Agra Fort is on the West Bank of the Yamuna River, the same river that flows past the Taj Mahal. The red sandstone fort was begun in 1565 by Emperor Akbar The Great. The enormous complex of palaces, mosques, meetings halls and open courtyards from a crescent along the river front. There were originally two deep moats filled with crocodiles and tortoise. The fort has changed with additions by Emperors Jahangir and Shah Jahan. A barracks to the north are 19th century British additions and parts of this sprawling complex is off limits to visitors. There are three separate and distinctly different city complexes in the Agra Fort and offer a glimpse into the guilded lives of India's Moghul rulers.
This is Diwan-I-Khas, the place where Akbar held court with his ministers and ambassadors. Inside are two staircases - one for the Emperor and the other for his court. He could literally "hand down" decisions. The group outside is gathered around a well.
Emperor Akbar's personal bath. There are steps on the inside to easily get down.
An entire hallway of these beautifully carved columns runs along a courtyard.
Christine and Blauh (our guide) in the open courtyard where Emperor Akbar heard public complaints and offered HIS decrees.
Part of the mechanism that closed the Amar Singh Gate
At the entrance to the Agra fort and the Amar Singh Gate.
These towers are inside the fort. It was a military installation, as well as, home to the Emperor, his family, his harem and his advisors. Through this gate and a steep walk up a ramp to the main buildings. The ramp could be well defended from above.
The inner moat and view toward the Taj Mahal from the area where Emperor Shan Jahan spent his final days.
A single inlaid panel at the white marble Moti Masjid, typical of entire palaces in the fort.
Private gardens for the emperor and his guests. We tried to imagine what these gardens would have been like in the 16oo's when money and workers were on no consequence.
This is Diwan-I-Khas, the place where Akbar held court with his ministers and ambassadors. Inside are two staircases - one for the Emperor and the other for his court. He could literally "hand down" decisions. The group outside is gathered around a well.
Emperor Akbar's personal bath. There are steps on the inside to easily get down.
An entire hallway of these beautifully carved columns runs along a courtyard.
Christine and Blauh (our guide) in the open courtyard where Emperor Akbar heard public complaints and offered HIS decrees.
Part of the mechanism that closed the Amar Singh Gate
At the entrance to the Agra fort and the Amar Singh Gate.
These towers are inside the fort. It was a military installation, as well as, home to the Emperor, his family, his harem and his advisors. Through this gate and a steep walk up a ramp to the main buildings. The ramp could be well defended from above.
The inner moat and view toward the Taj Mahal from the area where Emperor Shan Jahan spent his final days.
A single inlaid panel at the white marble Moti Masjid, typical of entire palaces in the fort.
Private gardens for the emperor and his guests. We tried to imagine what these gardens would have been like in the 16oo's when money and workers were on no consequence.
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