Akbari Mahal in Agra fort is an important monument in Agra. Find more on the Akbari mahal in Agra fort.

Akbari Mahal

The ruins of Akbari Mahal (meaning Akbar's Palace) are a testimony to the presence of the huge imperial courts surrounded by a series of spacious chambers. Set between Jehangiri Mahal and Bengali Burj, it was once part of a larger palace complex and was used for residential purposes. Built between 1565-69, it had a large stone paved courtyard enclosed on all sides by suites and chambers. One can still see the few suites on the eastern side of the courtyard that have survived the rigors of time. One could enter it through the gateway on the western side, which was so designed that it ensured complete purdah and security for the women in the harem. There was a great Assembly hall with a high ceiling on the lower storey, which can still be seen but the upper storey is completely in ruins. It also had a hall with triple opening on the riverside.

The Bengali Burj to its southeast has a spacious square hall with arched aisles. It has a domed ceiling and chevron design grace the nook-shafts of the arches. The Akbari Baoli near Burj is actually a well with five rows of rooms round it and steps leading to the water. Built in red sandstone, the palace complex uses simple carvings and architectural features as the chief ornamentation techniques. Architects introduced flat ceilings and brackets that could take place of pillars in the structure. The palace complex could accommodate a large number of people and had adequate arrangements for water supply.