Imposing
gateways and light- hearted palaces were built in red sandstone within this
fortified city only to be abandoned a few years later. Among its many architectural
game are the places for his queens - Jodha Bai, Mariyam and his Turkish
sultana, built in varying styles, each perfect in itself. The Diwan-e-Khas
entirely unique in its concept is a tall vaulted room with an intricately
carved central pillar and capital supporting a platform that once held the
emperor's throne.
Narrow galleries link this to the corners of the room where it is believed
his ministers sat The airy panch mahal a 5 storied structure rising
in pyramidal fashion was probably used by the ladies of the court. Set
like a jewel in a courtyard of pink sandstone is the finest building
here, the marble tomb of Salim Chisti enclosed by finely carved, lacy
marble screens. The Buland Darwaza, an imposing gateway 54 m high was
built to commemorate Akbar's Aligarh the famous university town is a
center of Islamic studies. The city is also noted for its handicrafts
and metal ware.