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Agra Fort Agra was the capital of the Moghul empire, and thus for 200 years one of the most important urban centers in South Asia. Although it is most famous for the Taj Mahal , which alone brings many people there, Agra has many other significant historical sites. This picture shows the current entry to the Agra fort, which was built by the Moghul emperor Akbar. This fort was partly used as a palace, and partly as a military stronghold (as is clear from this picture). |
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This shows the inside of the Agra Fort, in the building that was Jahangir's Palace (each of the rulers who lived in this fort apparently built himself a palace of his own. Here you can see the red sandstone construction so characteristic of Moghul architecture, with the elaborate architectural decorations. This picture was taken in January 2001. |
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This shows the ceiling of one of the rooms inside (not all of the rooms were so elaborately decorated). Here you can see the use of elaborate combinations of geometric shapes and vegetal motifs, and even now it carries a scent of the luxury in which these folks used to live. This photo comes courtesy of Peter Elling, a member of the January 2001 India trip. |
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Much of the fort's interior is surprisingly open, which makes perfect sense in
Agra's climate, which is like an oven during the hot season. Nor are the
royal apartments very large (they would fit inside many modern "trophy homes,"
although the whole Fort certainly wouldn't). They are filled with often
exquisite detail, such as this wall and arched doorway constructed out of
inch-thick marble slabs. The wall and doorway were almost certainly for
privacy rather than security, since the opening does not have a door! This picture was taken in January 2003. |
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This octagonal tower, the Musumman Burj, is where Shah Jahan was imprisoned for
the last seven years of his life (although it was a rather genteel house
arrest). You can see the elaborate carvings on the marble pillars, beams,
and railings, as well as the massive bulk of the fort beneath it. You can
also see the lack of safety railings, which is surely historically accurate, but
nonetheless discourages me from going too close to the edge (or leaning out any
farther to take this picture). This picture was taken in January 2003. |
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As at the Taj Mahal and other things built during Shah Jahan's time, the
Musamman Burj is decorated with exquisite pietra dura work (semi-precious
inlay) in floral and vegetal patterns. This detail is at the top right of
the roof in the picture above.
This picture was taken in January 2003. |
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Looking off from the fort's massive ramparts, in the distance (half obscured by
smog and winter haze) one can just see the Taj Mahal. Shah Jahan spent the
last seven years of his life out of power (although in a rather comfortable house
arrest), and he could see the Taj from his balcony.
This picture was taken in January 2001. |
More Pictures of the Agra Fort
These pages are in progress.
Page maintained by James G. Lochtefeld.
Last modified 12 November 2003
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