, referred to as the jawed, or "answer". It was built to counterbalance the mosque and preserve the symmetry of the entire design on the platform.
The Taj Mahal is immortalized as the 'Monument of Love'. It is one of the most photographed monuments in India. It is in the list of UNESCO's World Heritage Site. Tourists from world over come to have the glimpse of this monument.
Agra Fort
While most people visit Agra to see the Taj Mahal, Agra, once the capital of all of India, has more to offer. Less than 2 kilometers from the Taj Mahal, on the same river bank, you'll find the impressive Agra Fort.Agra's history goes back more than 2500 years, but the it wasn't until the reign of the Mughals that Agra became more than a provincial city. Humayun, son of the founder of the Mogul empire, was offered jewelry and precious stones by the family of the Raja of Gwalior, one of them the famous Koh-i-Noor. The heydays of Agra came with the reign of Humayun's son, Akbar The Great. During his reign, the main part of the Agra fort was built. Construction of the fort started in 1156 and was finished in 1605. Shah Jahan, who built the Taj Mahal, erected most of the buildings inside the fortress.
The fort is built alongside the Yamuna river and stretches almost 2.5 km. It consists of a wall built in red sandstone and several buildings inside. The wall has 2 gates, the Delhi Gate and the Amar Singh Gate. You can only enter the fort via the Amar Singh Gate. Part of the fort is still in use by the Indian Army and are not accessible to the public, but there's still enough left to get an insight on the way the Mughals lived in the 16th century.
Fatehpur Sikri
Unfortunately I've not visited Fatehpur Sikri, a ghost city 37 km from Agra, simply because I didn't know it existed. I would encourage any future visitor of Agra to pay it a visit.The site is founded by Akbar the great, who at 26 years did not have a heir. He went to a saint, Shaikh Salim Chishti who lived in a city called Sikri. His blessing gave Akbar 3 sons. As a gesture, Akbar built a whole new city in Sikri.
It was built between 1569 and 1585 and was intended to be the joint capital with Agra, but was soon deserted because the water system could not support the any residents. It remained untouched for over 400 years now and its palaces are a remainder of the extravagance of the Mughals.
Kos Minars
The Kos Minars are the milestones made by the Mughal emperors between 1556 to 1707 AD. "Kos" literally means a medieval measurement of distance denoting approximately 3 km and "Minar" is a Persian word for tower. The Kos Minars measures over 30 ft and were once erected by the Mughals marking their royal route from Agra to Ajmer via Jaipur in the west, from Agra to Lahore via Delhi in the north and from Agra to Mandu via Shivpuri in the south. Modern highways have come up much along the same route as the one delineated by the Kos Minars. Abul Fazl recorded in Akbar Nama that in the year 1575 AD, Akbar issued an order that at every Kos on the way from Agra to Ajmer, a pillar or a minar should be erected for the comfort of the travelers. So that the travelers who had lost their way might have a mark and a place to rest. It is believed that Akbar derived inspiration to build Kos Minars from his predecessor, Sher Shah, who built many roads and repaired and revived the ancient route of the Mauryas henceforth termed the Sher Shah Suri Marg or the Grad trunk Road.The Kos Minar is a solid round pillars that stands on a masonry platform built with bricks and plastered over with lime. Kos Minars became an institution during the rule of the Mughals that after Akbar, emperor Jehangir and Shah Jahan, both added to the existing network of Kos Minars. In the north they were extended as far as Peshawar and in the east to Bengal via Kanauj. The geographic span makes for nearly three thousand kilometers of Mughal highways, accounting for nearly 1000 Kos Minars, i.e., 1 every Kos or 3 km. there is no record as to how many of them have survived since then. The Kos Minars are never looked at as architecturally impressive structures. It is only when we view them in the totality of a much larger design that their real significance emerges. Some of the major cities of north India along with some of the most important historical monuments, battlefields etc. have come up on the route marked by the Kos Minars.
