Fatehpur Sikri : Most visited Place near Agra
admin January 19th, 2008
Fatehpur Sikri was the temporary capital of Emperor Akbar, of the Mughal Empire, between 1570 to 1586. It is a perfectly preserved deserted city. It is 40km west of Agra and is a popular and interesting place. Emperor Akbar was emperor from 1556 to 1605.
Fatehpur Sikri was the capital of the Mughal Empire for fifteen years. It was then moved back to Agra. It is believed that it was deserted because of lack of water, but the exact reason is unknown. What is left are a perfectly preserved old palace area, and an impressive mosque. It was not rediscovered until the 19th century.
Most people visit Fatehpur Sikri on a day trip from Agra.
The name of the place came after Mughal Emperor Babur defeated Ranga Sanga in a battle at a place called Sikri (about 40 KM from Agra). Then Mughal Emperor Akbar wanted to make Fatehpur Sikri his head quarters. So he built this majestic fort. But due to shortage of water he had to ultimately move his HQ to Agra Fort.
The site is founded by Akbar the great, who at 26 years did not have a heir. 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.
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 the any residents. It remained untouched for over 400 years now and its palaces are a remainder of the extravagance of the Mughals.
Places To Visit in Fatehpur Sikri
Jama Masjid or the Friday Mosque : Also known as the Dargah Mosque, this is said to be a copy of the main mosque at Mecca. Its noted for its design which has persian and Hindu elements.
The monumental 54 m high Buland Darwaza, the Gate of Victory, is the main entrance. It was constructed to commemorate Akbar’s victory in Gujarat. A koranic inscription upon it read, “The world is a bridge, pass over it but built no house upon it. He who hopes for an hour, hopes for Eternity, for the world is but an hour”. Just outside the gateway is a deep well wherein local daredevils leap from the top of the entrance into the water. The Shahi Darwaza is the official entrance, where licensed guides can be hired.
Tomb of Shaikh Salim Chisti : The tomb visited by many seeking ful filment of their wishes was built in 1570. The carved marble lattice screens (jalis) are simply remarkable. Within the courtyard is the another tomb of Islam Khan, the saint’s garden.
Palace of Jodha Bai : This was the principal harem wing for Akbar’s Hindu wives, over which Jodha Bai, mother of Salim (emperor Jehangir) presided imperiously from her spacious purdah – screened salon. The architecture of the building is a blend of styles with Hindu columns and Muslim cupolas The walls of the Hawa Mahal or Palace of the winds are made entirely of stone latticework.
Birbal Bhawan : This casket like palace belonged to Raja Birbal, Akbar’s brilliant Brahimin prime minister, one of the “None Jewels of Akbar’s Court”. The palace fronts onto the Lower Haramsara, which was once believed to be an enormous stable with nearly two hundred enclosures for elephants, horses and camels.
Karawan Serai and Hiran Minar : The Karawan Sarai was a large courtyard used by visiting merchants. The Hiran or Deer Minar is said to have been erected over the grave of Akbar’s favourite elephant.
Palace of the Christian Wife : There was a reperate abode for Akbar’s Christian wife from Goa, Maryam, located close to the Jodha Bai Palace. At one time it was gilded throughout, earning the name the Golden Facade.
Panch Mahal : A five storied architectural marvel and Akbar’s personal citadel of pleasure, where he would spend his evenings with the ladies of the harem. Nearby is the Astrologer’s seat, an ornamented pavilion where the resident astrologer played an important role in day to day court life.
Diwan-i-Khas : Fatehpur Sikri’s architectural gem, this structure is unique for its interior decoration. This single vaulted chamber is dominated by its massive central Lotus Throne Pillar that supported Akbar’s throne. This stone column support a flat topped dome which is 6 m high.
Diwan-i-Aam : This hall of public audience was designed for large public gatherings. Nearby is Pachisi courtyard, where akbar and his courtiers used slave girls attired in brilliant dress as piece of pachisi (a game similar to ludo), moving when ordered on a giant marble board.
Itmad-ud-daula’s Tomb, Chini-ka-rauza, Ram Bagh, and Fatehpur Sikri.