In the morning we went to the Red Fort, built by Shah Jahan in 1639 for when his capital was moved to Delhi from Agra. Surrounded by very high crenelated red sandstone walls, the Fort contains a number of buildings, mainly associated with successive Mughal emperors when the lived there. We visited:
Chatta Chowk (which means “covered bazaar” and is very unusual in Mughal architecture. It is like one Shah Jahan saw in Lahore in 1646. It was the first building we saw after entering the Red Fort through the Lahori Gate. The Chaata Chowk initially had 32 arched bays on each side which served as shops just as they do today, although the shops now sell tourist tat.
Diwan-i-Am (Hall of the Public Audience) which is where Shah Jahan, who ruled during 1628-1658, received the general public and heard their grievances. There is a marble canopy under which was placed the emperor’s throne. A marble dais below the throne was used by the Wazir (Prime Minister) for receiving petitions. The walls are unlaid with multi-coloured stones representing flowers and birds installed by a jeweller from Florence.
Khas Mahal, the Emperor’s private palace. Animal fights between lions and elephants were organised or the entertainment of royals.
Moti Masjid (the Pearl Mosque) was built by Emperor Aurangzeb for his own personal use. It was also used by the ladies of the harem.
The Hammam (Royal Baths) was used by the Mughals as a place where important business deals were enacted.
We then went to the museum which had sections on the first War of Independence in 1857, the Jalianwala Bagh Massacre with graphic pictures of the dead and dying after they were shot, and modern Indian history including Indian contributions to the First and Second World Wars.
After we toured the Red Fort it was too late to go, as planned to the Qutub Minar and Hanuman’s Tomb, so we returned to te hotel to collet our bags and met Mr Mukesh who drove us to Agra. He could not drive through the Old City where Joey’s Hostel is located, so we walked about a mile.
The Chatta Chowk
This is the Diwan-i-Am
Khas Mahal
The Ghaznian Door
The Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque)
Khas Mahal wall tiles
Khas Mahal
Khas Mahal
The Hammam
