Agra: Agra Fort

The southern gateway ~ Amar Singh Gate

Agra Fort is located on the right bank of the river Yamuna in Agra. The first Sultan of Delhi who shifted his capital from Delhi to Agra was Sikandar Lodi, his son Ibrahim Lodi who succeeded him held the fort for for years and during the Lodi period, several palaces, wells and a mosque were built.

After a few more changing of hands, it was renovated with red sandstone by Akbar in 1558. In a way, Agra Fort was built by Akbar, between 1565 and 1573. One can see some buildings in white marble, these were built during Shah Jahan's period. It was also at this site that Shah Jahan was imprisoned by his son, Aurangzeb for 8 years.

We had another guide for Agra, he introduced his name as Shah Rukh Khan. I have no idea if he was just making things up or his name really is Shah Rukh Khan. This guide is so soft spoken that we had to walk really near him to hear his commentary.

One of the first building we saw after getting through the Amar Singh Gate, was this Jehangir Palace.

Jehangir Palace

Jehangir Mahal (Palace) is the first notable building that visitors see after entering through the Amar Singh Gate. This palace was built by Akbar as women's quarters. In front of it, there is a bath bowl (Hauzi-Jahangiri) carvied out of a single block of granite. Apparently it could be transported and used in the camp as well as in the harem for bathing.

As we walked along, we soon reached our first white marble building.

A white marble construction of Diwan-i-Am or Hall of Public Audience, showed Shah Jahan's love for marble. It is an excellent contrast between the red sandstone. This was the place where the emperor addressed the general public as well as the nobility.

This site was barred from entrance. The beautiful white marble hall was actually a 'prison'. It was said that was where Shah Jahan was imprisoned by Aurangzeb.

It was said to be a cruel prison for Shah Jahan because it has a view of this...

Side note: What's the best fruit to curb hunger?