Sunday, September 21, 2008

The Red Forts of Agra and Delhi

A very warm welcome to my blog.

I continue with photos from my trip to Delhi. I visited the Red Fort in Delhi and the one in Agra.


Both fascinating and beautiful.

The Delhi Red Fort was constructed by the Murghal Emperor Sha Jahan in 1693. The one in Agra is much older and is the most important fort in India. It is first mentioned in 1080.

The Sha Jahan lived there and was also imprisoned there by one of his sons. The Sha could see his beloved Taj Mahal from the Fort. He died there, still a prisoner.

This first photo shows the main entrance to the Delhi Red Fort, Lahore Gate.

In a couple of weeks I'll put up some photos of other great places in Delhi.

See you then

Alan
















Diwan-i-Am (Hall of Public Audience).
The Mughal Emperor sat on a marble
throne here














Pearl Mosque (left) Royal Hammams (centre)
and Diwan-i-Khas (right)
















Pearl Mosque (Moti Masjid)
















Diwan-i-Khas interior (Hall of Private Audience)
















Diwan-i-Khas - Inlay detail
















Hayat Bakhsh Bagh "life-bestowing gardens"
in the Fort
















The Khas Mahal, the Emperor's residence
















Rang Mahal (Palace of Colour).
This was the home of the Emperor's principal wife
Mumtaz Mahal, now lying in the Taj Mahal
(see the previous edition of my blog)






















Rang Mahal interior
















The Shahi Burj. Emperor Shah Jahan's personal
study and library






















Under the Shahi Burj arches















Inner gateway from the inside
















Passing through from the main gate






















Musician playing in Agra
















Main entrance to the Red Fort in Agra
















View of the Taj Mahal from just outside the Fort,
as the Sha Jahan would have seen it






















Passing through the main gate






















Happy visitors arriving from the inner gate
















Fakirs make an interesting shot
















Diwan-i-Am Palace
















Domes of Nagina Masjid mosque which was
probably for Sha Jahan's private use when
he lived there
















Looking across to the Mothi Masjid courtyard,
built by Shah Jahan for his family
and court chiefs
















Jahangiri Mahal palace,
built by Akbar for his favourite son

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Taj Mahal, Agra, India

Hello. Thanks for visiting.

This edition is dedicated to the Taj Mahal, which is often cited in lists of the 7 Wonders of the World. I had the great fortune to visit it a few weeks ago when I was in Delhi.

I think most of you will know the story of how the
Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan had it designed and built in memory of his third wife Mumtaz Mahal (Jewel of the Palace). She died while giving birth to the Shah's fourteenth child. He was also laid to rest next to his wife in the Taj Mahal when he died.

It is stunning to see. And is the most striking testimony of a man's love and devotion for a woman. Don't miss it if you get the chance to go. The story of Sha Jahan and the Mughal Empire is fascintating. Click on the links for more information if you are interested.

I hope you enjoy the photos. I took the first photo when I arrived in Agra. Two very different types of transport!

I have lots of photos to share from my trip to Delhi so do come back.

On a completely different note I went to see WALL.E last week. It is an amazing film if you like the genre. The best animation film I have ever seen. Have a look at Rotten Tomatoes for reviews. Pure genius. I am going back to see it again next week!

Alan
















Handsome little fellah
















Gateway to the Taj Mahal
















Front view. I was pretty excited at this point!

















Striking colours of Indian women is one of the
pleasures of any visit to India






















Time to go and see the Taj!





















Classic first view from the Gateway
















Me on the "Lady Diana bench".
















In all its glory
















Shame about the lack of water in the canals






















Minaret
















A doorway view from the river side
















The weather and the light began to improve.
















People looking out over the river














Sunny Taj!






















A minaret and view of the river. It is
called the Yamuna river and is the
largest tributary of the Ganges
















A moment of reflection
















Girls on the move





















Nearly time to leave :(
Wish I could stay for the sunset!

















Final picture of the Taj before dragging
myself away
















View to the left of the entrance as you come out