Information on Agra Fort / Red Fort (Agra, Uttar Pradesh) - History & Architecture

Just 2.5 km away from the world famous monument, Taj Mahal is the red fort of Agra which is also known as the Agra Fort. An interesting fact about the Agra Fort is that it has got many fairy tale palaces in it like the Jahangir Palace and the Khas Mahal. It has also got breath-taking audience halls and two beautiful mosques which are truly a delight to every visitor. Visiting the Taj Mahal alone in Agra is said to be incomplete without a visit to the Agra Fort.

Agra Fort (Red Fort) Architecture

The Architecture of the Agra Fort mainly reflects the Islamic Style. It is made of beautifully carved red sandstones which has mainly two entrances to it. The actual and grandest entrance was through the Delhi Gate which leaded towards the Elephant Gate. However, this entrance is closed today for the visitors. The second gate is the Amar Singh Gate which is open today for every visitor. These gates are massive and have splendid carvings on it which speaks volumes about the luxurious lives of the King's of that era. The Agra Fort has got many beautiful palaces in it like the Sheesh Mahal and Khas Mahal. It has got the famous reception rooms like the Diwan-i-Aam which was built by Shah Jahan in 1628. The octagonal pillars also known as the Muhammam Burj and the many pillared Diwan-i-Khas which are simply a vision to every visitor. If you think this is it, then you are sadly mistaken as there are two magnificent white marbled mosques in the Agra Fort which are just amazing in every sense. The first Mosque is named as the Pearl Mosque or the Moti Mosque which was built by Shah Jahan in the era of 1630-1655 and the second mosque belongs to the reign of Aurangzeb (1658-1707), which is called as the Nagina Mosque.

Agra Fort (Red Fort) History

The Agra Fort and the Taj Mahal belong to the civilization of the Mughal Emperors, who today left their essence behind in the country with their exceptional monumental works. Agra has got its origins which is as old as 2500 years. However, when the Mughals entered the country Agra became much more than just a provincial city of the country.

The heydays of Agra began when son of Humayun, Akbar entered in the boundaries of Agra and started showing interest towards making Agra a part of the mesmerizing history. The construction of the Agra Fort began in the year 1565 by Akbar (1565 to 1605) which today resides on the banks of the river Yamuna and towards the north-west of the beautiful gardens of the Taj Mahal. Today Agra is said to be an assertive place of the three Mughal rulers namely; Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan.

Coming more close to the history of the fort, it stood long time back in 11th Century when it was under the Hindu Sikarwar Rajputs. It was in the year 1080, the fort was captured by the Ghaznavide force. After that in the year 1488-1517 Sikandar Lodi shifted his capital from Delhi to Agra and resided in this fort. It was in this fort, Humayun was crowned in the year 1530. After the fort turned into ruins, it was Akbar who transformed into a massive fort by reconstructing it by using sandstone, where 4000 builders and works tirelessly worked for 8 years to create this masterpiece. It was finally completed in the year 1573 and today this manmoth fort is one of the major tourism attractions of Agra.

Agra Fort (Red Fort) Tourism Importance

The Agra Fort is taken care and is well maintained by the government and so even today has got lots of tourists visiting it. It is recognized by the UNESCO as one amongst the "World Heritage monuments"

So, the next time you plan out your visit, do make it a point to visit Agra so as to explore the glories of the past era.