The construction of the AGRA FORT was started around 1565 when the initial structures were build by Akbar. Shah Jahan replaced most of these with his marble creations. Some however servived, among them are- Delgi Gate, Amar Singh Gate, Akbari Mahal. The fort is crescentshaped,, flattened on the east with a long, nearly straight wall facing the river. It has a total perimeter of 2.4km, and is ringed by double castellated ramparts of red stone punctuated at regular intervals by bastions. A 9mt. wide and 10mt. deep moat surrounds the outer wall. An imposing 22mt. high inner wall imparts a feeling of invincible defensive construction.
JAHANGIRI MAHAL:
This is the first notable biulding that the visitor sees on his right hand side at the end of a spacious lawn, as one enters through the Amar Singh Gate and emerges out of the passage.It is built of stone and simply decorated on the exterior. The most important feature of the edifice are its ornamental stone brackets which support the beams, infront is a large stone bowl which was probably used to contain fragant rose water, this double storyed building have strong hindu influence.
JODHA BAI'S PALACE:
To the right of the Jahangiri Mahal is Akbar's favourite queen Jodha Bai's Palace, in contract to other palaces in the fort, it is rather simple. Thought the slits in the wall one can see the Taj. A better place to take photographs is further on.
KHAAS MAHAL:
khaas mahal is built by Shah Jahan. The palace demostrates distinctive Iskamic-Persian features, these are well blended with a super range of Hindu features such as chhatries.It is considered to be emperor's room or 'ARAMGAH', this building is most succeddful example of painting on a white marble surface.
MUSAMMAN BURJ:
On the left of the Khaas Mahal is the Musamman Burj built by Shah Jahan, it is a beautiful octagonal tower with an open pavilion. With its openness, elevation and the benefits of cool evening breezes blowing in off the Yamuna river.Access to the tower is through a magnificently decorated and intimate appartment with a scalloped fountain in the centre.
SHEESH MAHAL:
Opposite to the Mussaman Burj is the sheesh Mahal or the Glass Palace, it is believed to have been the harem or dressing room and its wall are inlaid with tiny mirrors which are the best specimens of glass-mosaic decoration in india.
MINA MASJID:
Above the Sheesh Mahal apartments is situated the Mina Masjid which seems to have been constructed by Shah Jahan for strictly private use. The most important feature in this palace-mosque is the small chhajja above the arcade which is supported on four exquisitly carved and moulded, small brackets of white marble.
DIWAN-I-KHAAS:
To the right of Sheesh Mahal is Diwan-I-Khass, the hall of private audience. The marble pillars are inlaid with semi-precious stones in delightful floral patterns.Presently entry is not allow inside Diwan-I-Khaas.
HAMMAM-I-SHAHI:
To the right of the Diwan -I-Khaas is the Hammam-I-Shahi, foreign travellers who visited Agra during the reigns of Jahagir and Shah Jahan have described these apartments as the Ghusal Khana(bathroom). It was really an "air-conditioned" apartment, business of very confidential nature was conducted here.
DIWAN-I-AM:
One can approach it by going down an internal staircase, the clever positioning of the pillars gives the visitor.On the back wall of the pavilion are jali screens to enable the woman of the court to watch without being seen , the throne alcove is of richly decorated white marble, it used to house the Peacock Throne.
ANGURI MAHAL:
These formal, 85m. square, geometric gardens lie to the left of the fort.During Shah Jahan's time the beauty of the gardens was considerably enhanced by decorative flower beads.
MOTI MASJID:
To the right of the Diwan-I-Am one can see the domes of the Moti Masjid, this is a Pearl Mosque. This is the most prettist structure at Agra Fort.
