The Red Fort of Agra
The Red Fort of Agra, built on the banks of the Yamuna River is an important 16th century Mughal monument and was the imperial city of the Mughal rulers including Babur, Humayun, Akbar, Jehangir, Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb from 1526 to 1658.
It was however, the ruler Akbar who made Agra his capital from both a military strategic point and as a royal residence, rebuilding the existing fort along it's present lines while later rulers added additional palaces within the fort's confines. Imposing in it's design and scope, the fort complex with 2.5km of walls, was built from red sandstone and contained 500 buildings constructed with a mix of both Hindu and Islamic architecture. Amongst these buildings were the Delhi and Akbar Gates, the Diwan-i-Am - the Hall of Public Audience which contained the Peacock Throne from which the ruler spoke and received petitions, as well as the Diwan-i-Khas - Hall of Private Audience containing the black throne of Jehangir, from which the ruler received foreign Ambassadors and dignitaries. |
Many of the buildings were subsequently destroyed by the British between 1803 and 1862. |
Sepoys (Indian soldiers) at the Red Fort participated in the Indian Rebellion of 1857 which resulted in the end of the British East India Company's rule of India leading to direct British rule.
Today, the city of Agra in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh is a major tourist destination which includes three UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Icon Holidays can arrange your visit to Agra and the Red Fort, with our range of superb hotels to choose from, private transfers and personal recommendations to help you enjoy this significant site.
