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Diwan-I-Am: Hall of Public Audience

Experience the grandeur of the Mughal Empire at Diwan-I-Am in Agra Fort, where emperors once addressed the public.

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Diwan-I-Am, or the Hall of Public Audience, is a majestic hall within Agra Fort, built by Shah Jahan in the 1630s. Here, the Mughal emperor addressed the general public and listened to their grievances, showcasing the grandeur of the Mughal era.

A brief summary to Diwan-I-Am

  • 52HC+JX2, Unnamed Road, Agra, Agra Fort, Rakabganj, Uttar Pradesh, 282003, IN
  • +9118002008335

Local tips

  • Explore the rest of Agra Fort to see other stunning Mughal architecture.
  • Hire a local guide to learn more about the history and significance of Diwan-I-Am.
  • Visit during the winter months for pleasant weather and optimal sightseeing conditions.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Agra Fort railway station, exit and turn left onto the main road. Walk approximately 1 kilometer until you reach the entrance to Agra Fort. Once inside the fort, follow the signs for Diwan-I-Am, which is about 500 meters from the entrance.

  • Public Transport

    Buses are available to Agra Fort. Bijli Ghar is the closest bus stand, a few hundred meters from the fort. From there, you can walk or take an auto-rickshaw or e-rickshaw to the fort entrance. Once inside the fort, follow the signs to Diwan-I-Am, about 500 meters from the entrance. Bus fares within Agra are typically inexpensive, costing around ₹10-₹20.

  • Taxi/Auto-rickshaw

    Taxis and auto-rickshaws are readily available throughout Agra. Tell the driver you wish to go to Diwan-I-Am at Agra Fort. The driver will drop you off at the entrance. From there, it is approximately a 500-meter walk inside the fort complex to reach Diwan-I-Am. A taxi from Agra Cantt Railway Station to Agra Fort costs approximately ₹80-₹95. Auto-rickshaws are cheaper, but make sure to negotiate the fare beforehand.

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Discover more about Diwan-I-Am

Diwan-I-Am, located within the UNESCO-recognized Agra Fort, served as the Hall of Public Audience during the Mughal Empire. Constructed in the 1630s by Shah Jahan, this grand hall was where the emperor addressed the general public and nobility, listening to their concerns and conducting court. The hall's architecture is a blend of Persian and Indian styles, originally built with red sandstone and later plastered with white shell paste to resemble white marble. The expansive hall measures 201' by 67' and features a flat roof divided into three sections with rows of decorated columns. The ceilings and columns were adorned with gold. At the center of the eastern side, a marble canopy marked the location of the emperor's throne. Royal ladies could observe the proceedings from behind lattice marble windows, remaining unseen. A marble dais nearby served as the seat for the Wazir, who presented petitions to the emperor. Diwan-I-Am was the first of its kind commissioned by Shah Jahan and served as a prototype for similar structures in other Mughal forts. Though damaged during British rule, restoration efforts have revived some of its former splendor. Today, visitors can explore this historical landmark and appreciate the intricate carvings and marble inlays, experiencing the opulence of the Mughal era.

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