The majestic city of Fatehpur Sikri was
built in 1571 by Mughal emperor Akbar in the honour of Salim Chisti, a
resident saint of Sikri. It is located at about 26 miles west of Agra.
Though Akbar was illiterate he personally supervised the construction of the
Fatehpur Sikri. It is said that he even quarried stone along with his
workmen. The pavilions, courtyards, domes, balconies, terraces, gardens,
cupolas, tanks, pools and baths are the elegant features of the city.
Fatehpur Sikri is playful and full of surprises. Turn a corner and find an
enchanted walled garden. Climb out of an apartment and you would find a tree
perfectly framed in a window. The layout of the city shows a conscious
attempt to produce rich spatial effects by the organization of built forms
around open spaces in interesting ways. The architecture of Fatehpur Sikri
is outstanding and is definitely a crowning architectural legacy of Akbar.
Places Of Interest
The buildings of Fatehpur Sikri show a fine
synthesis of various regional schools of architectural craftsmanship such as
Gujarati and Bengali. Influences of Jain, Hindu and Islamic architecture can
also be witnessed. This was because indigenous craftsman from various
regions were used for the construction of the buildings.
Jama Masjid or the Friday Mosque - Jama Masjid is also
known as the Dargah Mosqueand is said to be a copy of the main mosque at
Mecca. Its noted for its design which has Persian and Hindu elements.
Buland Darwaza -It is the highest and grandest gateway in
India and ranks among the biggest in the world. Its height is 54 m and is
also known as 'Gate Of Magnificence'. It was constructed to commemorate
Akbar's victory.
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.
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 shows a lot of Gujarati influence.
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.
Panch Mahal - This five storied architectural marvel was
Akbar's favourite spot. 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-Am - This hall was designed for large public
gatherings.
Year Of Kudos
Fatehpur Sikri was added to the UNESCO World Heritage
site in the year 1986. Today the city gives an insight of the glorious
architectural style of that era of the Mughals.
Peppery Bulletin
- Fatehpur Sikri was the political capital of Akbar from 1571 to 1585,
later it was abandoned due to lack of water.
- Innovations in land revenue, coinage, military organisation, and
provincial administration emerged during the Fatehpur Sikri years.
- The Buland Darwaza erected in 1602 AD to commemorate Akbar's victory
over the Deccan, is the highest and grandest gateway in India and ranks
among the biggest in the world.
- The city of Fatehpur Sikri has a population of about 30,000.
- It is also famous as the Ghost Town.
- The sunset over the ruins is a 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, derived from the Persian & Hindu architecture.
