Incredible Facts of Agra Forts

Tourists visiting Agra explore two architectural marvels. First, without any doubts, the stunning Taj
Mahal and second, the magnificent red fort of Agra. Due to its magnificence, splendor and beauty Agra
fort was included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the year 1983. The Mughal emperors
who ruled from here were Babur, Humayun, Akbar, Jehangir, Shah Jahan and Aurangazeb. Few people
know that the fort is portrayed in the Sir Arthur Conan Doyles well-known Sherlock Holmes mystery
'The Sign of the Four'. Apart from this some other interesting facts are also attached with it. Lets look at
them.

Primarily a Military Structure

The Agra Fort which is one of the finest Mughal forts in India, was a military structure. In 1506, Sikander
Lodi shifted the capital of the nation to Agra. Earlier it was Delhi. He governed the country from this
Fort. It was renovated with red sandstones in 1565 by Emperor Akbar. Shah Jahan made further
additions to the fort using marble. And he transformed the military structure into a palace.

Gates, palaces and mosques within the fort

The massive red fort is home to many amazing structures and buildings. There are two gates, the Delhi
Gate and Lahore Gate. Some of the palaces present inside the fort complex are Jahangir Mahal, Khas
Mahal, Shah Jahani Mahal, Bengali Mahal, Macchi Bhawan, Sheesh Mahal and Akbari Mahal. There are
also 3 mosques within the complex, Moti Masjid, Mina Masjid and Nagina Masjid. The Yamuna River
originally flowed along the forts eastern edge, and the emperors had their own bathing spots here.

Shah Jahan Was Imprisoned in the Agra Fort For 8 Years

Mughal emperor Shah Jahan was imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb for 8 years in one of the towers of
the Agra fort. It is believed that he died in Musamman Burj, a tower with a balcony with a view of the
Taj Mahal. You can see the Taj from this point as easily as Shah Jahan did centuries ago. Tourists can also
see the Taj through the openings in the wall of Jodha Bais palace within the fort complex.

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Over 1 Million Workers Took 8 Years To Built Agra Fort

Akbar had it renovated with red sandstone. Architects laid the foundation and it was built with
sandstone on external surfaces. Over 1 Million workers worked on it every day for 8 years, completing it
in 1573.

A Model for the Delhis Red Fort

Emperor Shah Jahan started construction of the Delhis Red Fort in 1638, when he took decision to shift
his capital from Agra to Delhi. He took inspiration from the Agras Red Fort. The Khas Mahal was the
model for the Diwan-i-Khas at the Delhis Red Fort. Agra Forts Diwan-i-Khas once housed Shah Jahans
fabulous Peacock Throne, which contained precious stones including the famous Koh-i-Noor diamond.

Award to the fort

In the year 2004 the Agra Fort has won the prestigious Aga Khan Award for Architecture. Apart from
that, Indian Post issued a stamp to commemorate this award in November 2004.

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