Agra Fort

Agra Fort is located in Agra, India. Agra Fort is one of the World Heritage sites listed by UNESCO. Agra Fort is also known as Lal Qila or Red Fort of Agra.

Agra Fort is an ancient Fort. Agra Fort was originally a brick fort. The Rajput clan of Chauhans originally built the fort before a Ghaznavide expeditionary force captured the structure. During the years from 1487 to 1517 Sikandar Lodi-the first Sultan of Delhi shifted to Agra and resided in the fort. His son and successor Ibrahim Lodi controlled the fort until he was defeated and killed at Panipat in 1526.

After the fall of the Lodis, Mughals captured Agra Fort and the treasure in the fort. Among the treasure was the priceless Kohinoor Diamond. The first Mughal emperor Babur stayed in Agra Fort. His successor Humayun was coroneted in Agra Fort. Sher Shah held Agra Fort for 5 years. The Mughals regained control of Agra Fort by defeating the Afghans at Panipat in the year 1556 AD.

Agra Fort has a strategic military advantage; and this fact was realized by the Mughal emperor Akbar. Akbar took the decision of making Agra Fort the capital of the Mughal empire; he arrived at the fort in 1558.Akbar reconstructed the fort and completed the reconstruction in 1573.

Akbar's grandson, the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan modified Agra Fort to its present structure. Agra Fort was also the site for the 1857 Indian rebellion. This rebellion ended the oligopolic reign of the East India Company and paved the path of direct ruling of India by the British.