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Fatehpur Sikri was the flourishing capital of the Mughal Emperor Akbar till 1585, when the city was abandoned due to the proximity of the area to the Rajputana neighbourhood and scarcity of water. The capital was shifted back to Agra and the town remained abandoned most of the time. Fatehpur Sikri was formerly known as Fathabad, taken from the Persian word 'Fatah' which means victory.
The main purpose of building the city was Akbar's intention to honour the Sufi saint Salim Chishti and the entire palace complex came to be built around the saint's tomb. At present, the city stands tall as one of the most well-preserved specimens of Mughal architecture in India.
Here is a list of the best places to visit in Fatehpur Sikri. Have a look.
Buland Darwaza
The very name Buland Darwaza translates itself to the magnificent gate from Urdu. The structure has a total height of 54 m from the ground; it was built in the year 1601 by Akbar, to commemorate his victory over Gujarat.
The architecture of the gateway is unique in its own way and showcases the brilliance of the crafters. The structure is made out of red sandstone with carvings in marble and granite inlays.
An inscription in Persian narrates, Jesus son of Mary said "The world is a bridge pass over it but build no houses upon it. He who hopes for a day, may hope for eternity; but the world endures but an hour spent in prayer for the rest is unseen".
PC: Ankur P
Diwani-i-Khas
Diwani-i-Khas was the hall of private audience.It is one of the most interestingly beautiful buildings in the area. The most elegant things to see here is the central tower, which is also known as the Lotus Throne, and is an example of the fine details in stone carving.
The pillars here supports a walkway, which connects the four corners of the first floor to a central circular platform that was meant for the emperor. The hall was meant for special invitees and religious leaders, who wanted a private audience with the Emperor.
PC: Diego Delso
Jodhabai Palace
Also known as Mariam uz Zamani Palace, the structure was the living quarters of the Mughal Queen Jodhabai. The palace was also seen as the Emperor's Harem where other women too, were housed.
The building is one amongst the most important structures in the complex owing to its amazing architecture. The architecture is a brilliant fusion of the Hindu Rajputana style along with the Islamic Mughal Style.
PC: Pratyusha chokkasamudra
Tomb Of Sheikh Salim Chisti
The Tomb of Seikh Salim Chisti is the most important buildings in the complex, which was built between the 1580 and 1581.
The structure is carved out of white marble and is one of the finest examples of the artistic stone carvings mastery in the medieval period.
The architecture is a fusion of Hindu and Mughal styles and surrounded by detailed carved marble screens known as Jaalis from all the sides.
The mausoleum belongs to the Sufi saint Salim Chishti, who lived in a ridge near the city. The place at one point of time served as a major centre of the Sufi movement in India.
PC: Aiwok
Jama Masjid
The Jama Masjid or the central mosque was built by Akbar under the guidance of Salim Chishti. The structure is rectangular in shape and carved out of red sandstone.
The interiors of the mosque are decorated with stone carved altars, which is one of the prized collections of Mughal architecture and marks the transition of the Islamic architecture, which was incorporated into the Hindu style of architecture.
PC: Soumya Kodliwad
Panch Mahal
As the name suggests, Panch Mahal has 5 floors, built in a pyramidal structure and is supported by a total of 176 pillars.
The pillars were taken from the carved meshes in the older times, which probably was meant for the women of the Zanana enclosure located closeby.
The columns are carved out of sandstone with detailed carvings. The monument is also known as the Badgir or the wind catcher tower with a pool in front of it, known as Anoop Talav.
The main purpose of this structure was provide a stage for various theatrical, musical and dance performances.
PC: Anupamg
Diwan-i-Am
Diwan-i-Am or the hall of public audience, was the place from where Akbar would allow his subjects to visit him and share their problems with him. The structure was the court of justice, where the emperor would pronounce punishment for those found guilty of any offense.
PC: Shahnoor Habib Munmun
