Diwan-i-Am

Diwan-i-Am is the Hall of Public Audience located inside the UNESCO World Heritage Agra Fort in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan between 1628 and 1634, it served as the court where the emperor addressed the general public and heard petitions. The large pillared hall with white lime plaster and red sandstone columns is notable for its Mughal architecture and its historic Peacock Throne alcove.

Visitors enter Diwan-i-Am as part of the Agra Fort complex through the Amar Singh Gate. The hall is a large open pillared structure with three aisles, red sandstone columns with white shell plaster, and a raised throne alcove (Takht-i-Murassa) at the southern end where the emperor sat. The courtyard in front is spacious and offers views of other fort structures. Visitors can walk around the hall, view the throne balcony, take photographs, and join guided tours explaining its function and architecture.

Diwan-i-Am was constructed by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan between 1628 and 1634 after he ascended the throne. It replaced an earlier structure built by Akbar and served as the hall where the emperor held public audiences, met officials, and heard grievances of common people. The raised alcove housed the famed Peacock Throne before it was moved to Delhi by Shah Jahan. It is an integral part of Agra Fort, which was built primarily by Akbar from 1565 onwards and later expanded by his successors.

Diwan-i-Am represents classical Mughal court architecture and the administrative tradition of public audience (Jharokha Darshan). Its design with open pillared halls, intricate stucco work and imperial balcony reflects the blend of Persian and Indian architectural styles. As part of Agra Fort, it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remains a significant example of Mughal heritage and craftsmanship.