Photograph of the Gate at Agra Fort by Felice Beato, India, 1858-60.

The name ‘The Delhi Gate’ is often used as a generic term for two successive entrances which lead into the Fort. It is more correctly used when referring to a much smaller gateway which is infront of the imposing one in this photograph. This structure is known as the ‘Hathi Pol’ or Elephant gate. The clarity of the image is such that it is possible to see the brickwork and carvings in the red sandstone façade and white marble decoration. In the middle of the photograph, just by the doorway are two men who give a sense of scale to the building.

This photograph was initially part of the photographic collection held in the National Art Library. The markings on the mount are an indication of the history of the object, its movement through the museum and the way it is categorised.
The mount is green with a white label with the title on the top right hand side.

Beato was in India from January 1858 to February 1860. It is not clear when he was in Delhi during this period.

The name ‘The Delhi Gate’ is often used as a generic term for two successive entrances which lead into the Fort. It is more correctly used when referring to a much smaller gateway which is infront of the imposing one in this photograph. This structure is known as the ‘Hathi Pol’ or Elephant gate. This was the principal entrance into the Fort which was built between 1565-1571 during the reign of the emperor Akbar (1556-1605). The imposing nature of the building is demonstrated by the two men near the doorway who give a sense of scale.

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