Unique Facts about Agra Fort

The Agra fort has a number of mysteries and secrets behind it. It was the stronghold of mughal rulers. The history of this fort can be traced back to the 15th century when it was built out of mind by Hindu King Badal Singh and named after him as Badal garh fort. This fort was occupied by the Lodhi ruler-Sikandar Lodhi and later fell under Mughal emperor Babur and thus Mughals became the pioneers to enrich the fort and make it more defenses. As the mughal’s rolled in power and pelf, they built string and magnificent palaces as their residential area.

The Gates of Agra Fort

Agra fort had 4 gates –Delhi gate, Amar Singh Gate, Lahore Gate and Water Gate In the time of Mughal heyday. Presently only 2 gates Amar Singh gate and Delhi Gate are open. Amar Singh gate is used by the tourists while the Delhi Gate is used by Indian Army.

Difference of Architecture of Akbar & Shahjahan

Worth mention is the architectural difference of Akabar’s time palaces and the palaces built on Shahjahan’s time. As known to everyone that Akbar liked the use of red sandstone so he erected the palaces like Akbari palace and Jahangiri Palace out of local sandstone. These palaces are highly ornate with the carvings done in sandstone. On the contrary Shahjahan used pure white marble in the palaces like Khas Mahal, Mussaman Burj, Deevan I –Khas Etc. These places are embellished with the inlaying of semi precious stone, carvings and paintings on the white Makrana marble.

Mosques inside the Agra fort

The Agra fort houses 3 beautiful mosques- Nageena Masjid, Moti Masjid, Mina Masjid, Presently only Nageena Mosque is open to the tourists where you can involve in prayers. Initially this beautiful mosque was planned for the harem ladies to offer prayers. This mosque has a beautiful fountain in the courtyard. Mina mosque which remains closed for the tourists was built by the emperor Shahjahan for his own use. He used it as his private chapel. Moti mosque is again built by Shahjahan in white marble. This mosque falls in the Army area and partially visible from the Deevan –I –Am.

Secret room of Agra fort

Agra fort has a secret room placed closed to Babur’s Baoli and overhead water tank. This room was once highly decoted with paintings. Worth mention is the window which looks like dummy but it is an active window having a slide. Thus at looked closed from outside but if you throw something you can get it inside.

Agra Fort fountain system

This fort has a marvelous fountain network. These fountains had the water supply from overhead tanks. And by gravity fountains used to work. This water was supplied from the river Yamuna and the inner baoli’s. Even inside and outside palaces had the fountains the hammams were also supplied water from the tanks. Same fountains are still intact in the Angoori bagh and with khaas mahal and onside the sheesh Mahal.

How the Mughal’s used to light the palaces?

Mughal ruler’s made the splendid system for the upkeep of their royal palaces. There was on in charge who used to look up the affairs of the palaces like the furnishings, tapestries and lighting up the palaces. They provided the niches in the walls and palaces for pulling the oil lamps and fire torches. In the night the entire palace part looked shimmering in light and witnessed the folk dances and merriments. The courtyard areas of Jahan Ara and Roshan Arapalaces were full with show of puppets, Galazals and Qawallis.

Zanjeer –A-Adil (Chain of Justice)

Jahangir the fourth mughal is known for his justice. He used to provide the fair and instant judgment. He thought of a plan of putting a chain and bell which he named Zanjeer –A-Adil a chain of justice. This chain is supposed to be made of gold and was 80 feet long having 60 bells attached. This was placed in the Agra fort and linked it to a close by part in the river Yamuna. Jahangir records in his autobiography about it that those who are oppressed and have delay in judgment. They can came and shake the chain to get my attention. Thus even the bureaucrats and the nobles were afraid of devoid of the common folks from human rights. Thus the mughal emperor used to act as the chief justice.

Haunted Baoli’s of Agra Fort

The fort has some baolies for the water supply. One big baoli is in the area of Akbar’s palace and is left deserted. Folk lores say that there is the presence of supernatural elements in the baoli. This is usual as the empty places are considered ghostly by the people. Similarly many other parts, dark rooms or the hanging areas are considered haunted.

Famous thrones of Agra fort

Agra fort used to have glorious and architectural style. Various thrones were built by the generations of the Mughal. One such throne was Aurange Jarine which was built by Akbar and used by Jahangir also. It is used to be in the Deevan-i-am of the fort. Presently this is missing as it was looted by Nadir shah. This fort has a throne presently made of black marble and is placed outside deevan i- khaas. It was built by Jahangeer out of touch stone as is claimed. As Jahangir once rebelled against his father and his coronation on Allahabad fort held at the same seat. In 1695 this seat was later transferred to the Agra fort.