New Delhi: Agra is known for its Taj Mahal, and understandably so. The ivory-white tomb on the banks of the Yamuna River is the best example of Islamic architecture in India. If we go beyond the Taj Mahal, it can be said that the city is famous for its fort, which was the Mughal Empire’s imperial seat before the advent of the Ref Fort in Delhi. But there are several lesser-known monuments in the first capital of the Mughals which can evoke a sense of awe. One of them is the Kanch Mahal, a forgotten hunting lodge.
When was the Kanch Mahal founded?
It is believed that the Kanch Mahal was constructed around 1609. It was meant to be Mughal Emperor Jahangir’s hunting lodge and also acted as a resort for royal women which is evident from the ornamental design on the structure. The palace was surrounded by gardens which had water bodies and causeways.
The beauty of the Kanch Mahal
It won’t be an exaggeration to say that the Kanch Mahal is one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture in India. The palace is decorated by exquisite inlaid mosaic work and glazed blue, green and orange tiles on the friezes and roofs which have increased the beauty of the structure manifold. It was this tile work that gave the place the name Kanch Mahal.
The walls of the mansion are covered with plaster adorned by intricately carved red stones. The stones have sunk circular niches with designs of arabesques, floral creepers, geometrical shapes and wine vases. One can go to the central hall through an oblong doorway framed with carved wood.
It is a two-storey palace with a covered, square hall in the centre. There is a square room on each of the four sides of the palace. It has two openings for fresh air and sunlight, and all of its four square-shaped rooms have spacious balconies and jharokhas for ample ventilation. The balconies are topped by faceted cupolas inlaid with polychrome tiles, many of which survive. On two sides of the central hall, there are octagonal pillars which work as pedestals for the piers on the upper storey. The structure is located near Akbar’s Tomb and began to fall into a state of ruins with the decline of the Mughal Empire. It was taken over by the Church Missionary Society for maintenance. Later, the Department of Archaeology acquired, restored and conserved it.
It is believed that the Kanch Mahal was constructed around 1609. It was meant to be Mughal Emperor Jahangir’s hunting lodge and also acted as a resort for royal women. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
