Interesting facts of Agra Fort that Everyone Should Know Before Visiting
Located in the Uttar Pradesh state of India, Agra Fort is one of the most famous monuments in India. This incredible monument is situated around 2.5 kilometers away from one of the world’s wonders Taj Mahal. Made by well-known Mughal emperor Akbar in the 15th century and now it is declared as one of the most beautiful heritage sites by UNESCO. Today we are gonna reveal some Interesting facts of Agra fort that a traveler should know before planning a trip to this incredible monument.
1. The First Delhi Sultan
Sikandar Lodhi was the first Delhi’s Sultan who ruled Agra Fort after shifting his headquarters from Delhi to Agra. Sikandar Lodhi lived in Agra Fort for many years till he lost the fort to Babur in the battle of Panipat in 1526.
2. Architectural History
When Akbar shifted his capital from Delhi to Agra in 1558, the fort was known as Badalgarh and not in good condition. Then Akbar rebuilt the fort with red sandstones and the fort was named as Agra Fort.
3. Shah Jahan
After the region of Akbar and Jahangir, Shah Jahan was the owner of the Agra Fort and he made some changes inside the fort according to his own taste in architecture. He replaces some old structures and built some new with white marbles from which the modern Agra Fort acquires its beauty.
4. Shah Jahan Died in Agra Fort
It is said that Shah Jahan was imprisoned in Agra Fort by his own son Aurangzeb and took his last breath in the prison. It is also said than Shah Jahan was kept in Muasamman Burj from where he can see the Taj Mahal.
5. The Gates
Majorly, there are two gates in Agra Fort, namely Delhi Gate and Amar Singh Gate. The northern portion is still using by the Indian Military, Only Amar Singh Gate is open for public and tourists. Amar Singh Gate was named after the death of Amar Singh Rathore who was the courtier of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan.
6. Award-Winning Architecture
Agra Fort has awarded by Aga Khan award in 2004 due to its marvelous architecture. It is said that more than 500 buildings and structures in Bengal and Gujrat were built on the same design of Agra Fort structures.
7. The Sheesh Mahal
The Sheesh Mahal sets a model for brightening water building in the hammams. The water here may have been warmed by lights. The mirrors, which were more valuable than marble, were set into the dividers, frequently uncommonly etched to oblige their abnormal shape.
8. The Construction
It is said that, when Agra Fort was built by Akbar, it took more than 4000 workers and around eight years to be completed. Akbar used to bring red sandstones from Rajasthan which took many days to arrive.
9. Walls of Agra Fort
The walls of Agra Fort was made higher than 70 feet so no one without permission can’t climb the fort.
10 The Fort Complex
The Complex of the fort is spread over 90 acres which includes some beautiful palaces inside like Jahangir Mahal, Diwan-i-am, Diwan-i-Khas, Sheesh Mahal, Akbar’s Mahal, Khas Mahal, Macchi Bhawan, and Shah Jahani Mahal.
11. Mosques within the Fort
The fort hosts 3 mosques within the fort’s complex. They are Mina Masjid, Nagina Masjid, and Moti Masjid.
So these are some of the interesting facts that Agra Fort that a traveler should know before going to visit this incredible monument. If you know more facts of Agra Fort which are not mentioned in this post then share with us in the comment section below.
