Editor’s Note of Agra Fort, Rakab Ganj

Agra Fort, located in Agra near Taj Mahal is also known as Lal Qila or Red Fort of Agra. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site. One of the most important forts of the country, some of the great Mughal rulers like Babar, Humayun, Akbar, Jehangir, Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb lived here. This imposing monument that was constructed in eight years is built of red sandstone and is surrounded by a deep moat that was once filled with water of Yamuna. Though the Mughal emperor Akbar had built it mainly as a military centre, it was under Shahjahan's rule that the fort became more of a mini city. The fort which is semi-circular plan has its chord lying parallel to the river, while its walls are seventy feet high. Four gates were provided on the four sides of the Agra Fort with one Khizri gate opening on to the river. Two of the fort's gates, the 'Delhi Gate' and the 'Lahore Gate' are worth mentioning. The Lahore Gate is also popularly known as the Amar Singh Gate, while the Delhi Gate is known for its impressive structure. Some of the Islamic decorations housed here include haraam, forbidden, images of living creatures like dragons, elephants and birds, instead of the usual patterns and calligraphy. Signifying the glorious aura of the Mughals and the skillfulness of their artisans, this fort is sprawled across an area of 94 acres of land and at present houses about two dozens of monuments. One of the most well-visited forts of the city by Indian and foreign tourists alike, Agra Fort remains open daily from 6 AM to 5:30 PM. Citizens of India and SAARC and BIMSTEC countries can visit this monument for a cost of Rs. 10, while the cost per head for other foreign nationals is Rs. 250 per head.