Agra Fort

The Fort in Agra is one of the earliest surviving Mughal buildings in the city. Agra Fort also represents the first major building project of Emperor Akbar, though remains of only a few buildings built by him now survive.

Agra Fort was built on an earlier castle site in AD 1565-75, apart from other important units the massive fortress contains 'Jahangiri Mahal', 'Khass Mahal', 'Diwan-i-Khass', 'Diwan-i-Am', 'Machchhi Bhawan' and the breathtaking Moti Masjid or Pearl Mosque. Many extant buildings were erected later on by Shah Jahan (AD 1630-55).

Irregularly triangular on plan, Agra Fort is enclosed by a double battlemented 70-foot high wall of red sandstone, which is about 2-km in perimeter and interrupted by graceful curves and lofty bastions. Of its four gates, the most impressive is the Delhi Gate on the west.

Attractions Within The Fortress - Agra Fort
Stone fortifications were used to replace the older brick foot. Many buildings were constructed within the Agra Fort to which very few remain till date. But enough remains to give the visitor a flavour of the past. What makes it more interesting is the fact that one can easily trace here the architectural styles of the three emperors who ruled from the Agra Fort.

One of the most significant buildings of Agra Fort is the multi-storeyed Jahangiri Mahal overlooking the river. Built by Akbar for his wife, Jodha Bai, the Mahal is reached through an impressive gateway.

Later, Akbar's grandson Shahjahan dismant;led all the structures that Akbar and Jahangir had built inside the Agra fort and replaced them with white marble pavilions covered with inlay work such as the Diwa-i-khas, the Mausam Burj, the Shaha Burj. Away from the waterfront he built the Moti Masjid and Diwan-i-Am.

Travellers visit Agra for the Taj Mahal.. however, it is also famous for the Agra Fort. Agra fort is the second most attractive monument of Agra city and worth a visit for any art and history lover.