Moti Mahal

Todarmal ka kila nearly 500 years old( since 1590AD) ,popurlarly known as Moti mahal is situated on the banks of river Ganga, where the old GT road crossed Ganga.It was built as a vantage point to control the revenue from goods movement. It was ransacked by the British at the time of mutiny and its six defensive gates were blasted down by gunpower and the innermost gate still exists,probably because it was the only one open at that time.The surviving family fled to Etawah and returned back in 1950 and have continued to live here since.It is believed that a tunnel connects Akbar's fort to this one. During the family's absence,the fort has been encroached upon. The Britishers occupied and made additions and alterations.It is partially used now for residential and administrative purposes.The architectural style being early mughal,the entrance to the court is from west as one climbs away from the riverbank facing away from the river. About 10000 Sq.ft is constructed area ,that had housed soldiers,their horses,residences and offices.Facing the river it has a basement,a stable at ground level and residential area stepped a littleback ,unapproachable from above the stable. In its southeast corner,a temple of ganesha stands,which traces its beginning to the vedic period.The fort is a load bearing structure with combination of Trabeated and Arcuated system with its wall constructed of local stone.lakhori bricks with lime mortar is also used.Its flooring is of local available stone and flat roofs are of single piece of 16ft long ,1.5ft thick and 2 ft wide stones.The supporting girders at some places are of stone .Currently the fort is in danger of disappearance and needs good conservation for its further existence.