Agra Fort in India is one of the most beautiful defensive structures in the country, whose name is closely related to the color of the sandstone used for its construction. It is “twinned” with the Red Citadel in Delhi.
General information
The Red Fort of Agra is an impressive fortress structure that served as the main residence of their rulers during the Mughal Empire. Just like the Taj Mahal, located a short drive away, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is under State protection.
Included in the list of the most beautiful bastions of India, Agra Fort is more like a separate city, stretching along the left bank of the Yamuna for as much as 3 km. Here, behind the double fortress walls, the height of which reaches 20 m, a whole complex of parks, palaces, temples, pavilions, mosques and squares is hidden. Currently, the Red Bastion of Agra is not only the most important Indian landmark, but also an active military facility, which is actively used by the local army. Because of this, a certain part of the complex is closed to visitors.
Brief history
The construction of the Red Fort in India began in the second half of the 16th century, when Padishah Akbar the Great decided to move the capital of his empire from the developed Delhi to the provincial and unknown Agra. According to the records left by the court historian, the basis for this bastion was the old dilapidated Badalgar fortress, which local builders were able not only to completely restore, but also to turn into one of the most powerful fortifications in India.
Already by 1571, the structure was surrounded by a powerful protective wall made of red Rajasthan sandstone and equipped with four tower gates. Some time later, two of them were bricked up.
Over the following years, the territory of the Red Fort expanded significantly. Moreover, numerous successors of Akbar the Great were happy to remake it to their taste. If at the first stages of construction preference was given to red brick, which was only sometimes diluted with snow-white marble elements, then under Shah Jahan marble with patterns of gold and precious stones became one of the main building materials. The result is a beautiful palette that includes red and white shades.
In 1648, the capital of the Mughal Empire was moved back to Delhi, and the fortress itself, which at that time completely lost its significance, served as the last refuge for one of its creators. In the following years, the Red Fort of Agra in India was in the possession of various dynasties, and in the middle of the 19th century it was the center of armed clashes between Indian and British troops. But despite all the hardships that fell to its lot, it managed to be perfectly preserved and become one of the most famous Indian attractions.
Fortress architecture
The red fort in Agra, built in the shape of a crescent, combines several architectural styles, the most striking of which are Islamic and Hindu. The entrance to the complex is formed by two massive gates. If the first, Delhi, is used only by the military, then the second, Lahore or, as they are also called, Amar Singh Gate, is intended for the entrance of numerous tourists. Their broken design was supposed to confuse attackers who managed to overcome the barrier in the form of a crocodile-infested moat. Now this is the first place where you can take a lot of interesting photos.
Previously, there were 6 palaces and mosques located outside the walls of the Red Fortress, but over time, some of them were almost completely destroyed. Among those that have survived, it is worth highlighting the Jahangiri Mahal, a luxurious multi-story palace built by Akbar the Great for his wife. The white-stone structure, consisting of several halls, impresses with fine marble carvings and exquisite decoration. The walls of the palace are decorated with paintings painted in the Oriental style, and blue and gold paintings applied directly to the plaster. In the courtyard, you can see a huge stone pool designed to store rose water and supplemented with Persian verses carved in decorative script.
No less noteworthy is the Khas Mahal, Shah Jahan’s private apartments, built in 1636. On both sides of this building are golden pavilions, where the wives and concubines of the emperors used to live, and in front of the palace itself there is a vineyard, whose marble paths served for romantic walks.
In the north–eastern part of this garden is the Shish Mahal or Hall of Mirrors. At one time, it played the role of an imperial bath, in which numerous court ladies liked to splash. The thick walls and ceilings that provide coolness are inlaid with countless mirrors. Interestingly, there are no windows in the baths, and light enters the halls only through doors and a ventilation hole arranged in the southern wall. All this creates a dramatic effect, reminiscent of an episode from some science fiction movie. In the center of this structure is a giant marble cistern with fountains, but only a select few can see it and its unique mirror patterns. Unfortunately, a few years ago the Shish Mahal was closed to most tourists. Today it is open only to VIP guests, heads of state and international delegations, but for a small fee you can still get inside even for a short time.
Another component of the Red Fort in India is the Diwan-i-Khas, a separate room reserved for private imperial audiences. Once its walls were decorated with beautiful patterns of precious stones, but after the fortress passed into the possession of the British Empire, all the jewels were taken to one of the London museums. It is said that it was here that Shah Jahan lived out his last days, contemplating the Taj Mahal and remembering its former greatness. Previously, there was a legendary Peacock Throne inlaid with diamonds, rubies and sapphires in this hall, but in 1739 it was transported to Delhi, and then completely disassembled into separate parts.
At some distance from Diwan-i-Khas stands the Takhti-i-Jehangar Palace, built by Akbar for his son. Its architecture combines elements of several styles at once-Indian, Asian and Afghan. In front of the entrance to the building, you can see a huge bowl carved from a solid block of stone and used as another bath.
Walking a little further, you will see the Divan-i-Am, a government business hall, with a spacious courtyard to the left. Now on its territory there is only a small Precious mosque, built by the emperor for court ladies, and once there was also a Women’s bazaar, where local women could buy all the goods they needed.
Among other things, the Red Fort has a whole system of underground tunnels, the most famous of which is the two-story maze that served as the main residence for 500 Akbar concubines.
Practical information
- The Red Fortress of Agra is located at Rakabgani, Agra 282003, India.
- It is open daily from 06: 30 to 19: 00.
- The entrance fee is 550 rupees (just under$ 8), for Hindus – 40 rupees. Admission is free for children under 15 years of age. Tickets are sold at the south entrance gate.
For more information, please visit the official website — www.agrafort.gov.in
Useful tips
Currently, Agra, a fort in India, is among the most visited sites in the country. If you are also planning to explore this famous Indian landmark, take note of some useful tips.:
- Before entering the Red Fortress, each visitor is checked with a metal detector, so it is better to leave weapons, flammable objects, electrical appliances (except for the camera), chargers and other prohibited items at the hotel.
- It is also forbidden to drink alcoholic beverages and smoke tobacco products on the territory of the fort – this is strictly punished.
- No less strict prohibition applies to food, so do not even try to bring snacks, sweets or fruit with you. The only exception is water, but even that can take no more than 2 small bottles.
- While walking around the Red Fort, don’t forget to turn off the sound on your mobile phone.
- Try not to touch the walls or scratch them with anything – remember that they are World Heritage Sites and need special care.
- While staying on the territory of the monument, behave more modestly, do not run, do not make noise.
- To explore the local attractions, you should arm yourself with a detailed audio guide or hire a professional guide. Otherwise, you’ll miss out on a lot of interesting stories.
- To get a good discount, buy a complex ticket that includes a visit to the Red Fort and Taj Mahal.
- On the territory of the fortress there are many small cafes, from which it is pleasant to watch the sunset.
- You can stay in the Red Fort until closing time. If you have free time, stay until the evening – during this time there are excellent light shows.
