A stunning set of monuments, the Agra Fort or the Agra
Red Fort is a World Heritage Site. The majestic fort is located in the
beautiful Indian city of Agra in Uttar Pradesh.
Agra is home to many architectural marvels of the Mughal
Empire and boasts of two more World Heritage Sites including the Taj Mahal and
Fatehpur Sikri.
Known to many as Red Fort of Agra or Fort Rouge owing to
the lavish use of red sandstone, the enclosure houses several sites and
structures that display royal Mughal architectural heritage and splendor. Some
of the exquisite structures that deserve a mention are:
Sheesh Mahal -
Literally meaning 'Glass Palace' it was the royal dressing room adorned by tiny
mirror-like glass-mosaic decorations on the walls.
The Diwan-i-Am
- Which was used as a communications ground between the public and the
aristocracy and once housed the Peacock Throne.
Diwan-i-Khas -
A hall of private audience, it was used to welcome kings and dignitaries.
The Anguri Bagh -
It houses 85 square, geometrically arranged lush gardens.
Khas Mahal -
An immaculate white marble palace.
Mina Masjid -
Literally meaning 'Heavenly Mosque' it is a tiny mosque closed to the public.
Nagina Masjid -
Literally meaning 'Gem Mosque' it was designed exclusively for the ladies of
the court.
Musamman Burj
- A large, octagonal tower with a balcony facing the Taj Mahal.
By far, the most important fort of India, the Agra Fort
is a treat for sore eyes and a thrill to weary senses.
The Mehtab Bagh in Agra is laid out in just right
symmetry and alignment with the Taj Mahal and it was intentionally built as an
integral part of the original design of the Taj Mahal during the period from
1631 to 1635 A.D. It has been named as the 'Mehtab Bagh' or 'The Moon Garden'
because it is an ideal point for viewing the Taj Mahal in romantic moonlight.
When the world famous Taj Mahal was being constructed 350
years ago a moonlight garden named Mehtab Bagh was laid just across the Yamuna
River. It was laid alongside the northern waterfront. The place was once an
oasis with sweet-smelling flowers, shaded pavilions, fountain jets and
reflecting pools but it ceased to exist in the due course of history. Gradually
the site became barren and lost its earlier charm. Once you visit the Mehtab
Bagh in Agra you will get transformed into the glorious Mughal era. This is one
of the most famous gardens in Agra.
Agra Mehtab Bagh is a 25-acre plot has now transformed
into an epicenter for the top court-ordered project to set up protective
greenways around the Taj. As the land is reclaimed, historians and geographers
from around the world are trying to learn about the wonderful garden that once
existed near this oasis. An advance technology inspired from Iran has been
applied to bloom the Mehtab Bagh once again. Mehtab Bagh in Agra will again
flower with fragrant and colorful flowers which will surely produce the sweet
smell of the glorious past.
The growing attention to Agra Mehtab Bagh can be credited
to the escalating concern for the Taj and its grounds, which are in danger by
urban sprawl, too many tourists, and air pollution that eats away into the
shrine's marble exterior. The lush gardens that once lined the riverbanks on
either side of the Taj may flourish again in a scheme to protect it from
further damages. Conservationists uphold that a buffer zone of greenery would
keep development at bay and help remedy local air, noise, and water pollution.
Much of the land for the greenbelt had already been acquired through a previous
proposal to establish a 340-acre national park around the Taj. While yours to
Agra a visit to this opulent garden will mark you treat your eyes far away from
the hustle bustle of the busy town.
Taj Mahal is the most important monument in Agra which is
the symbol of eternal love. It features among the Seven Wonders of the World.
Taj Mahal incorporates both Persian and Hindu elements; therefore Taj Mahal flaunts
a Persian style garden. Garden in Persian culture is a very important motif as
Quran equates a gorgeous garden with ecstasy. Stretched from the main gateway
to the doorway of this mausoleum, the lush green Taj Mahal garden in Agra is
based on symmetry and geometrical measurements.
Taj Mahal gardens, Agra mostly feature religious motifs.
The Water Garden, for example, is divided into four equal squares by two marble
canals. The garden is bounded by cypress trees and fountains; the garden
conjures up the Islamic concept of heaven where rivers of water, milk, wine and
honey flow. At the center of the garden and the mausoleum a lotus shaped tank
is located. The water in the tank acts as a reflective facade and the image of
Taj can be seen on the water from any spot in the garden. The exclusive
location of the tank helps the mirror like viewing of this extravagant monument
of love.
