Agra Fort: A Majestic Fortress of the Mughals in Agra

Agra Fort is a historical fort in the city of Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. It was built by the Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 and completed in 1573. It served as the main residence and the seat of government of the Mughal rulers until 1638, when the capital was shifted from Agra to Delhi. It was also known as the Red Fort or the Qila-i-Akbari. The fort is one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture and a symbol of India’s cultural and military heritage.

The fort complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983. It is located on the right bank of the Yamuna River and is connected to another famous monument of Agra, the Taj Mahal, by a stretch of gardens. Visit during Delhi to Agra One day Trip

Location of Agra Fort

Agra Fort is situated in a 94-acre (38-hectare) area, which includes a mosque and a guest house, and is surrounded by a crenellated wall. The complex is located in Agra, a city in Uttar Pradesh, about 200 km south of Delhi. Agra was the capital of the Mughal Empire from 1556 to 1648 and is home to many other historical monuments such as Fatehpur Sikri, Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb and Sikandra.

Timing / Entry Fees Agra Fort

Agra Fort is open for visitors from 6:30 am to 7:00 pm every day except Friday, when it is closed for prayers. The entry fee for visiting Agra Fort is Rs. 50 for Indian citizens and Rs. 650 for foreign nationals. Children below 15 years of age are exempted from paying any fee.

How to Reach Agra Fort from City Centre

Agra Fort is about 5 km from the city centre of Agra. Visitors can reach the fort by various modes of transport, such as:

Auto-rickshaw: This is the most common and convenient way to reach Agra Fort from the city centre. Auto-rickshaws are easily available and charge around Rs. 50-100 for a one-way trip.
Bus: There are buses that ply between the city centre and Agra Fort at regular intervals. The bus fare is around Rs. 10-20 per person.
Taxi: Visitors can also hire a taxi or a cab to reach Agra Fort from the city centre. The taxi fare may vary depending on the distance and traffic, but it usually ranges from Rs. 200-400 for a one-way trip.

Things to Do / Must See Agra Fort

Agra Fort is a historic and artistic landmark that offers a glimpse into the life and legacy of the Mughal emperors and their courtiers. Some of the things to do and see at Agra Fort are:

Admire the fort architecture: The fort is built of red sandstone and has an impressive gateway, called the Delhi Gate, which is decorated with marble inlays and carvings. The fort has a semi-circular plan, with four gates on each side. The fort has several palaces, halls, mosques and gardens within its walls, each reflecting different styles and periods of Mughal architecture.
Visit Jahangir’s Palace: This palace was built by Akbar as a private residence for his son Jahangir. It is the largest palace in the fort complex and has a blend of Hindu and Islamic architectural features. The palace has a large courtyard, a hall of private audience (Diwan-i-Khas), a hall of public audience (Diwan-i-Aam), a hammam (bathhouse) and an ornamental pool.
Explore the Pearl Mosque: This mosque was built by Shah Jahan as his personal place of worship. It is made entirely of white marble and has three domes and two minarets. The mosque has a simple but elegant design and is considered one of the most beautiful mosques in India.
See the Hall of Private Audience: This hall was used by Shah Jahan to receive distinguished guests and nobles. It has an octagonal shape and is made of white marble. The hall has a marble throne platform, where Shah Jahan used to sit on his famous Peacock Throne, which was later taken away by Aurangzeb to Delhi.
Enjoy the view from the Octagonal Tower: This tower was built by Shah Jahan as a part of his palace and was used as his bedroom. It has a splendid view of the Taj Mahal and the Yamuna River. It is also known as the Musamman Burj or the Jasmine Tower.

Significance of Agra Fort

Agra Fort is a significant place for Indians, as it is a symbol of their cultural and military heritage. It is also a significant place for Muslims, as it is a masterpiece of Islamic art and architecture. It is also a significant place for historians, as it is a witness to the rise and fall of the Mughal Empire and its rulers.

According to history, Agra Fort was originally a brick fort, known as Badalgarh, built by the Rajputs. It was captured by the Mughals in 1526, after the first battle of Panipat. Akbar renovated and expanded the fort with red sandstone from 1565 to 1573. He also made Agra his capital and built several buildings and gardens in the fort. His successors, Jahangir and Shah Jahan, added more structures and embellishments to the fort.

Shah Jahan also built the Taj Mahal in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631. Aurangzeb, the last great Mughal emperor, imprisoned his father Shah Jahan in the fort for eight years until his death in 1666. He also shifted the capital from Agra to Delhi in 1638. The fort was later occupied by the Marathas, the Jats, the Afghans and the British, who made several changes and additions to it.

FAQ’s

Q: When was Agra Fort built?

A: Agra Fort was built by Akbar between 1565 and 1573 on the site of an earlier fort.

Q: What are the materials used for building Agra Fort?

A: Agra Fort is made of red sandstone from Rajasthan and white marble from Makrana.

Q: What is the difference between Agra Fort and Red Fort?

A: Agra Fort is also known as Red Fort because of its red sandstone walls. However, it should not be confused with Red Fort in Delhi, which was built by Shah Jahan in 1648.

Conclusion

The fort is one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture and a symbol of India’s cultural and military heritage. The fort complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983. It is located on the right bank of the Yamuna River and is connected to another famous monument of Agra, the Taj Mahal, by a stretch of gardens.