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Fast Facts
Built In 1571-1585
Built By Akbar
Architecture Persian-Hindu
Tucked away at a distance of 40km. from Agra, the city of Fatehpur
Sikri is an imperial city built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar
between 1571 and 1584. Fatehpur Sikri is the landmark example
of the magnificent grandeur that was the Mughal architecture.
Today this deserted city has a population of about 30,000. Most
of the old structures are still standing witnessing the ravages
of Time, thanks to the untiring efforts of the Archaeological
department.
History
Legend has it that Akbar went on a pilgrimage to the great
Sufi saint, Sheik Salim Chisti, to seek his blessings with the
desire of having a child. Later, when a son -- later to be known
as Jahangir -- was born to him, Akbar built this new capital
to celebrate his birth. Dedicated to his patron saint Sheikh
Salim Chisti, Fatehpur Sikri remained his imperial capital for
fifteen years.But, later, shortage of water forced him to abandon
the city
Features
Though the general layout of the buildings conform to the Islamic
style of architecture, the main palaces, with their ornate columns,
arches and carving style boast of a strong Hindu style in general
and that of Gujarat and Rajasthan in particular.
- Diwan-I-Am
The Diwan-I-Am or the Hall Of Public Audience was used for celebrations
and public prayers. Cloisters from three sides meet in a rectangular
courtyard. A pavilion with the Emperor's throne lies to the
west.
- Diwan-khana-I-khaas
To the right is an apparently looking two storeyed building,
with corner kiosks, known as Diwan-khana-I-khaas or Hall Of
Private Audience has a single vaulted chamber with a profusely
carved column supporting a collosal-bracketed capital in the
center. Four narrow route issue from the centre extending to
each corner of the chamber.
- Turkish Sultana's
House,
The Turkish Sultana's house, to the left of the Pachisi Board,
was a pavilion for repose, attached to the pool, as its location
at the corner of Anup Talao indicates.
- Palace of Jodha
Bai
To the left of the Sunehra Makan lies the largest and the most
important building in the royal palace, named after Akbar's
Rajput wife, Jodha Bai. This spacious palace enjoyed the privacy
and security of high walls and a 9 metre guarded gate to the
east.
- Hawa Mahal And Nagina
Masjid
Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds is a small-screened wind tower
facing the garden and attached to the palace.
- Sunehra Makan
Opposite to the Diwan-I-Khas is the palace of Akbar's Rajput
wife, Mariam-Uz-Zamani. Richly embellished in gold murals in
Persian style, this two-storeyed building has inscriptions of
verses by Akbar's brother, Faizi.
- Panch Mahal
This elegant five-storeyed pavilion, houses floors smaller than
the one below and rising to a single domed kiosk on top.
- Dargah Of Sheikh
Salim Chisti
This Dargah, built in 1570, is the legendary place where childless
Akbar was blessed with sons. It also features some of the finest
lattice work in India.
- The Jami Masjid
One of the largest mosques in India, it has inside the Jammat
Khana Hall and the tomb of the royal ladies. To the left of
the Jami Masjid is the Stone Cutters' mosque, the oldest place
of worship at Fateh Pur Sikri.
- Buland Darwaza
This gate can be approached from the outside by a 13-metre flight
of steps. The gate, built in 1602 AD to celebrate Akbar's victory
over Deccan, is the highest and the most magnificent gateway
in India and features among the biggest in the world.
Don't Miss
Don't miss Akbar's private chamber including the emperor's
library in Daulat khana-I-khas.
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