The Taj Mahal Garden in Agra features a Persian style
garden which symbolizes heaven, since Quran describes paradise as a beautiful
garden. On the other hand the water garden of the Agra Taj Mahal garden feature
two marble canals with fountains and lined with cypress trees (symbolizing
death).
This divides the garden into four identical squares
(Islam recognizes four to be a holy number), the stone paved pathways again
subdivides each flower bed into 4, making total of 16 flower beds.
The tank has been arranged to provide a crystal clear
view of Taj in its water. The view looks wonderful with the reflection of Taj
amidst the green cypress trees.
Taj Mahal Garden in Agra displays a unique irrigation
system. Water in the canals was drawn from the river using purrs, a system of
drawing water physically from river using bucket and ropes. For irrigation the
water from the overflowing canals was used. The north-south canals had its
water bay through fountains and east-west canal had its water bay through a
intermingling with north-south canal. It has been made very uniquely which
still astonishes the tourists who come here to view the eternal monument of
love.
The Taj Mahal is the epitome of Mughal art and one of the
most famous buildings in the world. Yet there have been few serious studies of
it and no full analysis of its architecture and meaning. Ebba Koch, an
important scholar, has been permitted to take measurements of the complex and
has been working on the palaces and gardens of Shah Jahan for thirty years and
on the Taj Mahal itself—the tomb of the emperor's wife, Mumtaz Mahal—for a
decade.
The tomb is the representation of the house of the queen
in Paradise, and its setting was based on the palace gardens of the great
nobles that lined both sides of the river at Agra India. You will explore the
entire complex of the Taj Mahal with an explanation of each building and an
account of the mausoleum's urban setting, its design and construction, its
symbolic meaning, and its history up to the present day.
Jami Masjid, also known as Jama Masjid, is one of the
largest and grandest building in Fatehpur Sikri.. The mosque is called Jama
Masjid, which is a usual name throughout the Islamic world for the principal
mosque of the town.
The word is derived from Arabic, when it literally means
the Friday Mosque. The Arabic name for Friday is Day of Congregation and mosque
means a place of prostration and hence the name. This mosque is a striking
example of the blending of the Saracenic and Hindu styles of architecture. On
account of its massive structure which is very impressive, it is regarded as
one of the finest example of its kind in India. Though the shrine is richly
ornamented and elaborately carved, yet it cannot compare with the delicacy of
design of the Jama Masjid at Delhi.
In the centre is a paved open court for congregation.
Cloisters surround it on three sides pierced by two gateways to east and south.
The former was called King’s gateway as Emperor Akbar used to pass through this
gate on his way from the royal palaces to the Jami Masjid and the latter is the
famous Buland Darwaza or the Gate of Victory.
The shrine occupies the western end of the quadrangle and
is crowned by three massive domes. The large halls on either side of the
central chamber with majestic pillars of Hindu style and the entire western
wall marked by arcaded arches richly ornamented make the place most imposing.
When one enters into the domed prayer chamber, one sees that the external form
of the building does full justice to its splendid interior. The extraordinary
painting on the vast dome is a graceful example of Persian style.
There are three arches, which mark the Qibla, the
direction of the Kaaba in the holy city of Mecca, to which all devout Muslims turn
in prayer. In the direction of the central mihrab is located the pulpit, which
is a simple marble structure of three steps. This is the place from where
Khutba (Friday oration) used to be read in the name of the Mughal emperors,
with prayers for their welfare. On important festivals, as per Muslim calendar
Khutba used to be read in the name of the Emperor.
These subsidiary mihrabs follow the general design of the
central ones but are quite differently decorated; in those nearest the centre
the red sandstone is inlaid with glazed tiles of green and royal blue,
turquoise and white; in the middle chambers with white marble framed in black,
in the furthest entirely in white marble.
There are many notable holy places in Agra of which Moti
Masjid in Agra occupies special position of distinction. It is held that one
who has visited the St. Basils Cathedral in Moscow will feel that it contains
close structural resemblance with that. Sitting in the compound of the Agra
Fort where river Yamuna is also present in the backdrop, this mosque is very
frequently visited by the travelers. Its shiny domes are built with light white
marble which lends it a very velvety look and adds a sparkle to its beauty.
History of Moti Masjid, AgraThe Agra Moti Masjid was
built by the very powerful emperor and a connoisseur of art famously called
Shah Jahan. During the rule of Shah Jahan the Mughal emperor, numerous
architectural wonders were built. Today most of these are the feast for the
eyes. However coming back to the Moti Masjid it can be said that Moti Masjid
earned the epithet Pearl Mosque for it shined like a pearl. It is held that
this mosque was constructed by Shah Jahan for his members of royal court.
