Agra: The Agra Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which attracts visitors from all over the globe.
It’s importance is underlined by the fact that it has been occupied by multiple dynasties like the Mughals, Rajputs, Jats and Marathas.
Emperor Humayun was crowned at this fort in 1530. Akbar then renovated it in 1565 and the present-day structure was completed in 1573.
But who actually built the Agra Fort?
Even the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which is under Union Ministry of Culture and has authentic information about India’s history, is not aware about who originally built the historic structure and what modifications it underwent during Akbar’s reign.
In answer to an RTI application, ASI’s Public Information Officer stated that information on who built the Agra Fort is not available with his office.
Dr Devashish Bhattacharya, a resident of Agra’s Kalibari, asked for the information on Agra Fort under the Right to Information Act on May 27.
The questions asked were — who erected the Agra Fort originally; what alterations did Emperor Akbar make; before construction of Agra Fort, what work was done there and history of Badalgarh Fort.
Mahesh Chand Meena, Central Public Information Officer of ASI Agra Circle, responded that no information on the questions asked is available in the office.
“It’s odd that the record isn’t available at ASI’s Agra Circle. The information should be available with the ASI, and the lack of this information with the ASI is serious. It is beyond comprehension what problem the ASI has with stating the historical facts about the fort,” said Dr Bhattacharya, who subsequently filed an appeal with the ASI’s appellate officer.
