Diwan-i-Khas

Diwan-i-Khas is the Hall of Private Audience located inside the UNESCO World Heritage Agra Fort in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. Built in white marble by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan around 1636-1637, it served for private meetings with courtiers and dignitaries. Notable for its intricate pietra dura inlay, double columns, and ornate marble work, it once housed the famed Peacock Throne and overlooks the Yamuna River near the Taj Mahal.

Visitors enter Diwan-i-Khas as part of the Agra Fort circuit, after passing through the fort's gates and courtyards. The hall is an open-sided white marble pavilion with double columns, scalloped arches, and detailed pietra dura floral inlay. Inside, visitors can see the marble interior, ornate pillars, and views toward Musamman Burj and the Yamuna River. The space is explored on foot with guided tours and photography, alongside other fort structures like Diwan-i-Am and Jahangiri Mahal.

Diwan-i-Khas was constructed by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in 1636-1637 within Agra Fort as the hall for private audiences with nobles, ambassadors and high officials, distinct from the public Diwan-i-Am. Built entirely in white marble with pietra dura decoration, it is noted for housing the jewel-encrusted Peacock Throne before it was moved to Delhi. Agra Fort, including this hall, was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 as an outstanding example of Mughal architecture.

The hall represents the refined Mughal architectural style under Shah Jahan, showcasing white marble construction, floral pietra dura inlay and balanced proportions. As part of Agra Fort, it illustrates Mughal court culture and ceremonial practices and remains a significant heritage attraction for visitors studying Mughal art and architecture.