Fatehpur Sikri is a fascinating ghost city built
in the 16th century; 37 km from Agra Akbar the
great, who at 26 years did not have an heir,
founded this historic site.
Fatehpur Sikri He went to a saint, Shaikh
Salim Chishti who lived in a city called Sikri.
His blessing gave Akbar 3 sons. As a gesture,
Akbar built a whole new city in Sikri. Akbar
named his new capital Fatehpur Sikri or the City
of Victory
.Fatehpur Sikri is one of the finest
examples of Mughal architectural splendour at
its height.
It was built between 1569 and 1585 and
was intended to be the joint capital with Agra,
but was soon deserted because the water system
could not support any residents. It remained
untouched for over 400 years now and its palaces
are a remainder of the extravagance of the
Mughals 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, derived from the Persian & Hindu
architecture.
After this within 20 years, the capital
of Mughals was shifted to Lahore
Diwan-i-Khas- Hall: Popularly known as
the “Ekstambha Prasada”, the
Diwan-i-Khas served as the royal chamber of
Emperor Akbar. It is designed according to the
Persian style of architecture and is decorated
with fine sculpture and precious stones. There
are 4 kiosks, which are located in the middle of
the court.
Panch Mahal: The Panch Mahal ranks among
the most fascinating buildings in Fatehpur Sikri.
It is a five-storey building which was meant to
be the shelter of the royal ladies and
mistresses. The top story of the building offers
a panoramic view of the surrounding area.
Tomb of Salim Chisti: The tomb of
renowned Sufi saint Salim Chisti is located
here. The tomb is well known for its delicate
carvings and draws hundreds of pilgrims.
Buland Darwaza: It ranks among the
important monuments in the place. This enormous
gateway has a height of 54 meters and is largest
gateway in the world. It was made in the year
1575 to celebrate Emperor Akbar's success in
conquering Gujarat and is a fine blend of
Persion and mughal architecture.
Apart from these prime Attractions in
Fatehpur Sikri are Diwan-I-Am, Turkish Sultana’s
House, The Treasury, Daulat khana-I-khas, Palace
of Jodha Bai, Hawa Mahal And Nagina Masjid,
Birbal’s Palace, Sunehra Makan and The
Jama Masjid.
Today regarded as one of the most
important buildings amongst a list of World
Heritage Structures, which has been brought
forward by the UNESCO, a visit to the Fatehpur
Sikri in Agra in India remains one of the
fondest dreams of Indians from all around the
world. |