Kanch Mahal is set near Akbar's Tomb at Sikandara. The
beautiful square monument showcases Mughal domestic architecture at its
best. One can still see the remnants of the Charbagh with its causeways,
water channels and tanks, where it was situated. According to the
belief, it was used formerly as a Mahal or Rpyal Ladies' Resort and then
as the royal Shikargah (Hunting Lodge) by Jehangir. Built sometime
between 1605 -19, it is now in ruins. Previously, it was under the
Church Missionary Society but now Department of Archaeology looks after
it. The two storeyed mansion has a central square hall roofed by a
vaulted soffit. Four square rooms with two openings for ventilation are
situated in the four corners of the building. These rooms also have
opening on two sides for the purpose of ventilation. The octagonal
double pillars on the raised plinth on two sides of the hall serve the
purpose of a pedestal for the piers on the second storey.
The use of jharokhas and gaukhs (balconies) are not merely adornments
of the various rooms but make the floor airy and open. There were two
identical facades to the north and south of the building. Only northern
façade with a massive central portal about the height of the
building has now survived. It has elaborately carved lotus bud and
fringes. Similarly facades to the east and west were identical. Brick
masonry was used in the building, which was plastered and then painted
inside while finely carved red sandstone was used outside. Carving has
been extensively used throughout the building; chief patterns being
sunkniches containing wine-vases, circular niche containing a full-blown
lotus, floral creepers, arabesque work and geometrical designs. The
inlaid mosaic work and glazed blue, green and orange tiles on the
friezes and roofs have also been used gracefully to beautify the
building. It was this tile work that lend the name of Kanch Mahal to the
place.
Read about the Kanch Mahal at Sikandra in Agra.