A network of medieval caravan sarai or inn or traveler's lodge has always been there from the Mughal times. A few of them still exist today. Besides, there are baolis or stepped-wells containing drinking water built beside some of the Kos Minars for the benefit of travelers. The Kos Minars proved critical in the governance, as there was a horse, a rider, a drummer posted at every Kos Minar and royal messages were relayed back and forth with great speed. Some historians believe that the Kos Minars were principally made to facilitate transportation and not communications. Those were the days when the Mughal emperors traveled on elephant back, in a royal entourage that included more than a thousand people consisting of bodyguards, personal retainers, tent erectors, cooks, foot soldiers and cavalry.
Whatever the reasons, the Kos Minars present a great travel story and it would indeed be a worthwhile exercise to check their present status. Lining the highway on either side, the most visible presence of the Kos Minars is between Agra and Delhi. What is interesting to note is that the modern highway is running almost on the same route as that of the Mughals. While the modern day highway goes past the Keoladeo National Park to Bharatpur, the Kos Minars take a more older and historic route via Bayana and Khanwa (where Babur fought with Rana Sanga). Between Agra and Jaipur, the Kos Minars run their parallel route along the highway, at least 15 to 20 kilometers in the hinterlands, coming closer as the road approaches Jaipur. While the highway goes straight through a hill pass into the modern city of Jaipur, the Kos Minars cross over the road to make their way to Amber. From Amber, the Kos Minars make their way towards Sanganer, an old town just south of Jaipur and finally meet up with the modern highway near Bagru, en route Ajmer. After making their presence felt on the highway with two quick appearances in succession, the Kos Minars cross over from the right to the left side of the road. A couple of kilometers from the road, they run their parallel course in the countryside, rejoining the highway just before Ajmer. Three kilometers away from the Durgah of Chisiti is the last Kos Minar on that route, which is located inside the bungalow of the Superintendent of Police.
Agra - City of Architectural Splendor
The existence of Agra can be traced back to the Mahabharata where Agra is mentioned as 'Agrabana', an integral part of Brij Bhumi or the land of Lord Krishna. But its origin is said to be in the reign of Raja Badal Singh in 1475 AD. Agra was made the capital by Sikander Lodi, the Afghan king. After that, it was made the capital by four Mughal kings Babur, Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jahan. Babur did not have much time to construct a city or a palace for himself in Agra but he made his contribution to Agra by building a garden called the Aram Bagh, which later on corrupted to Ram Bagh. The body of Babur was first buried here before being taken to Lahore.Akbar made Agra its capital and started the construction of Red Fort in 1565 AD. It was initially made as the military fortress of mud and bricks on the banks of the River Yamuna. The fort is 2.5 km long with 20 ft high walls. The outer walls had two gates called the Amar Singh Gate on the southern side and the Delhi Gate on the western side respectively. The Delhi Gate was used as the main entrance gate. Both gates are sheathed in red sandstone and consist of an enormous facade flanked by twin towers. The entry is in several turns of ninety degree to foil invaders. A deep moat surrounds the fort. Jehangir and Shah Jahan made several additions during their respective reigns and added white marble to rose-red sandstone. Akbar built the Jehangiri Mahal, the earliest of all the structures, as the women's quarters. Akbar also built the Jehangir Palace for his favorite son. Out of 500 buildings inside the Red Fort, only a few remain intact today. These buildings are a classic example of the Indo-Islamic architecture.
The Jehangiri Mahal (Jehangir's Palace) was the principal royal zenana palace used mainly by the Rajput wives of Akbar. A magnificent gateway leads to an interior courtyard, which is surrounded by massive halls covered with profuse carvings on stone, heavily fashioned brackets, piers, and crossbeams. One can still spot remnants of decoration in gold and blue done in the prevalent Persian style. The Jehangiri Mahal is the admixture of the Trans-Oxanian (Central Asian) features such as the balcony on the east front with its high slender columns as well as the Rajput features. The typically Gujarati brackets, fabulously carved animal and floral motifs, register a dominating effect on the few Islamic features such as the verandah on the eastern front with exquisitely slender pillars facing the riverfront. The Jehangiri Mahal is the most important building of the Akbar's period in the Agra Fort.Akbar's Tomb Agra The Diwan-I-khas (Hall of Private audience) was built between 1636 and 1637 AD to receive the important dignitaries. It is a small hall with double marble columns inlaid with the pietra dura decoration. There are two marble thrones in the front of the hall on the terrace. Below this terrace lies the grand courtyard called the Machchi Bhawan lies below the terrace, which was meant for the harem functions. On the opposite side stands the small mosque built by Aurangzeb for Shah Jahan.
