Agra Fort

Description

Agra Fort (Qila Agra)

The Agra Fort, also known as Agra’s Red Fort, is a historical fort located in the city of Agra, India. It was originally constructed by the Mughal emperor Humayun in 1530. However, it was renovated and expanded by Akbar starting in 1565, and the present-day structure was completed in 1573. The fort served as the main residence for the rulers of the Mughal dynasty until 1638, when the capital was shifted to Delhi. It is also referred to as the “Lal-Qila” or “Qila-i-Akbari”.

In 1983, the Agra Fort was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its significance during the Mughal period. The fort is located around 2.5 kilometers northwest of the Taj Mahal. It is often described as a walled city, reflecting its grand design and vastness. Shah Jahan later renovated the fort as well.

Historical Significance

Before the Mughals, the Chauhan Rajputs occupied the fort, and later Sikandar Khan Lodi made Agra his capital. After the First Battle of Panipat in 1526, the Mughals, led by Babur, captured Agra. Babur stayed in the fort and built a baoli (step-well). His son, Humayun, was crowned in the fort in 1530. After a defeat by Sher Shah Suri in 1540, the fort came under the control of the Suri Empire until 1555, when Humayun regained it.

In 1556, after the Second Battle of Panipat, the fort was briefly recaptured by Hemu, only to fall back into Mughal hands. Akbar, recognizing the strategic importance of the fort, made it his capital in 1558. He rebuilt the fort with red sandstone from Dhaulpur district in Rajasthan, a project that took eight years to complete.

Architecture and Features

• Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience) and other impressive structures were added during Akbar’s reign.
• The fort is constructed with red sandstone on the exterior and brickwork on the interior.
• Shah Jahan, Akbar’s grandson, is credited with further renovations and additions, including the construction of the Taj Mahal in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
• The fort features grand gates, palaces, and intricate Mughal architecture, which reflects the opulence of the period.

Later History

After Shah Jahan’s imprisonment by his son Aurangzeb in 1658, the fort was under Maratha and Jat rule in the 18th century. The fort changed hands multiple times before being captured by the British in 1803 following the Second Anglo-Maratha War.

The fort was also significant during the Indian Rebellion of 1857, which marked the end of British East India Company rule in India and led to direct British governance. The fort witnessed a catastrophic explosion on 30 November 1871, which resulted in the death of 36 people due to a cartridge factory explosion within the fort.

Current Status

Today, Agra Fort stands as a symbol of Mughal architectural genius and a testament to the rich history of India under Mughal rule. It is a major tourist attraction, showcasing historical artifacts, buildings, and Mughal-era architecture, drawing millions of visitors every year.

From Lucknow Airport to Agra Fort:

• By Road: Around 330 to 350 kilometers (roughly 6-7 hours depending on traffic and route).
• By Air: The flight distance is around 300 kilometers, but there are no direct flights between Lucknow and Agra. You would likely need to fly to Delhi first and then travel to Agra.

From Delhi Airport to Agra Fort:

• By Road: The distance is around 230 kilometers (approximately 3-4 hours, depending on traffic).
• By Rail: There are trains that connect Delhi to Agra, which might be a convenient option as well.