Fatehpur Sikri

Introduction:
Once the capital of Great Mughal emperor Akbar, Fatehpur Sikri is now counted among one of the most visited UNESCO World Heritage Monument. Positioned just 37 km from Agra, Fatehpur Sikri is city predominantly built of red sandstone. Emperor Akbar has constructed this city during 1571 and 1585 A.D, to show his gratitude to Sufi saint Sheikh Salim Chisti whose blessings has helped Akbar to gain immense pleasure of being a father.

Akbar has ruled his empire from this city for approximately 12 years. But, later on due to scarcity of water and administrative reasons, Emperor Akbar has left this city and shifted his capitol to Lahore. Fatehpur sikri, is now a deserted city that still contains many surviving relics of glorious Mughal era.

Thanks to the toilsome efforts of Archaeological Department of India, the old structures that are built during Mughal period are still in good state.

Architectural Significance of Fatehpur Sikri:
Fatehpur Sikri is an ideal exemplar of Hindu-Muslim architectural fusion. This red sand stone monument has various royal palaces which reflects Gujrati and Rajasthani architectural styles, using ornate columns, fanciful jali work, intricate carvings and surface ornamentation. The palaces that are available inside the Fatehpur Sikri are largely a sequence of connected rectangular courtyards.

Important Buildings In Fatehpur Sikri:
This architectural masterpiece is an amalgamation of various exquisitely designed monuments, which are true specimens of Mughal architectural splendor. Some of the beautiful monuments that are available within the territory of Fatehpur Sikri are

Diwan-I-Aam: Diwan-I-Aam or the Hall of Public Audience is the building where Emperor Akbar used to listen the problems of his subjects. It was also used for celebrations and public prayers. It has cloisters on three sides of a rectangular courtyard. To the west is a pavilion with the Emperor’s throne. Beautiful jali screen are used on either sides so that ladies of the royal family could attend the court keeping themselves in veil.

Diwan-Khana-I-Khas: Diwan-Khana-I-Khaas or Hall of Private Audience is a two storey building, with corner kiosks. It is located at the right side. There is only a single vaulted chamber inside this building. At the centre of the hall, there stands a profusely carved column supporting a collosal-bracketed capital. Four narrow causeways project from the centre and run to each corner of the chamber. It is believed that Akbar’s throne occupied the circular space over the capital and the corners were assigned to the four ministers.

Palace of Jodha Bai: As the name suggest, this is the palace of Akbar's Rajput wife, Jodha Bai. It is the largest and the most important building in Fatehpur Sikri. Located to the left of the Sunhera Makan, this palace is highly guarded. This spacious palace has high walls and a 9 metre guarded gate to the east. It is embellished with Hindu style of columns and Muslim cupolas.

Hawa Mahal and Nagina Masjid:Hawa Mahal, the palace of Winds, is constructed to the right of the Jodha Bai's palace. This small-screened wind tower faces the garden and is attached to the palace. The garden is laid out in the Char Bagh style with straight walls intersecting at right angles and divided by shallow channels.

The Jami Masjid: This mosque of Fatehpur Sikri is regarded as one of the largest mosque in India. It was build in 1571 A.D and said to be the copy of main mosque at Mecca. It architectural design displays exclusively Muslim derivation. A vast congregational courtyard is built inside Jami Masjid. To the right, at the corner, is the Jammat Khana Hall and next to this is the tomb of the royal ladies. The mosque of Stone Cutters’, the oldest place of worship at Fatehpur Sikri, is built at the left side of Jami Masjid. The main entrance to the Jama Masjid is in the eastern side known as the Buland Darwaza.

Bulund Darwaza: Bulund Darwaza, constructed around 1576 A.D, is the highest and grandest gateway in India and also regarded as the one of the biggest in world. It was erected to commemorate the triumph of Emperor Akbar over Gujrat. It can be approached from the outside by a 13m flight of steps which adds to its grandeur.

Dargah of Sheikh Salim Chisti: This dargah of Salim Chisti is positioned to the north of Jama Masjid. Childless women from various parts of country comes here to seek the blessings of the Sufi saint Sheikh Salim Chisti. Even Akbar was blessed with a son, when he came here. So, to show his gratitude, the great Mughal emperor Akbar has constructed this dargah in the year 1570 A.D. This dargah is embellished with finest lattice work in the entire country.

Beside them some other beautiful monuments that are built in Fatehpur Sikri are Daulat-Khana-I-Khas,Turkish Sultana's House, The treasury, Sunhera Makan, Panch Mahal, Birbal Palace, Karawan Serai and Hiran Minar.

Things To Do In Fatehpur Sikri:
Sight-Seeing Activity: The sight-seeing activity is the best activity in which a tourist could indulge himself in Fatehpur Sikri. It will help the tourists to explore each and every nook and corner of architectural masterpiece and admire its beauty.

Photography: While your visit to Fatehpur Sikri, don't miss out to capture the magnificent beauty of this place through lens. These beautiful snaps will remind you of the wonderful moments that you had spent in Fatehpur Sikri with your dear ones.