The Diwan-I-Aam (Hall of Public audience) was constructed by Shah Jahan by replacing an earlier wooden structure. The arches are made of white lime polished to a smooth finish. The triple arched royal canopy has lavish ornamentation of the pietra dura work. The famous Peacock Throne of Shah Jahan was kept here. He met officials and commoners and listened to them over here.
Both Jehangir and Shah Jahan were in love with white marble and thus demolished many of Akbar's red sandstone structures. The Khas Mahal is an airy edifice, overlooking the specially laid Angoori Bagh or Grape Garden. The windows made with jali or latticework present fabulous view of the riverfront. The two copper-roofed pavilions built in the Bengali traditions were meant for prominent ladies of the harem. The three sides of this garden are surrounded by the residential quarters of the women. The Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace) and the Royal Hammam (Bath) is decorated with myriad glass pieces and have a fountain in the center.
The Musamman Burj is the most ornamented pavilion where Noor Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal lived. The quality of pietra dura decoration is fabulous and perfect. Shah Jahan spent his last few years here looking at the Taj Mahal.
Further in the north stands the Moti Masjid or the Pearl Mosque. It has three domes in white marble rising over the red sandstone wall. The Moti Masjid is known for its sheer grandeur, calm beauty and perfect proportions. The Red Fort was included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.Hilkusha Palace The Fatehpur Sikri is 16 km from Agra. It was build by Akbar between 1570-1586 AD in red sandstone. But it was abandoned within 20 years of its construction because of severe scarcity of water. Sikri was the small village and had the royal mint of the Mughals. This fort was build around the Dargah of Salim Chisti. The buildings in this fort have been built in Gujarati and Rajasthani architectural styles, using the help ornate columns, fanciful jali work, sumptuous carving and surface ornamentation. All the structures at Fatehpur Sikri are at an upper level because the climate was very hot over there.
The Diwan-I-Aam has the royal pavilion overlooking a large open area where petitioners and courtiers came to meet the king. Just behind it stands the Diwan-I-khas, which was used for confidential, diplomatic and religious discourses. The famous stone column stand in the middle of the room, sprouting 36 elegant brackets carved in the Gujarati style.
The Panch Mahal is a five storeyed pavilion supported by pillars in receding order for the ladies of the harem. Originally jali screens stood between pillars. The Jodha Bai's palace has the most distinctively Gujarati and Rajasthani architectural features The Turkish Sultana's palace is known for exquisitely carved dado panels depicting wildlife-lions, birds and foliage. The Mariam's Palace is also noteworthy for European architectural style. All the three palaces represented the cultural and religious background of the queen's of Akbar.
The central platform at the Anup Talao is linked by four bridges. Here court musician Tan Sen played music. Akbar's private apartments stand close to the tank. The Birbal's Palace and the Stable for the horses are also worth seeing. Most of the places have names invented by misinformed guides to please still more misinformed visitors.
The Jami Masjid, sacred center of the Sikri, symbolizes the city's spiritual prominence. In the vast courtyard stands the tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti whose blessings are still sought by childless women. Akbar came here for the blessing of the Saint for a son. He promised that if he had a son he would name him after the Saint and cover the dargah with white marble. Earlier it was made of wood and stone. Later Salim (Jehangir) made the entire structure of the marble. The jali work on the dargah is intricately carved in white marble and each window has a different design. The 54 m high Buland Darwaza or Tower of Victory is the southern gateway to the Jami Masjid and the mausoleum of the Saint Salim Chisti. It was built in 1575 AD to celebrate Akbar's victory over Khandesh in Gujarat. It is the most stupendous architectural work of the Mughals and is the highest gateway in Asia.