Description of Moti Masjid, AgraMoti Masjid in Agra is a
delightful sight for eyes. Its architectural features are quite similar to that
of the St. Basils Cathedral in Moscow. It is located in the vicinity of River
Yamuna and enjoys its position in the compound of the invincible Agra Fort. It
contains three domes built of light white marble. The three marble domes stand
on the red sandstone walls. Looking at its structure you will come across the
splendid symmetrical design of the mosque. Sitting to the right of the hall
Diwan-E-Aam of the Agra Fort, the mosque mesmerizes travelers with its velvety
appearance.
The Agra Moti Masjid is very close to the city center.
Hence reaching this place is never a problem. To reach here you can avail the
apt bus services from the Power House Bus Stand. The railway station is also
very near to it. This apart, the Agra Airport is situated to the south-west of
Agra Fort. To come here directly form the airport you need to cover a distance
of 8 km.
Fatehpur Sikri is a fascinating ghost city built in the
16th century; 37 km from Agra Akbar the great, who at 26 years did not have an
heir, founded this historic site. Fatehpur Sikri He went to a saint, Shaikh
Salim Chishti who lived in a city called Sikri. His blessing gave Akbar 3 sons.
As a gesture, Akbar built a whole new city in Sikri. Akbar named his new
capital Fatehpur Sikri or the City of Victory
Fatehpur Sikri is one of the finest examples of Mughal
architectural splendour at its height. It was built between 1569 and 1585 and
was intended to be the joint capital with Agra, but was soon deserted because
the water system could not support any residents. It remained untouched for
over 400 years now and its palaces are a remainder of the extravagance of the
Mughals Fatehpur Sikri is the best example of the culmination of Hindu and
Muslim architecture. Fatehpur Sikri Mosque is said to be a copy of the mosque
in Mecca and has designs, derived from the Persian & Hindu architecture.
After this within 20 years, the capital of Mughals was shifted to Lahore.
Located in the same city as the Taj Mahal itself, the
Baby Taj is a beautiful example of both the history and the architecture of the
country. On the off time (for tourists) when I was in India, this was an
amazing time to visit some of the smaller attractions in Agra like the Baby
Taj. There is always people at the Taj itself but when I visited the Baby Taj
it was almost completely empty and it was an overwhelming and beautiful
experience.
Buland Darwaza, the triumphal Gateway, was erected by
Akbar in 1601 in commemoration of his victory over Khandesh and Ahmednagar in
Southern India. Buland Darwaza is the greatest monumental structure of Akbar’s
entire reign. Even now it has no parallel and is the largest, loftiest and most
stately in the whole of India. In its own class, it is one of the greatest in
the world. Here, marble and sandstone have been used in effective combination
in its decoration, which only the masons of the Mughal period knew. The inlaid
marble work in the arches and the Hindu style of architecture in the gallery
above the entrance are worth a visit. The total height of the Gate above the
pavement is 176 ft.
The great gate itself is quite plain. The three
horizontal panels of buff stone noticeable in Badshahi Darwaza are also present
here. The plain red sandstone spandrels are framed n white marble with a flower
like ornament inlaid in white marble at the apex of the arch, and a flattish
rosette, centered with the narrow panel above it, on either side. The cusped
ornament, large and bold in fact, but small and delicate when seen from below,
is carried down below the springing of the arch. Two pieces have been broken
off from the left hand side and eight from the right.
Visitors to the Gate will find that up to several feet beyond
human reach, the door is covered with horseshoes of other draft cattle.
Popularly, they are believed to have been stuck on the Gate for luck by simple
devoted peasants to seek the blessings, of Saint Sheikh Salim Chisti. The
practice of a similar nature is still current, of tying threads or pieces of
cloth to the screens in the Sheikh’s tomb for the fulfillment of vows
particularly by barren women.
Passing through the central hall and admiring the fine
proportion of the dome covering it, and the bold medallion painted in the
centre, one emerges into the courtyard of the mosque, under the dome. Doorways
open on either side onto the southern cloister.
Situated at Sikandra, Akbar’s Tomb lies 4 km to the
northeast of Agra. The architectural style of this tomb is unique that makes it
worthy of witnessing. Quite different from almost all the other tombs of the
Mughals, it is indeed mesmerizing and worthwhile. You can see a kind of fusion
of different styles of architecture.
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