|
 Fatehpur
Sikri....................
Built In :: 1571 - 1585
Built By :: Akber Shanshah
Location :: Agra, Uttar
Pradesh
37 kms
from Agra is built a city predominantly in Red Sandstone
and is called Fatehpur Sikri. This town was built by the
Mughal Emperor, Akbar. He had planned this city as his
capital but shortage of water compelled him to abandon the
city. After this within 20 years, the capital of Mughals
was shifted to Lahore
Fatehpur Sikri was built during 1571 and 1585. Today this
ghost city has a population of about 30,000. This deserted
city has retained many of the old structures, because of
the efforts of the Archaeological department
Fatehpur Sikri is one of the finest examples of Mughal
architectural splendour at its height. Though the city is
in ruins, it is a place to visit if one comes to Agra.But
in real terms Fatehpur Sikri is a place where one should
spend some time. The sunset over the ruins is 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.
Attractions of
Fatehpur Sikri
Diwan-I-Am
The journey to the royal palace begins with Diwan-I-Am or
the Hall Of Public Audience. This hall 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
on either sides separated the ladies attending the court
Diwan-khana-I-khaas
To the right is an apparently looking two storeyed
building, with corner kiosks, known as diwan-khana-I-khaas
or Hall Of Private Audience. On entering it, one finds
only a single vaulted chamber. In the centre 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
Turkish Sultana’s House
To the left of the Pachisi Board is the Turkish Sultana’s
house. The house, as its location at the corner of Anup
Talao shows, was a pavilion for repose, attached to the
pool. The geometrical pattern on the ceiling is
reminiscent of Central Asian carvings in wood.
The Treasury
To the left of the Diwan-I-Khaas is the Treasury or Ankh
Michauli, once believed to have been used for playing the
game, comprising three rooms each protected by a narrow
corridor which were manned by guards.
Daulat khana-I-khas
Located in the corner to the left is the emperor’s private
chamber. It has two main rooms on the ground floor. One
housed Akbar’s library while the larger room was his
resting area. On the first floor is the Khwabgah or the
bed-chamber. It was connected with the Turkish Sultana’s
house, the Panch Mahal, Mariam’s House and the Jodha Bai’s
palace by corridors
Palace of Jodha Bai
To the left of the Sunehra Makan is the largest and the
most important building in the royal palace, named after
Akbar’s Rajput wife, Jodha Bai. This spacious palace was
assured of privacy and security by high walls and a 9
metre guarded gate to the east. The architecture is a
blend of styles with Hindu columns and Muslim cupolas.
Hawa Mahal And Nagina Masjid
To the right of Jodha Bai’s palace is Hawa Mahal, the
Palace of Winds. 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
Birbal’s Palace
To the north west of the Jodha Bai’s Palace is the 2
storeyed palace occupied by Akbar’s two senior queens-
ruqnayya begum and salima sultan begum. It has two storeys-four
rooms and two porches with pyramidical roofs below and two
rooms with cupolas and screened terraces above. The
building combines hindu and muslim atyles of srchitecture.
Panch Mahal
To the right of Sunehra Makan is the elegant, airy 5
storeyed pavilion, the Panch Mahal. Each floor over here
is smaller than the one below and it rises to a single
domed kiosk on top supported by four columns providing a
magnificent view of the city and its environs.
Dargah Of Sheikh Salim Chisti
To the North of the Mosque is the Dargah of Shaikh Salim
Chishti. This Dargah was built in 1570. Here, childless
women come for blessings of the saint. Even Akbar was
blessed with three sons, when he came here. The lattice
work in the Dargah is among the finest to be found any
where in India
The Jami Masjid
One of the largest mosques in India, Jami Masjid was built
in 1571 AD. Inside, there is a vast congregational
coutyard. To the right, at the corner, is the Jammat Khana
Hall and next ot this is the tomb of the royal ladies. To
the left of the Jami Masjid is the Stone Cutters’ mosque,
the oldest place of worship at Fateh Pur Sikri. It is
entered through the eastern entrance known as the Buland
Darwaza.
Buland Darwaza
This gate can be approached from the outside by a 13-metre
flight of steps which adds to its grandeur. The gate
erected in 1602 AD to commemorate Akbar’s victory over
Deccan is the highest and grandest gateway in India and
ranks among the biggest in the world.
Timings & Entry Fees
» Foreigners: Rs 485/-
» Indians: INR Rs 50/-
» Open on all Days |