Fatehpur Sikri had a short life of splendor. It was included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Sikandara is 4 km from Agra. The Akbar's tomb was initiated by Akbar during his lifetime in the Timurid tradition but was completed by his son Jehangir. It stands amidst a large walled garden in the Charbagh pattern. It has the most magnificent gateway covered with floral and geometrical arabesque decoration in white and colored marble. It is crowned with four elegant minarets in white marble, which were used for the first in any tomb and were an inspiration for the four minarets of the Taj. The tomb is decorated with marble on red sandstone and calligraphy. The gateway is a stately composition. Its high central arch is flanked by others in two storey. The tomb is in the pyramidal style. On the uppermost terrace, a replica of the sarcophagus lies open to the sky. Large panels of superbly crafted jail or filigree screens form the outer wall of the verandah on all four sides. Akbar's grave lays in the basement, reached through a portico covered with superb stucco paintings in gold, blue and green floral arabesque of Persian inspiration. The tomb is unique in architecture because it is the only tomb without a dome. Sikandara is one of the most beautiful Mughal buildings.Tour to Jama Masjid Agra In 1628 AD, Noor Jahan, queen of Jehangir, built the tomb for her father Itmad-ud-Daula. It is the first ever tomb in India to use pietra dura, which is the inlay work of precious ad semi-precious stones. The decoration depicts cypresses, wine glasses and an amazing variety of geometrical arabesque. The jali screens set in arched recesses are splendid. Four small minarets rise at the four corners of the small tomb structure. It is placed in the walled garden overlooking the River Yamuna and is crisscrossed by channels of water.
The Chini ka Rauza is the Tomb of Afzal Khan who was a minister of Shah Jahan. It was built in 1639 AD. The high domed structure was originally covered with glazed tiles in glorious blue, green and yellow colors. Now it is in ruins. The tomb is truly Persian in concept.
Taj Mahal is a tribute from Shah Jahan to his favorite wife Arjumand Begum, popularly known as Mumtaz Mahal. Taj Mahal was constructed over a period of twenty-two years, employing twenty thousand workers. It was completed in 1648 AD at a cost of 32 Million Rupees. The tomb stands on a high podium in a grand paradise setting. Ustad Isa Khan was the master architect. Taj stands on a raised, square platform measuring 186 x 186 feet. It is a double-domed structure. The chamfered corners make it an irregular octagon. The architectural design uses the interlocking arabesque concept, in which each element stands on its own and perfectly integrates with the main structure. It uses the principles of self-replicating geometry and symmetry of architectural elements. There are four elegant tapering minarets, one at each corner of the platform inspired from the Akbar's Tomb at Sikandara. The minarets measure 162.5 ft each. Its bulbous central dome is 58 feet in diameter and rises to a height of 21 ft. It is flanked by four subsidiary domed chambers.
The real sarcophagi of the Mumtaz and Shah Jahan in the basement have their replicas placed directly above in the upper hall. The interior of the dome is decorated with pietra dura work and filigree work. The entire mausoleum is decorated with floral and geometrical pattern as well as calligraphy using precious gems such as agate and jasper. Taj is the best example of pietra dura work. The main archways are chiseled with verses from the Holy Qur'an. To the west of the Taj is a mosque and to the east is a replica of the mosque structure, which was used as the guesthouse.
The mausoleum is placed at the far end of an elaborate garden with the river Yamuna behind it. The large garden contains four reflecting pools dividing it at the center. Each of these four sections is further subdivided into four sections and then each into yet another four sections. The concept of Charbagh is derived from Islamic tradition. There is a belief in Islam that Jannat or Paradise is a place in the center of the garden. Hence there is a tradition among Mughals to make their tombs amidst a garden so that the body of the dead rest in piece.
Taj is colossal structural complex of gigantic proportions, each part harmoniously integrated into the ultimate concept. The total height of the Taj, including the podium and the copper finial is over 73 meters, slightly higher than the towering Qutub Minar in Delhi or equivalent to an 8-storey building. The entire covered area is larger than the Humayun's Tomb.
