The UNESCO Heritage site, Agra Fort is situated in Agra, Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. This is located exactly 2.5 km towards the northwest direction of Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Agra Fort can be properly described in the name of walled city.

Currently existing fort was constructed by Mughals as this place carried a fort right from 11th century. Originally this is a brick fort in the name of Badalgarh, designed by Hindu Sikarwar King of Rajput, Raja Badal Singh (c. 1475). In 1080 AD, this fort came into limelight when Ghaznavide force occupied it. The first sultan to shift from Delhi to Agra was Sikandar Lodi during the period 1488 – 1517. Agra took the place of second capital as he ruled the entire country from this place. In 1517, he died in this fort and later on, Ibrahim Lodi, his son occupied this place for 9 years till his defeat and execution in 1526 at Panipat. During his tenure, he constructed various mosques, wells and palaces at this fort.

Following 1st battle at Panipat in the year 1526, this fort was captured by Mughals who seized volumes of treasures containing Koh-i-Noor. Famous Babur resided in this fort during the period of Ibrahim and constructed step well, later called as baoli. In 1530, Humayun emperor was crowned at this place. By 1540, Sher Shah defeated Humayun at Bilgram. Humayun recaptured the fort again from Suris in 1555. Humayun’s army guided by Iskandar Khan Uzbek went down to Hem Chandra Vikramaditya (Hemu), the Hindu ruler. Right from this fort, he went towards Delhi. In 1556, Akbar’s army defeated Hemu during 2nd battle at Panipat in the year 1556.

Knowing the significance of its central presence, Akbar announced Agra to be his capital in 1558. Abdul Fazal, historian pointed this to be a brick fort in the name of Badalgarh. By that time, this fort was almost in a ruined state and later on Akbar reconstructed it with Rajasthan red stone from Barauli. This fort was built with sandstone on its external surface and bricks in its inner surface. About 4000 builders were employed to construct this fort for about 8 years and finally completed by 1573.

History

Agra Fort is situated (270 10’ 47’’N & 780 1’ 22’’ E) on the banks of the Yamuna river in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. This is one among the highly significant and strongly constructed place of Mughals who decorated it with beautiful edifice of Mughal art and their architecture. Agra Fort was built on remains of ancient Badalgarh by Akbar, the 3rd Mughal emperor. The capital destination was shifted to Agra from Delhi by Sikandar Lodi (between 1487 and 1517). Following him, Ibrahim Lodi, his son ruled the fort for next 9 years till the Panipat battle. Lodi constructed various mosques, wells and number of palaces inside this fort during his period.

Babur’s son, Humayun captured Agra and its fort including highly popular Koh-i-noor diamonds. Babur constructed step-well (baoli) at this place. The coronation of Humayun happened at this place during 1530. The water carrier, Nazam saved Humayun in water and gifted with emperor crown at this place for half day. Sher Shah defeated Humayun and occupied this place in the year 1540 at Bilgram.

In 1558, Akbar visited this place and made all the necessary steps to renovate this fort with beautiful red sand stone. Approximately 4000 builders were deployed toconstruct this fort which was then completed in a span of 8 years (between 1565 and 1573)

Layout

The semicircular plan of this fort is about 94 acre (380,000 metre square) with chord running parallel to river and walls with 70 feet height. The double ramparts possess huge circular bastions placed at regular intervals together with string courses, machicolations, embrasures and battlements. Four sides of this fort have 4 gates with Khizri gate opened towards river.

The most notable gates are Lahore gate and Delhi gate. Lahore gate is well known as Amar Singh Gate, named in the remembrance of Amar Singh Rahore.

The Delhi Gate which is towards the city on western direction is known to be the best masterpiece by Akbar. This was constructed to be formal gate of king with enhanced security. This gate is decorated with white marbles carrying inlay work. Drawbridge made of wooden is deployed to cross moat and touch gate from mainland. Inside this, there is an elephant gate (Hathi Pol) which is guarded by 2 big size stone elephants along with riders. The entrance has seems to be impregnable with this drawbridge that has a turn of 90 ° between inner and outer gates. During attack, the soldiers deploy elephants to destroy these gates. But elephants are not effective to put up their speed because of the prevention by layout. Parachute Brigade of Indian military uses Delhi Gate. But Amar Singh gate is opened for public.

This gate is highly significant in architectural history. Amazing designs from Gujarat and Bengal were recorded by Abul Fazal in this fort. Few were then demolished to construct white marble made palaces by Shahjahan. Majority of them were later demolished from 1803 to 1862 in order to raise barracks by British. Just 30 Mughal edifices were left over towards south-eastern direction facing river. Among them, Bengali Mahal, Akbar Gate and Delhi Gate are the examples of Akbar constructions. Akbar Gate (Akbar Darwazza ) was then renamed as Amar Singh Gate by Britishers.

Best time to Visit

The ideal time to visit this place is during winter season between the months of November and March as the weather will seem to be best and city enjoys few interesting festivals. Among them, Taj Mahotsav (arts and crafts mela) held between 18 and 27 of February and Sharadotsav (cultural festival) during October is worth watching.

Visitor Information

• Opening Hours – between Sunrise and Sunset
• Entry Fee:
• Free Entry: Children less than 15 years
• Indian Visitors: Rs. 20 (Rs.10 by ADA towards Toll tax and Rs.10 by ASI towards entry fee)
• Citizen of SAARC and BIMSTEC Countries: Rs. 60 (Rs. 50 by ADA towards Toll tax and Rs. 10 by ASI towards entry fee)
• Other Foreign Visitor: Rs. 300 (Rs. 250 by ADA towards Toll tax and Rs. 250 by ASI towards entry fee)

(Note: If foreign visitors purchase ADA (Agra Development Authority)’s Toll tax (Pathkar) ticket at Taj Mahal for Rs. 500, they need not purchase Toll Tax (Pathkar) ticket on any of the following monuments like Itimad – ud – Daulah’s tomb, Akbar’s tomb, Fatehpur Sikri, Agra Fort and Taj Mahal if they visit on same day)
On Fridays, there will not be any Toll Tax for monuments.

• Audio Guide Facility

Audio Guide amenity is available in Bangla, Hindi, Italian, German, Spanish, French and English close to Ticket Booking Counter in Agra Fort.

How to Reach

By Air

The Agra airport is linked with all major cities in India.

By Rail

There is a big railway junction in Agra together with various railway stations. Agra Cantonment Railway station is the major one.

By Road

There is regular bus service from Agra to all other cities in Uttar Pradesh and also to other nearby states.