The Red Fort of Agra and The Palace of Fatehpur Sikri
www.NeilMiller.info Main Page Up to India's Golden Triangle, November 2018
The Red Fort
Agra's Red Fort was built in its current form by the third Moghul emperor, Akhbar-i-Azam, completed in 1573 (although the site had already been fortified for centuries). Akbar made Agra his capital city, and more than 2 km of 70-foot walls enclose the imperial site.
This is the Amar Sing Gate (a.k.a. Lahore Gate).
Although now drained, the deep moat was originally filled by water from the adjacent river Yamuna (lost in the haze).
Having passed through the gates and small courts above, the visitor had (and has) to pass along a sloping walkway before reaching the palace complex. There are slits in the walls above allowing hot oil to be poured down to hamper any invading army.
Red Fort - Jahangiri Mahal
Many of the original palace buildings have been replaced, but the Jahangiri Mahal is original, and features intricate carvings and inlaid stone. It was built for the wives of Akhbar, and other women of the imperial household.
Musamman Burj
The Musamman Burj is an octagonal white marble tower featuring a great view of the Taj Mahal (when it's not hazy). After Shah Jahan was deposed by his son, he was imprisoned here with his favourite daughter until his death.
Diwan-i-Khas
The Diwan-i-Khas (aka Shah Mahal) was the emperor's private hall of audience, where he would meet state guest and other big-wigs.
The Throne of Jahangir
This is Jahangir's impressive throne, made of black onyx in 1605. The crack on the right is from a cannon ball fired by the East India Company in 1803. The ball bounced off the throne and made a hole in the wall oposite, making a great nest for a parokeet.
On to The Village of Karauli During Diwali
Up to India's Golden Triangle, November 2018 www.NeilMiller.info Main Page
© Dr Neil Miller 2018