Anguri Bagh

Anguri Bagh, Agra Overview

Centrally situated in the premises of Khas Mahal, Anguri Bagh was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1637. As the name suggests, Khas Mahal (or Aramgah- i - Muqaddasa) was constructed for the emperor as his exalted place of leisure and rest, to suit his taste. Besides the several other additions in the palace, the main part consists of a hall with recess and rooms in a surrounding semicircular pattern and a huge courtyard in the front with tanks, fountains and hammams overlooking a spectacular garden which is- Anguri Bagh. The hammams or the imperial baths were used by the royal women to spend time in complete privacy, to relax and to socialize, and the paradise garden right in front was designed as the idea for their pleasant retreat.

This sprawling charbagh (four complex compartment) styled garden is flecked with intricate geometrical patterns. Originally popular for thick creepers of grapes- their cultivation and harvesting, the garden accurately came to be called as the Garden of Grapes (Anguri Bagh). The surrounding structure is composed of fine white marble which was initially painted and gilded in gold and was adorned with exquisite beautiful paintings. It is believed that back in olden times the garden had lush green vineyards of choicest and juiciest grapes, and was prettified with beautiful water fountains and small artificial cascades. If touring Agra Fort, this is a must visit spot for insightful exploration of the Mughal history.