Agra fort

In the city of Agra, just 2.5 km from the Taj Mahal, there is the Red Fort - a fortress, which in the era of the Mughals was the residence of rulers. Part of the complex is still used for military purposes, so visitors are not allowed there. But without it there is still something to see.

The fortress began to be built in 1565, due to the fact that the capital from Delhi was moved to Agra on the initiative of Akbar the Great. Six years later, the fort was protected on all sides by a wall. At the beginning of the XVII century under Shah Jahan, the territory of the fort was expanded. The building history is well traced from the materials used by different rulers. Under Akbar, red sandstone with elements of marble was preferred, while Shah Jahan preferred white marble with patterns of gold and precious stones. Over time, the military purpose of the fort was lost, and gradually it became just a palace. It is called a real “city in the city”, with its own mosque, striking with its grace and harmonious proportions. No wonder it was called Moti Masjid, which means “Pearl Mosque”.

After the capital was moved back to Delhi in 1648, the Red Fort lost its importance. And in 1666, Shah Jahan, who languished in prison, died here. His son Aurangzeb, who seized power, kept his father under house arrest, and from the windows of the Red Fort Jahan for eight years with sadness contemplated his beautiful creation - the Taj Mahal. In 1803, the fort was captured by British troops.