Diwan-E-Aam, the Hall of Public Audience, stands inside Agra Fort. Shah Jahan had it built between 1628 and 1635 as a place to meet the public and hear complaints. Its broad, flat-roofed hall is divided into three sections, with colonnades and scalloped arches. Look for the raised marble throne canopy, polished white plaster over red sandstone, and floral and stone-inlay details. Stand in the centre to hear the hall’s acoustics, then continue to other sights within the fort.
A hall for public audiences
Shah Jahan built Diwan-E-Aam between 1628 and 1635. The hall gave the emperor a place to meet the public and hear complaints. Its name means Hall of Public Audience, distinguishing it from the smaller Diwan-i-Khas, where the emperor received dignitaries and aristocrats on state business.
The large hall has a flat roof and three sections. Colonnades run along three sides, framing the open space. A raised balcony marks the place where the emperor sat to meet subjects and watch events.
Red sandstone and marble details
The hall was first built in red sandstone, then coated with white shell lime plaster, which gives the surface a pale, smooth finish. Look at the symmetry of the pillars and the scalloped arches above them. The royal canopy is made of marble, with floral decoration and semi-precious stone inlay.
From the centre of the hall, clap once and listen to the sound carry through the space. Take time to inspect the carved and inlaid details, then continue through Agra Fort to nearby sights such as Sheesh Mahal and Nagina Masjid.
Perguntas frequentes
Where is Diwan-E-Aam?
It is inside Agra Fort, near Machchhi Bhawan.
Who built Diwan-E-Aam?
Shah Jahan built the hall between 1628 and 1635.
What was Diwan-E-Aam used for?
The emperor met the public there and heard complaints.
What should I look for inside the hall?
Look for the three-part layout, scalloped arches, white plaster over red sandstone and the marble throne canopy.
