Roshnara Ara Pavilion — Attraction in Agra

On either side of the Khas Mahal is an oblong pavilion with Bangla roofs and curved chhajjas or eaves. Badshah Nama mentioned these structures as Bangla and recorded that the northern one was used as Jharoka Darshan (in addition to the Shah Burj).

These pavilions are constructed in red sandstone and thoroughly stuccoed shining like white marble. The pavilions are fancifully, though wrongly called Jahan Ara and Roshan Ara (see photo below) apartments. A unique feature is the provision of white marble curtain wall (Sari-parda) which separates the main palace from these pavilions. These are divided into vertical sections each one bearing a trefoil arch. This Shah Jahani palace was an ideal medieval harem complex of the Mughal period.

The Khas Mahal (Royal palace) complex was constructed by Shah Jahan and it was meant for the ladies of the royal harem and comprised the main marble structure with its north and south pavilions the Anguri Bagh (Grape Garden) formed part of the residential quarters and the royal bath decorated with fine mirrors. The three white marble pavilions are higher than the Anguri Bagh overlooking the river stand on a marble terrace.

The colonnade or portico, which is of the same size as the inner hall has five arched openings in front of and three each side having flat roofs. Above the painted dado panels are carved and painted with floral designs particularly with poppy flowers. The three archways lead to the inner hall and opposite them are three windows overlooking the river. The roofs of the gallery and hall are of plain marble, but according to Abdul Hamid Lahauri these were profusely decorated and painted in gold and colours originally and some of the traces found in the hall support the view of the contemporary historian.

The walls have a number of deep niches, which have been decorated with the portraits of Mughal Emperors from Timur to Akbar and Jahangir, which were taken away by the Jats in 1761-1774.

The iron rings in the ceiling of the hall were evidently meant to suspend chandeliers.

The big tank in the centre of the platform measures about 13 m. by 9 m. externally, which has a red sandstone bed with five fountains and thirty two jets. The zig zag inlay of the escape channel from it known as pusht-i-mahi (back of the fish) a popular design of the Mughals from the time of Emperor Babur. The fountain creates a rainbow into the atmosphere when the fountains are played with...

Historical place. Roshanara Begum (3 September 1617 – 11 September 1671)[1] was a Mughal princess and the second daughter of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan and his chief consort, Empress Mumtaz Mahal. Roshanara was a brilliant woman, a talented poet, the mastermind behind her brother, Aurangazeb's accession to the Mughal throne and, by the time of her death in 1671, one of the most notorious women in the Mughal Empire. Roshanara's rise to power began when she successfully foiled a plot by her father and Dara Shikoh to kill Aurangzeb. According to history, Shah Jahan sent a letter of invitation to Aurangzeb to visit Delhi, in order to peacefully resolve the family crisis. In truth, however, Shah Jahan planned to capture, imprison and kill Aurangazeb in prison as he viewed his third son as a serious threat to the throne. When Roshanara got wind of her father's plots, she sent a messenger to Aurangzeb, outlining their father's true intentions, and warning Aurangazeb to stay away from Delhi.Aurangazeb was extremely grateful to Roshanara for her timely warning. When the war of succession was resolved in favour of Aurangzeb, she quickly became a powerful figure at court. Fearing that Dara Shikoh would kill her for her role in the war of succession if he ever returned to power, Roshanara insisted that Aurangazeb order Dara's execution. Legend has it that Dara was bound in chains, paraded around Chandni Chowk and beheaded. Roshanara then had his bloody head wrapped in a golden turban, packaged neatly and sent to her father as a gift from Aurangzeb and her. Shah Jahan, who opened the package just as he was sitting down to dinner, was so distressed by the sight of his favorite son's head that he fell unconscious to the floor. He remained in a stupor for many days after...

The Roshnara Ara Pavilion, located within Agra Fort, is a lesser-known yet intriguing part of the fort's extensive complex. Constructed during the Mughal era, this pavilion is named after Roshnara Begum, the daughter of Emperor Shah Jahan and sister of Emperor Aurangzeb. It reflects the Mughal taste for elegant and functional architecture.

The pavilion is situated near the Diwan-i-Khas, adding to the architectural ensemble of the fort. It is characterized by its use of red sandstone and features a combination of Islamic and Persian architectural elements. The design includes a central open space with intricately carved arches and columns, offering a sense of grandeur and serenity.

One of the unique features of the Roshnara Ara Pavilion is its elevated position, providing a panoramic view of the surrounding gardens and the Yamuna River. The pavilion's layout is designed to take advantage of this scenic location, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and contemplation.

Historically, the pavilion was used as a pleasure garden and retreat space for the Mughal royals, including Roshnara Begum. Its design emphasizes comfort and aesthetic appeal, with open areas that allow for natural light and ventilation.

Today, while the Roshnara Ara Pavilion may not be as well-preserved or frequently visited as some of the other structures within Agra Fort, it remains a charming example of Mughal architectural elegance. Its historical connection and picturesque setting make it a worthwhile stop for those exploring the fort and its...