Akbari Mahal
The ruins of Akbari Mahal (meaning Akbar's Palace) are a
testimony to the presence of the huge imperial courts surrounded by a series of
spacious chambers. Set between Jehangiri Mahal and Bengali Burj, it was once
part of a larger palace complex and was used for residential purposes. Built
between 1565-69, it had a large stone paved courtyard enclosed on all sides by
suites and chambers. One can still see the few suites on the eastern side of
the courtyard that have survived the rigors of time. One could enter it through
the gateway on the western side, which was so designed that it ensured complete
purdah and security for the women in the harem. There was a great Assembly hall
with a high ceiling on the lower storey, which can still be seen but the upper
storey is completely in ruins. It also had a hall with triple opening on the
riverside.
The Bengali Burj to its southeast has a spacious square hall
with arched aisles. It has a domed ceiling and chevron design grace the
nook-shafts of the arches. The Akbari Baoli near Burj is actually a well with
five rows of rooms round it and steps leading to the water. Built in red
sandstone, the palace complex uses simple carvings and architectural features
as the chief ornamentation techniques. Architects introduced flat ceilings and
brackets that could take place of pillars in the structure. The palace complex
could accommodate a large number of people and had adequate arrangements for
water supply.
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