Light & Sound Show in Agra Fort
The Light and Sound Show in Agra Fort is of one hour duration. This 60 minutes treat to eyes takes place in front of Diwan-e-Aam. During the show, light is spread over all famous parts of the fort and a commentary describes the history of fort. Agra Fort is a harmonious architecture which is a blend of Islamic and other regional Indian architecture styles. Influences of Gwalior, Rajasthan, Bengal and Gujarat can be seen here. Agra Fort is situated about 200 km from Delhi and 2.5 km northwest of famous Taj Mahal. It is one of the forts built by Mughal Emperors. After the first battle of Panipat, Mughal emperor Babur owned it in 1526, but Sher Shah Suri took over it by defeating Humayun in 1530 and ruled till 1555. Humayun recaptured it in 1556. The fort remained under Jat ruler for 13 years and, thereafter, intermittently remained under the control of the Marathas and their foes. In the end, the Marathas took control over it in 1785, but it was lost by the Marathas to the British during the second Angalo Maratha war in 1803. Sultan Sikandar Lodhi felt that it will be comparatively easy to monitor Rajasthan from Agra, so he shifted capital from Delhi to Agra. But this fort was built by Akbar during 1558-1573. Emperor Akbar constructed this fort after demolishing an old Rajput fort named ‘Badalgarh’ which was in a ruined condition. After him, Jahangir made some changes to the architecture. Shah Jahan casted as per his ambitious design and Aurangzeb too used this fort differently as per his needs. Although the fort was mainly built using red sandstone but unlike Akbar, Shah Jahan made a use of white marble and other different color stones for its decorations. Shah Jahan has done many efforts to make the fort beautiful by making decorative changes to the fort.
The documentary describes the significance of Agra Fort during Light & Sound Show. Various prominent buildings within the fort and their historical, artistic and architectural importance is detailed in a lucid manner. Agra Fort doesn’t have a defensive structure. It neither consists of high ramparts nor high towers. But because of its double fortification the fort was secure. There were many reinforced gates, built in Rajput architecture style. The main attractions of this fort are as follows — Akbar Mahal which shows a clear influence of Rajput architecture; Jahangir Mahal is a double story building with many rooms – front side for male members and rear side for women. Walls and pillars are decorated with carvings, and doors and windows were such designed that the combination of sunlight and shadows remain inside it throughout the day. Its architecture was definitely inspired by Rajput architectural style. There are many chambers and courtyards in it. Khas Mahal was used by Shah Jahan as his bedroom. It has two pavilions or large halls. It was decorated in Islamic architecture style using miniature painting. Sheesh Mahal was built by Shah Jahan. Artificial light used to create multiple reflections of a single object. It is said that there was a time when walls of Sheesh Mahal was guilded with gold. Diwan-e-khas is decorated with beautiful pillars and flower designs carved on marble walls. It was also used for celebrations of dynasty people. Diwan-e-aam is open at three sides and the emperor throne is places at a height here. All public functions were held here. It was also used for musical and literary gathering. Nageena Masjid, a small mosque, was built in 1637. Moti Masjid is situated to the north of the Diwan-e-Aam. There are many pillars in the interior of mosque. The main attraction of this mosque is its front. Shivaji Darwaza is a place from where Shivaji had escaped from the prison of Aurangzeb. Ratan Singh ki Haveli was built when Jat forces had occupied this fort in 18th century. This was built in typical Hindu courtyard style and walls have Hindu symbols. From Musamman Burj, Yamuna is overlooked. Its architecture consists of miniature alcoves where small things like flower cases and other art object can be placed. A water fountain in the shape of large lotus is there in its interior. It is said that it was personally designed by Noor Jahan. It is place from where Shah Jahan used to look Taj Mahal. It is said that Shah Jahan was prisioned here by his son Aurangzeb and Shah Jahan took his last breath while looking at Taj Mahal in the memory of his beloved wife. Agra fort is listed under UNESCO world heritage site in 1983 during the 7th session
Location: Agra Fort, Rakabganj, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282003; 5.5 Kms from Agra Cantt Railway Station.
Opening days: The show is hosted every day.
Timings of the Light & Sound Show: Show takes place in Hindi and English Languages.
The timing for Hindi show is 7.00 pm to8 .00 pm
The timing for English show is 8.00 pm to 9.00 pm.
Ticket for the Light & Sound Show: For Indians INR 70 per person
For foreigners INR 200 per person
For Students INR 40 per person
Suggested Tours
1 Day Agra Day Tour from Delhi by Car