The white marble lends the tomb a certain air of purity. The overall ornamentation, through rich and exquisite, is restrained and does not look overdone. The calligraphic inscriptions are bold and rise in rhythmic grace. The screen around the sarcophagus on the upper terrace has stunning perfection, a worthier replacement for the original gold railing. The pietra dura floral decoration on the screen and the graves reveals an amazing depth. Sometimes there are as many as 64 types of precious stones like cornelian, coral, jasper, onyx, amethyst, lapis lazuli, turquoise, and jade used on a single bloom. The Taj Mahal represents the Zenith of Mughal architecture.
The Taj Mahal stands serene and perfect in its garden of cypresses and reflecting pools on the banks of the River Yamuna. Its pure white marble shimmers silvery white in the moonlight,glows softly pink at dawn,and at close of day reflects the fiery tints of the setting sun. The Taj in all its timeless beauty is still the inspiration of poets and painters,writers and photographers. And lovers still meet here in the moonlight in the shadow of the world's most famous monument to love.
Shahjehan built the Taj in memory of Mumtaz Mahal who died giving birth to their 14th child. No cost was spared to make it the most beautiful monument the world had ever seen. White marble and red sandstone,silver and gold,carnelian and jasper,moonstone and jade,lapis lazuli and coral were fashioned by 20,000 skilled workers to make the emperor's dream a reality. It took 22 years to complete - a symbol of eternal love where Shahjehan too lies buried,re-united at last with his beloved Mumtaz.
Set at the north end of a formal Persian garden with water courses,paved walkways and rows of dark cypresses,the Taj rises on a high red sandstone base topped by a huge white marble terrace,its flawless double dome flanked by four tapering minarets. Within lies the jewel-inlaid cenotaph of the queen,and a little to one side - the only asymmetrical feature in the Taj - the richly decorated casket of the emperor. Both are enclosed by an octagonal screen of finely pierced marble. So perfect are the proportions of the Taj,so exquisite its workmanship,that it has been described as having been designed by giants and finished by jewellers.
The legend,the poetry and the romance that shroud was described by Rabindranath Tagore as "a teardrop on the cheek of time". Taj Mahal means "Crown Palace" and is in fact the most well preserved and architecturally beautiful tomb in the world. It is best described by the English poet,Sir Edwin Arnold,as "Not a piece of architecture,as other buildings are,but the proud passions of an emperor's love wrought in living stones." It is a celebration of woman built in marble and that's the way to appreciate it. Taj Mahal stands on the bank of River Yamuna,which otherwise serves as a wide moat defending the Great Red Fort of Agra,the center of the Mughal emperors until they moved their capital to Delhi in 1637.
Agra Red Fort
Built principally as a military establishment by Akbar in 1565,the red sandstone Agra fort was partially converted into a palace during Shah Jahan's time. Though the principal structure was built by Akbar,many more additions were made by his grandsons. This massive fort is 2.5 kms long and is considered as the predecessor of the Delhi Red fort. The colossal walls are 20 feet high and the whole fort is encircled by a fetid moat. Amar Singh gate towards the south is the only entry point in the fort. The building and structures inside the fort gives an impression of a city within the city. Many of the buildings inside the fort are now closed for the public. The marble pearl mosque inside the fort is one of the most stunningly beautiful mosques in India. The monuments insided the fort are described below in detail.Diwan-e-Am
This structure was originally made out of wood but was later constructed in the present form by Shah Jahan. The throne room bears a clear influence of Shah Jahan style with the inlaid carvings and panels of marble with floral motifs. This hall of public hearing is the place where the Emperor heard the petitions of the public and met the officials. The hall of public hearing gives way to the Nagina Mosque and the Ladies bazar where only ladies merchants were allowed to sell items to the Moghal ladies.Diwan-e-Khas
