Fatehpur Sikri in India

Location: 37 Kms from Agra
Architecture: Mughal Architecture
Built in: 1571 - 1585
Built by: Mughal EmperorAkbar

37 kms from Agra is built a city predominantly in Red Sandstone and is called Fatehpur Sikri. This town was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar. He had planned this city as his capital but shortage of water compelled him to abandon the city. After this within 20 years, the capital of Mughals was shifted to Lahore. Fatehpur Sikri was built during 1571 and 1585. Today this ghost city has a population of about 30,000. This deserted city has retained the structures and due efforts of the Archeological department much of the city has been preserved as it was built.

Fatehpur Sikri is one of the finest examples of Mughal architectural splendour at its height. Though the city is in ruins, it is a place to visit if one comes to Agra. But in real terms Fatehpur Sikri is a place where one should spend some time. The sunset over the ruins is sight to cherish. Fatehpur Sikri is the best example of the culmination of Hindu and Muslim architecture. Fatehpur Sikri Mosque is said to be a copy of the mosque in Mecca and has designs are derived from the Persian & Hindu architecture. Entrance to this mosque is through the 54 meter high Buland Darwaza, which was built in April 1575, to commemorate Akbar's victory over Gujrat. To the North of the Mosque is the Dargah of Shaikh Salim Chishti. This Dargah was built in 1570. Here, childless women come for blessings of the saint. Even Akbar was blessed with three sons, when he came here. The lattice work in the Dargah is among the finest to be found any where in India.

Palace of Jodha Bai:
This palace is wrongly ascribed to Jodha Bai, the mother of Jehangir. The Hawa Mahal is a projecting room whose walls are made entirely of stone latticework. Other places to see in Fatehpur Sikri are the Birbal Bhawan, Karawan Sarai & Hiran Minar, Palace of Christian wife, Panch Mahal, the Treasury, Diwan -i-Khas, Diwan-i-am.

Inside The Walled City
Fartehpur Sikri Among other important buildings within this walled city of Fartehpur Sikri are the tomb of Shaikh Salim Chishti, the Sufi Fakir who is said to have granted Akbar and his queen Jodhabai their wish for a son; 'Naubat'-or 'Naqqar Khana' (drum-house), 'Taksal' (mint), 'Karkhanas' (royal workshop), 'Khazana' (treasury), Hakim's quarters, Diwan-i-Am (hall of public audience), House of Maryam also called "Sunahra Makan" (Golden House), Palace of Jodh Bai, Birbal's house, etc.

Fatehpursikri, however remained capital for only a short period for it had to be abandoned due to shortage of water. Still, the major reason why visitors from all over the world throng this Mughal citadel when they come to Agra are the historical and architectural marvels situated within it. Fatehpur Sikri is unique, architecturally intriguing, the architectural grandeur of Fatehpur Sikri cannot be described in words and one can only experience the aura of its magnificent edifices by seeing them.