Jahangir Palace



Jahangir Palace, Agra, Uttar Pradesh

Information on Jahangir Palace (Agra, Uttar Pradesh) - History & Architecture


Located in Agra of Uttar Pradesh, Jahangir Palace is a significant structure of popular 'Agra Fort'. In other words, it is the biggest fortress created inside Agra Fort. It was created by Mughal king Akbar for his favourite son Jahangir in order to provide him soothe and amenity. It is an exclusive addition and the largest residential building in Agra Fort, which is simply outstanding and noteworthy.

Jahangir Palace Architecture

Jahangir Palace is based on unique mixture of Hindu architecture with Asian architecture. Such style was quite uncommon on traditional times. It is situated in south east quadrant of Agra Fort where it is safeguarded from civic areas. The building of Jahangir Palace is organised with impressive Central Square with four arches. The external wall of Jahangir Palace rise with an enormous fortifications of the fortress. Apart from the gateways, Jahangir Palace is the only portion of Agra Fort which is renowned by its decorative treatment. The architectural background of Jahangir Palace is described by lucidity, simplicity and integrity of its diverse elements.

One of the most striking features of Jahangir Palace is the attractive surface embellishment comprising marble tile and sophisticated symmetrical and flowery designs. Inside the palace, there is a building for the prince, namely 'Khas Mahal'. The building is created from expensive white marble which assist in maintaining cool environment during summer season. Inside Khas Mahal, there is a private room namely 'Sish Mahal'. The room is decorated with mirrors and was used for the purpose of dressing by the prince as well as her empress. There is also a grape garden named 'Anguri Bagh' in the palace. In front of Jahangir Palace, there stood a vast bowl which is engraved with a single stone. It is also termed as 'Hauz-i-Jahangiri'.

The large frontage of Jahangir Palace is highly amazing for projecting entryway whose lotus parapet is designed with beautiful merlon. The projecting balconies of Jahangir Palace is supported on round columns, stylish brackets with sloping rooftops on every side. There is a facility window in the palace which demonstrates that the mansion is used by the king for amusing his dear friends. There is a rectangular courtyard, around which the western and northern galleries are organised with flat pared ceilings and deep niches in native style of incomparable sophistication. The extensive eastern wall of the palace is fragmented by sequence of quadrilateral openings which is outshined by stockade walls. There is also an octagonal tower named 'Musammam Burj' in Jahangir Palace. The architectural beauty of this Palace is simply outstanding as the minute details and the architectural skill placed here are worth to note.

Jahangir Palace History

Jahangir Palace was created by Mughal king Akbar as a symbol of affection for his great son Jahangir. It was said that Shahjahan has taken his last breath after seven year of imprisonment in Jahangir Palace inside the Musammam Burj. It is the first palace which demonstrated symptoms that the fort was transforming from military base to deluxe living houses. Initially, Jahangir Palace was known as zenana palace, which was particularly designed for females belonging to royal dynasty. The palace was mostly use by Rajput queen of Akbar. Mughal ruler, Nur Jahan also used this palace as her residence. The popular Hauz-i-Jahangiri inside the palace was used for the queen as a vessel for perfumed rose water. The palace is the most important structure which remained from Akbar's era and from time to time, his inheritors demolished as well as developed several structures of the palace and replaced them with marble design.

Jahangir Palace Tourism Importance

Jahangir Mahal is one of the preferred places of tourism in Agra. There are many things to explore in this palace such as Khas mahal, Sheesh mahal and Anguri Bagh among others. For tourists, it is a significant place to enjoy the Hindu and Asian architecture. Furthermore, Jahangir Palace is a place worth visiting because it speaks regarding the Mughal lifestyle and Mughal culture. Thus while here, one can get the insight beauty of the architectural beauty of the fort as well as the palace, which has outstanding craftsmanship. So, while in Agra, don't miss the opportunity to visit this Palace.