The Khas Mahal, Agra Fort, 1911 (c)

Photograph, India, 1911 (c). From an album of photographs compiled by Colonel Sir Charles J Melliss VC (1962-1936), 1910-1912 (c).

The Khas Mahal is a white marble palace built between 1630 and 1640 within the Agra Fort. It was commissioned by the Emperor Shah Jahan for his daughters, Roshnara and Jahanara.

The Agra Fort, situated on the banks of the River Yamuna, in Uttar Pradesh, was a stronghold of the 17th Century Mughal rulers of India prior to their move to Delhi. The complex was developed by the Emperor Shah Jahan, who also commissioned the nearby Taj Mahal mausoleum. The fort was taken by the British in 1803 during the 2nd Maratha War (1803-1805). The Agra fort became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983.

Born in India, Charles John Melliss was commissioned into the East Yorkshire Regiment in 1882. Melliss transferred into the Indian Army in 1884. He served in the North West Frontier of India and East and West Africa. In 1900, serving with the West African Frontier Force, Melliss was awarded the Victoria Cross for his gallantry during the 4th Ashanti War (1900-1901). Melliss returned to the Indian Army in 1902, serving in East Africa with the 1st Bombay Grenadiers where he was injured in a lion attack.

At the time this photograph was compiled, Melliss had been serving back in India, commanding the 53rd Sikhs (Frontier Force). In 1912, Melliss was promoted to Major-General.

During World War One (1914-1918), Melliss served as a staff officer in Mesopotamia. Attached to the 6th (Poona) DIvision, Melliss was captured after the Siege of Kut. He survived illness and the terrible conditions British and Indian prisoners of war suffered during their imprisonment. Melliss retired from the Indian Army in 1920 but continued to serve as Colonel of the 53rd Sikhs from 1921 until 1934. Melliss died in 1936.