Moti Masjid, Agra Fort

Moti Masjid, also known as the Pearl Mosque, is a white marble mosque located inside the Agra Fort in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. Built between 1648 and 1654 by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for members of the royal court, it is renowned for its pristine white marble construction, three domes and elegant arches. Situated on the northern side of the fort complex, it exemplifies mature Mughal architecture and is a key attraction within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Agra Fort.

Visitors access Moti Masjid inside the Agra Fort complex via the fort's main entry ticket. The mosque stands on a raised plinth on the northern side of the fort, enclosed by walls with a large courtyard, prayer hall with three white marble domes, cusped arches and slender minarets. The interior is clad in white marble with simple, elegant decoration. Visitors can view the courtyard, arcades and prayer hall exterior, appreciate the contrast with the fort's red sandstone structures, and enjoy views of the fort complex surroundings.

Moti Masjid was commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and constructed between 1648 and 1654 inside Agra Fort. Intended as a private mosque for the royal court, it was built entirely of white marble at a time when Shah Jahan was also building the Taj Mahal. It represents the mature phase of Mughal architecture under Shah Jahan and is part of the Agra Fort UNESCO World Heritage Site inscribed in 1983.

Known as the Pearl Mosque for its luminous white marble appearance, Moti Masjid is an important example of Mughal religious architecture. It served the spiritual needs of the imperial household and reflects the aesthetic preference for white marble in Shah Jahan's reign. It remains a significant cultural and architectural landmark within Agra Fort visited for its artistic and historical value.