Information on Kanch Mahal (Agra, Uttar Pradesh) - History & Architecture

Kanch Mahal is a lovely Mughal memorial which is located near Akbar's Tomb at Sikandra in Uttar Pradesh. Initially, Kanch Mahal was served as a palace for royal women. Throughout the sovereignty of Jahangir, the memorial was also used as hunting lodge for royal people. Created between 1605 to 1619, Kanch Mahal is presently become a ruined place and is administered by the Department of Archaeology.

Kanch Mahal Architecture

Kanch Mahal demonstrates the domestic architecture of Mughal. It is a two storeyed building, having a central hall. The central hall is rectangular shaped and is covered by a curved soffit. Every corner of the hall possesses four square shaped rooms with two openings for airing. The central hall of Kanch Mahal is featured with octagonal double columns, which is based on a raised plinth on two sides of the hall. The hall opened on north and south side in four-sided central concierges. Effectively organised and aired, Kanch Mahal was a beautiful modification of typical Mughal design.

Kanch Mahal is positioned within little distance of the eastern side of primary entrance of Akbar's Tomb. It was created by using stonework. The interiors of the building is beautifully painted and the exteriors are imprinted with red stonework. It was formerly surrounded by a garden with usual walkways, waterways and reservoirs. Two stairways in four corners of the palace lead to the second storey of the building. The second storey has sequence of halls and rooms which resemble to the ground plan. The complex below window is not only open and ventilated, but also bequeath upon the respective frontage of consistently beautiful impression. They are all interrelated through short narrow passageways.

The northern and southern frontages of Kanch Mahal were originally identical, each possessing an extensive, reflective and splendid central portal, ascending almost the full altitude of the building. The eastern and western frontages of Kanch Mahal were also identical with northern and southern frontages, where each possessing a first floor, overlooking the arch and opened towards the corner room. The northern frontage has been designed very discerningly. The architecture has taken way out to a system of cladding of the entire mural surface to work out parallel and perpendicular zones, each treated individualistically with flawless design. At present, only the northern frontage of Kanch Mahalis in good shape.

Kanch Mahal History

No specific historical events are related with Kanch Mahal. As stated above, Kanch Mahal was established between the periods of 1605 to 1609. Due to the unique position of the palace, i.e. near the regal highway between Agra and Delhi, the palace fell easily to the destruction of invading forces along with rebellious populaces. As a consequence, most of its lovely constructions, especially the southern frontage which face the highway has been devastated during the corrupt era of late Mughal rulers. For certain period of time, Kanch Mahal was under the control of 'Church Missionary Society'. However, at later phase, the palace was acquired, reinstated and preserved by the Department of Archaeology.

Kanch Mahal Tourism Importance

Kanch Mahal is a beautiful monument which is well-regarded by various travellers who came across Uttar Pradesh. The design of the building is excellent and exceptional and it is also regarded as one of the most elaborately finished creations of classical Mughal period which makes the place worth visiting. Furthermore, travellers can also enjoy its interiors of Kanch Mahal which is decorated with sophisticated glaze and thus, can make them truly amazed.