Diwan-i-Am, Public audience hall in Agra Fort, India.
Diwan-i-Am is a spacious red sandstone hall with nine arches, three aisles, and columns topped by ceilings painted in gold. The structure's layout allows visitors to move through different sections while viewing its decorated surfaces and architectural features.
Shah Jahan built this audience hall between 1628 and 1635 within Agra Fort as a space for meeting with citizens and addressing their concerns. Its construction was part of the emperor's efforts to establish the fort as a center of imperial authority.
The elevated platform on the eastern side features a gold-plated railing that visually separated the emperor from those seeking his attention during public petitions. This arrangement made clear the difference in rank between the ruler and the visitors approaching him.
The hall is reached through the Amar Singh Gate entrance of Agra Fort, and visitors should know that admission rates differ for domestic and international tourists. The open layout makes it easy to walk through and view the entire space from multiple angles.
Hidden marble windows on both sides of the emperor's platform allowed members of the royal family to observe proceedings without being visible to the public. These openings show how privacy was maintained for the imperial household during formal occasions.
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