Akbar’s Fort, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Mughal Emperor Akbar was very well aware about the religious and strategic importance of Prayagraj. In view of his multi-dimensional approach, Emperor Akbar built a magnificent fort at Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj. The construction of this fort was completed between 1571 AD and 1583 AD which is considered the foundation year according to the ASI findings. This city was named Allahabas or Ilhabas, which later became Allahabad. This grand fort is a symbol of the pride of the Mughal Empire and a splendid example of Mughal architecture. Some people believe that Akbar built this fort in this area to collect pilgrimage tax, this belief is factless and baseless because Emperor Akbar had abolished pilgrimage tax in 1563 AD itself.
This fort is built with sandstone, it shows Mughal architecture and skillful workmanship and it’s located on the bank of river Yamuna close to the merger of holy rivers. The walls of this fort are huge and extremely strong. Entry gates and security posts are part of the defense system. Tourists can get an idea of the grandeur of this fort just by looking at the outer walls and decorated elements. This fort appears to be multi-storeyed. The outer wall has beautiful hanging balconies supported by stone brackets, overlooking the Sangam and the rivers. The wall is provisioned with circular bastion-like structures and corners with an octagonal structure built with decorated hanging balconies supported by stone brackets. In some parts of the wall hanging balconies are added probably by the British.
No one seems to have been responsible for the care and maintenance of the fort’s barbican. Trees, creepers and plants have grown at various places, which are damaging this heritage. One had to be content to see the outer wall only of the fort. Tourists should appeal to the Ministry of Culture to open this heritage to the general public and the responsibility of this heritage should be handed over to the ASI.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/vVXMmobMHwFuXHUy9