History of Indian and Eastern Architecture v2.c31.s3.18

v2.c31.s3.18

One of the most remarkable and characteristic of Akbar's buildings is the old or Red Palace in the Agra fort, so called from being constructed entirely of red sandstone, unfortunately not of very good quality, and consequently much of its ornament has peeled off. Though most probably erected by Akbar, it goes by the name of the Jahângîr Mahall, and lies on the south side of the Anguri Bâgh and the Khâss Mahall or Palace which is probably largely due to Shâh Jahân. The Red Palace is a square building, measuring 249 ft. by 260 ft. In the centre is a courtyard, 71 ft. by 72 ft., on either side of which are two halls facing one another. The largest, 62 ft. by 37 ft., has a flat ceiling of stone, divided into panels, and supported by struts of purely Hindû design, very similar to those used in the palaces of Mân Singh and Vikrama Shâhi at Gwâliar. Every feature around this court is indeed of pure Hindû architecture. No arches appear anywhere, but the horizontal style of construction everywhere. The ornamentation, too, which is carved on all the flat surfaces, is of a class used by Akbar, but not found in the buildings of others. Indeed, throughout this palace arches are used so sparingly, and Hindû forms and Hindû construction prevail to such an extent, that it would hardly be out of place at Chitor or Gwâliar, though it still bears that impress of vigour and originality that he and he only knew how to impress on all his works.¹