Agra Fort - Interesting Facts

It is on this pretext that ‘Red Fort’ is tagged as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. It seems only appropriate for this astonishing piece of history to be preserved and cherished. All through the history this fort changed hands from Lodi, Babur, Humayun, Akbar, Jehangir, Shahjahan and Aurangazeb, all in chronological order. It was from this very fort that many ruled the kingdom.


He was the ruler who saw the true potential of the strategic and central location of the fort and renewed it to its glory. It was under his rule that Red Fort was restored using red stones. Shahjahan was another Mughal ruler who also contributed to the splendour of the fort. The love and passion for architecture is clearly visible in his marvellous creations. 

Shahjahan was imprisoned in this fort for a span of 8 years and as rumour has it, breathed his last in a high tower named Mausamman Burj, over viewing Taj Mahal.


The external wall of Agra is 70ft high, with bastions. The fort has double embankments, with parapets for discharging missiles, grooved spaces for archers and shooters, openings which allow canons to be fired.

Originally known as ‘Akbari Darwaza’, the southern gateway, was renamed as ‘Amar Singh gate’ by Shahjahan, as a mark of admiration for the valorous feat by Rao Amar Singh of Jodhpur. Some of the interesting facets of the semi-circular fort are known for its intricate and sagacious construction.


Jahangiri Mahal: The sophistication and the finesse of the craftsmanship has been well recorded by Abul Fazl, who says that the red stone slabs are laid with such a precision that not even the end of a hair can penetrate.

Khas Mahal: It blankets three main chambers, Tasbih Khana where the King worshipped, the Khwabgah was the sleeping chamber and the baithak the sitting room. The beauty or the captivating characteristic of the Khas Mahal is the perforated marble screen. 

Sheesh Mahal: The mirrored walls which illuminate the room and reflected the faint natural light, the niches for water inlet and candles, marble doors which sealed in case the chamber had to be used as a steam bath, provision for both cold and hot water all examples of remarkable commitment to architecture.
Diwan-i-Khas: A beautiful hall just for the chosen ones - only used to receive or entertain ambassadors, other kings, dignitaries. 

This one was done in an effort to mimic the brilliance of the sun's rays. It is also said to house the legendary chains of truth, ‘Nyay Ki Zanjir’, behind the throne of Jehangir. This chain consisted of 60 golden bells.


The rooms in this fort have hollow grooves through which water keeps flowing, thereby, keeping the interiors cool as the wind blows. Many such genius ideas have been a source of inspiration for both national and global architects.

The Aga Khan award is an architectural reward. It was established by Aga Khan IV. It is considered extremely prestigious, The Red Fort of Agra is a recipient of this. It was also given a stamp by India post to commemorate the same.

The mystery associated to the treasury, the multi-level security and the well-sealed vaults couldn’t escape the plot of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, such is the fame of Agra Fort.