This picture was taken in January 2003.
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This shows the front side of Hall of Private Audience (Diwan-I-Khas), where the emperor would have met with
nobles and foreign
dignitaries. This was built by Shah Jahan. There's a portico in
front, and another room in the back (which has a doorway to the emperor's
private apartments. The location is both private and scenic. At the far left is a stone
platform that served as an outdoor throne (which would have been very pleasant
in Agra's chilly winter climate) This picture was taken in January 2003. |
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This is the exterior of the Hall of Public Audiences (Diwan-I-Am), where the emperor would have done his public business,
such as meeting with officials and hearing petitions. Virtually anyone
could bring a petition before the Emperor, and this immediate access was one
attempt to maintain justice in their domains. The hall itself is a large
open structure, with a platform at the back center where the emperor would sit
(see below). This picture was taken in January 2003. |
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This shows the alcove where the emperor sat, and the doors leading back
into the palace. The alcove's floor is at least seven feet off the
ground, which would have given the emperor a suitably dominant position, as well as ensuring personal security. The elaborate marble
carving, gilt work, and inlay work are all hallmarks of Shah Jahan's
architectural style.
This picture was taken in January 2003. |
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This is a shot of the domes over the Mina Masjid, the mosque at which Shah Jahan
did the required prayers (as a good Muslim) during his imprisonment. This
is still used as a mosque, and if you want to enter it, you will have to leave
your shoes at the gateway (there will be a person there to remind you). This photo was taken in January 2001. |
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This shows the lower part of the Mina Masjid, with the mihrab (the niche in the wall indicating the direction toward Mecca) behind the pillar at the far left. The enclosed courtyard is so small that it is impossible to get far enough back for a good shot of the whole mosque (here I'm standing scrunched up in one of the corners. Note the beautiful scalloped arches that form the entryway. This photo was taken in January 2001. |
These pages are in progress.
Page maintained by James G. Lochtefeld.
Last modified 12 November 2003
Islam
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