Abul Fazal, the court historian at Akbar's court mentions in his 'Ain-a-Akbari' that an old, Pathan Fort existed in Agra before the Mughals came to power. Also, pulling down a fort and building a new one on its site involved a lot of labour and time and therefore it was quite understandable that the captured citadels were renovated and fortified as per the specifications and requirements of the new occupants ; which also applies to the Agra Fort. The Agra Fort has withstood many sieges and the onslaught and ravages of times. A further input to fortify its existence to pre --Mughal period is mentioned in the 'Tarik-i-daudi', which states that this citadel was used as a state prison during the time of Kanishka. The belief that the fort existed during the time of Ashoka the Great, is also given strength by the discovery of the remains of a short length of wall unearthed close to the Jahangiri Mahal, which is claimed to be of a Jain or Buddhist relic. The fort belonged to a period prior to Akbar's coming to power is also admitted in a publication which states.... 'Traditions assert that the old fortress of Badalgarh was altered and adopted to his requirements by Akbar" The Agra Fort presents a formidable appearance with its vast walls, standing seventy feet in height, and a mile and a half in circuit, with imposing turrets and gateways. The outer wall is surrounded by a moat. The principal entrance to the Agra fort is the Delhi Gate. Crossing the drawbridge over the moat and moving over a paved, inclined pathway reaches the Hathi Pol or Elephant Gate. The gateway leading to the great courtyard of the Diwan-i-Am is reached by a steep ramp after crossing the Amar Singh Gate and the second gate. The beauty of this inner quadrangle is its fine proportions and rich ornamentation , enhanced by the wonderful rhythmic play of light and shadow, produced by the bracket form of construction and the admirable disposition of the doors, windows, openings, and colonnades. The northern side of the quadrangle is occupied by a pillared hall. The outer courtyard of the Jahangiri Mahal facing the river is provided with an elegant porch. The court provides a beautiful view of the surroundings, with the skyline towards the right being dominated by the marble domes of the Taj Mahal. On the roof of the Jahangiri Mahal there are two fine pavilions and a number of cisterns. The cisterns were used to supply water to the palace. Close to Jahangiri Mahal are the ruins of Akbari Mahal, also known as the Bengali Mahal. Behind the Diwan-i-Am is a grand courtyard surrounded by a two-storeyed, arcaded enclosure, known as the Machhi Bhavan or The Fish Palace, which had a magnificent garden in the central court, with flower-beds, water channels and fountains. The Diwan-i-Khas is to the east of the Machhi Bhawan. The pavilion has a fine coved ceiling with intricate inlay work of beautiful flower designs in colored stone, on a white marble base. A further corner of this courtyard, on the left, leads to the Chittor Gate, the principal entrance to the Macchi Bhavan. The Chittor Gate has its own importance; it was here that Akbar placed his trophies of victorious campaigns. A small chamber overlooking the Diwan-i-Am was the one in which the deposed Shah Jahan was imprisoned by his son, Aurangzeb.The north gate of the grand court in front of Diwan-i-Am leads to the Moti Masjid or The Pearl Mosque. The Agra Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It was the seat of power of the great Mughal Emperors, who lived here and governed the country. The fort was rebuilt with red sandstone, involving a massive workforce of 14, 44,000 builders who toiled on it for eight years, completing it in 1573. With the kind of beauty, precision and architectural nuances and detailing that have created the fort, it can be more accurately described as a walled palatial city. The fort had the largest state treasury and mint. It has been graced by the visits of foreign ambassadors, travelers and the highest dignitaries, who have been an integral part of the history of India. An interesting mix of Hindu and Islamic architecture can be seen here. Agra Fort is built on the 'Karmuka--Khadaga' plan, according to norms laid down in 'Shilp Shastra'. The plan is semicircular, like a bow, with the straight line of fortification running parallel to the river Yamuna, Such a layout described as 'Karmuka' [literally meaning a 'bow'] in the ancient Indian Vastu texts is regarded as best suited for a king since it is fortified by strong walls with bastions and surrounded by a moat.

• published: 06 Mar 2013
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