On our third day in India we visited the Red Fort in Agra. The various buildings within this sprawling fort complex represent the assimilation of different cultures, which was the mark of the Mughal period. Akbar was the third Mughal emperor and. He was crowned the Mughal ruler in 1556 at the age of 14, when his father Humayan died suddenly. Akbar began the construction of this massive fort made of red sandstone on the banks of the Yamuna in 1565. The fort was ready by 1571, though additions were made up until the rule of Shahjahan, who was Akbar’s grandson. It mainly served a military purpose, but also served as a palace and court.

Walking through the different eras of residency in the fort was preceded by both anticipation infused with the longing to linger in the moment. While learning about the carvings and patterns in the walls, the ceilings, the floors, our group of quilters saw familiar quilt patterns as well as inspiration for new fabrics and quilt tops.

After arriving at the outer edge, we saw the Taj Mahal through the smokey fog in the distance.

In another room, when someone committed a crime and went before the emperor for sentencing, an elephant was called three times from the corner. If the elephant did not come and trample him, the person was considered meant to live and set free.

On our way out we saw a family of monkeys climbing the tower. They has the best view of anyone!