Musamman Burj, Octagonal tower in Agra Fort, India.

Musamman Burj is an octagonal marble tower beside Shah Jahan's Diwan-e-Khas in Agra Fort, built between 1631 and 1640. Its walls carry pietra dura inlay, its marble lattices form ornamental niches, and a marble dome tops the chamber. A verandah with a carved fountain in the centre surrounds it, and the tower looks out over the Yamuna River toward the Taj Mahal.

Construction of the tower took place between 1631 and 1640 under Shah Jahan, replacing an earlier marble palace from Emperor Akbar's era. The new structure reflected the ruler's redesign of the fort according to his own vision.

The marble lattice screens and ornamental niches let the women of the court look out over the Yamuna and the fort without being seen. The chamber's pietra dura walls and central carved fountain belong to the same courtly setting. The tower is also called Saman Burj or Shah-burj.

Access to the tower is through the fort's main entrance, with upper levels reached by climbing stone stairs inside. Wear comfortable shoes for the stairs and allow time to explore each level carefully.

Shah Jahan was held captive here by his son Aurangzeb and died in the tower in 1666, gazing at the Taj Mahal. His favourite daughter Jahanara Begum stayed with him during those final years.