This was the hall of private audience. Shah Jahan added this hall. This hall is divided into two rooms connected by three arches and it was here that the famous peacock throne was kept before being shifted to Delhi by Aurangzeb and finally carried away to Iran.Octagonal Tower
This exquisitely carved tower is close to the Diwan-e-Khas. It was here that Shah Jahan spent the last seven years of his life imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb. The tower was considered to provide one of the best views of the Taj but today pollution has reduced the visibility. The tower is in bad shape,but blank spaces and the empty inlay works give an idea how this building must have looked in those days.Jehangir Palace
Akbar built this Palace for his favorite son Jehangir to provide him with all comforts and luxuries inside the fort.Mina Masjid
Just above the Sheesh Mahal is situated the Mina Masjid,which is believed to be constructed by Shahjahan for strictly private use. The Mina Masjid is enclosed on all the four sides by high walls. The marble mosque has three small arches in its facade,which are plain and unadorned.Moti Masjid
Moti Masjid is situated to the right of Diwan-E-Aam of the Agra Fort. One can see the domes of the Moti Masjid,which is the prettiest of all the buildings at Agra Fort. Moti Masjid is a white marble structure built by Shahjahan for his family members and court chiefs. Moti Masjid made out of white marble is one of the ancient mosques situated in Agra. It used to shine like a pearl once upon a time and hence the name.Machhi Bhawan
Opposite to the Diwan-E-Khas is the machhi bhawan,the fish enclosure. The emperor sat on the white marble platform facing the enclosure. It once contained pools and marble fountains,which were carried off by the Jat Raja Suraj Mal to his palace at Deeg. Sheesh Mahal Opposite to the Mussaman Burj and just below the Diwan-E- Khas hall is the Sheesh Mahal or the glass palace. It is believed to to have been the harem dressing room and its walls are inlaid with tiny mirrors,which are the best specimens of glass mosaic decoration in India.Jahangiri Mahal
This is the first notable building inside the Agra Fort. It was built by Akbar as women's quarters and is the only building that survives among his original palace buildings. It is built of stone and is simply decorated in the exterior. This elegant,double storeyed building reflects a strong hindu influence with protruding balconies and domed chhatris.Anguri Bagh
These formal 85 square geometric gardens lie to the left of the fort. During shahjahan's time,the beauty of the gardens was considerably enhanced by decorative flower beds.Golden Pavilions
The curved chala roofs of the small pavilions by the Khaas Mahal are based on the roof shape of Bengali village huts constructed out of curved bamboo,designed to keep off heavy rains. The shape was first expressed in stone by the sultans of Bengal. These pavilions are tradtionally associated with shahjahan's daughters: Roshnara and Jahannara Begum.Musamman Burj
On the left of the Khaas Mahal is the Musamman Burj. It is a beautiful octagonal tower with an open pavilion. With its openness,elevation and the benefit of cool evening breezees flowing in off the Yamuna River,this could be well have been used also as the emperor's bedroom. This is where Shah Jahan lay on his deathbed,gazing at Taj Mahal.Architectural Treasure
The city of Agra is world famous for the Taj Mahal, built by the Mughal emperor Shahjahan in memory of his beloved wife. However, it is also famous for the Agra Fort, which is a veritable treasure trove of the Mughal architectural tradition.The various buildings within this sprawling fort complex represent the assimilation of different cultures, which was the mark of the Mughal period.
A Mixed Style
Most of the buildings within the Agra Fort are a mixture of different architectural styles. The assimilation of these different styles has given the buildings within the fort a distinctive look.For instance, the Jahangiri Palace built by Akbar is a good blend of Islamic (Persian) and different local Hindu styles. Other buildings either have a mixed style or conform predominantly to the Islamic style.
