Introduction
Agra which
lies on the west bank of river Jamuna became one of the
principal cities of the Mughal Empire after the death
of Ibrahim Lodi at Panipat in 1526. When Akbar
choose Agra as his capital he laid the foundation of the
fort of Agra. After Taj this was one of the most
important group of buildings. The construction was started
in 1565 and was completed in about eight years at a cost
of thirty five lakhs of rupees under the superintendence
of Qasim Khan Mir Barr-u-Bahr. This fort was just
one of the many large fortified residences that the emperor
wanted to have at various strategic points of his empire.
According to contemporary chroniclers like Abul Fazal
the fort contained over five hundred buildings. But later
on Akbar's descendants added new buildings, mainly in
marble to the fort and demolished the old ones.
During Akbar's time Jamuna was a mighty river and it touched
the fort. A large number of ghats were built during Akbar's
period. Some of the ghats were meant for handling goods
and some particularly reserved for use by the harem inmates.
Covered passages were specifically built for this purpose.
Diwan-i-Khas
Diwan-i-Khas or Private Audience Hall stands on a well
carved plinth, about 3’ high, and is entered from
the Throne Terrace (two marble thrones are placed
in front of each other). As per Lahauri the
Diwan-i-Khas was constructed in 1635 A.D. He has designated
the interior hall as Tambi khana and particularly
mentions the wooden flat ceiling which was covered with
silver leaves in relief. This room was used by the emperor
for reception of kings, ambassadors and nobles in private
and also for dealing with important affairs of the state.
The Moti Masjid or Pearl Mosque is situated on the northern
side of the Diwan-i-Am quadrangle. This mosque was constructed
between 1648-54. The mosque stands on a high ground
sloping from east to west. From outside the structure
appears to be made of brick, but inside it is completely
made of marble. This mosque was completed at a cost
of three lakhs of rupees.
Externally the mosque measures 243’ x 187’.
The main courtyard which is nearly a square is about
154’ x 158’ and is paved with marble. In
the centre of the court is a marble tank which is about
37’7” square and near the south-eastern
corner is a sun-dial comprising an octagonal marble
pillar. The courtyard is surrounded by cloisters on
its three sides (north, east and south) which is about
11’ deep. The western side is occupied by the
prayer chamber. The arcaded cloister is composed of
twelve sided pillars and cusped arches. The cloister
is protected by a chhajja on its three sides.
The main entrance to the mosque was provided on the
eastern side, which is larger and beautiful than the
subsidiary gates. This was approached by two staircases.
Externally this gateway is made of red sandstone, but
internally it is made of marble. Two more subsidiary
gates were provided in the middle of the southern and
northern cloister. Both gateways have an arched entrance
and they were crowned by three square chhatris.
The marble prayer chamber on the western side is about
159’ x 56’ and is three aisles deep with
an arcade of seven arches. Out of the twenty-one bays
of the chamber only three have vaulted soffits whereas
others are spanned by horizontal beams.
In the interior a beautifully carved and inlaid mihrab
has been provided on the western wall. Six niches have
also been provided on the western wall corresponding
to the arches of the façade. The pulpit has four steps,
instead of the usual three. On either side’s chambers
for the women worshippers was provided. They were connected
to the main hall by screen of marble lattice work.
The arcade was protected by a chhajja and above the
parapet seven beautiful square chhatris was provided.
At each corner of the prayer chamber an octagonal tower
crowned by a marble cupola was provided. Similar towers
were also provided on the north-eastern and south-eastern
corners of the open marble courtyard in front of the
mosque. Three graceful bulbous domes crown the prayer
chamber. The central dome was a little larger and higher
than the other two. The entablature over the front row
of arches bears a long Persian inscription in Nastaliq
inlaid in black slate. |
