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.
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