Agra Fort
Akbar was the third Mughal emperor and undoubtedly the greatest. He was crowned the Mughal ruler in 1556 at the tender age of 14, when his father Humayun died suddenly. After Akbar consolidated his rule, he began constructing the Agra Fort, which coincided with the building of Humayun's tomb in Delhi. Akbar began the construction of this massive fort made of red sandstone on the banks of the Yamuna in 1565. The fort was ready by 1571, though additions were made up until the rule of Shahjahan, who was Akbar's grandson. During the time of Akbar, the fort mainly served military purpose, while by the time of Shahjahan it also served as a palace and court. The fort's colossal double walls rise 20 m in height and measure 2.5 km in circumference. The fort is surrounded by a moat. The lofty battlements of the Agra fort cast its protective shadow over the far stretching mansions of nobles and princes built along the riverfront. The magnificent towers, bastions and ramparts and majestic gateways symbolized the confidence and power of the third Mughal emperor. The fort contains splendid palaces both in red sandstone and white marble built by two generations of prolific builders, Akbar and later on by Jahangir and Shahjahan. Of the nearly 500 Akbari buildings built in the Bengal and Gujarati traditions, only a few have survived, arrayed in a band on the riverfront.Monuments Within The Fort
The most noteworthy building of that period is the Jahangiri Mahal (Jahangir's Palace), which was the principal zenana palace (palace for women belonging to the royal household), used mainly by the Rajput wives of Akbar. A splendid gateway leads to an interior courtyard surrounded by grand halls covered with profuse carvings on stone, heavily fashioned brackets, piers, and crossbeams. One can still spot remnants of decoration in gold and blue done in the prevalent Persian style. Jahangiri Mahal mixes Transoxanian (Central Asian) features, such as the verandah on the east front with its high slender columns (a translation into stone of the timber iwan of vernacular Transoxanian architecture), with courtyard halls styled in the broader Gujarat-Malwa-Rajasthan tradition as it had been passed onto the Mughals by the early 16th-century architecture of Raja Man Singh of Gwalior. This exotic medley and adventurous eclecticism suggests a daring approach in architecture. The typically Gujarati brackets-fabulously carved animal and floral motifs-register a dominating effect on the few Islamic features such as the verandah on the eastern front with exquisitely slender pillars facing the riverfront. Jahangiri Mahal is the most important building of the Akbari period in the Agra Fort.Both Jahangir (Akbar's son) and Shahjahan (Akbar's grandson) were enamored of the sensuous effect of white marble; in their quest to make buildings of marble, they demolished many of Akbar's red sandstone structures. In the Khas Mahal enclosure (built by Shahjahan), later Mughal architecture comes of age. The Khas Mahal is an airy edifice, overlooking the specially laid Angoori Bagh (grape garden; a simple formal Mughal garden). Windows closed with jali (intricately perforated decorative stone screens) present fabulous view of the riverfront. The two copper-roofed pavilions built in the Bengali traditions were meant for prominent ladies of the harem. On three sides of this garden are residential quarters of women. Sheesh Mahal (mirror palace) or the royal hammam (bath) is decorated with myriad glass pieces and a central fountain.
Musamman Burj (an octagonal tower) within the Agra fort is the most romantic, ornamental pavilion wherein lived two beautiful and powerful Mughal queens-Nurjahan (Jahangir's chief queen) and Mumtaz Mahal (Shahjahan's chief queen). The quality of pietra dura (stone inlay work) decoration is fabulous and perfect. Here Shahjahan spent his last few years as a captive held by Aurangzeb (Shahjahan's son). Shahjahan languished and died looking at the Taj Mahal.
Diwan-I-Khas (hall of private audience) was built by Shahjahan in 1636-37. It is a small hall with double marble columns inlaid with pietra dura decoration. Here the Mughal emperor received important dignitaries or foreign ambassadors. On the terrace, in front of this hall, are two marble thrones. The black throne belongs to Jahangir who, as Prince Salim in rebellion against Akbar at Allahabad, had ordered it for himself. Below this terrace lies the grand courtyard of Machchi Bhawan, meant for harem functions. On another side stands a small mosque built for Shahjahan by Aurangzeb.
Concealed steps lead to the Diwan-I-Aam (hall of public audience). The arches are covered with white lime polished to a smooth finish. The triple arched royal canopy has lavish pietra dura ornamentation. Here was kept the famous Peacock Throne ordered by Shahjahan. He met officials and commoners and listened to the petitioners in the Diwan-I-Aam. Further north stands the Moti Masjid (pearl mosque), its three domes in white marble raising their heads over the red sandstone wall. Moti Masjid is known for its sheer grandeur and perfect proportions.
How To Reach
Agra Fort is located on the banks of the Yamuna near the railway station. Agra is well connected by air with Khajuraho, Varanasi, and Delhi. It has good rail and bus connections with major Indian cities. From the city, there are taxis, tempos, auto-rickshaws, and cycle rickshaws to carry one to the fort. Prepaid taxis and autos from the railway station are also available. Bicycles can also be hired on hourly basis.
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