Fatehpur Sikri is perhaps the finest example of town planning that existed in the Mughal era where a whole city was built in uniform architecture ensemble including administrative buildings and temples. The city heavily based on the form and layout of another famous city of medivial Mughal era i. e. Shahjahanabad. An English traveler by the name of Ralph Finch mentions Fatehpur Sikri as being larger and populous than London in 1585.
Conception of the city
The city came into being after Akbar decided to construct it in 1571on the same place where the birth of his son “Jahangir” was predicted by the wise sheikh “Salim Chisti”. The work of the city which was supervised by the Emperor himself was completed in 1573 and for next 10 yrs remained the seat and capital of Mughal Empire; it ultimately lost significance because of water scarcity in wake of growing population of the city.
The monuments of the city!
The majority of the important monuments constructed of red sandstone, form a homogeneous group, borrowing heavily from Hindu, Persian and Indo-Muslim style of Architecture. For eg. Diwan-i-Am, the Hall of Public Audience, is encircled by a series of entrances which are broken up by the insertion of the imperial box where Akbar, surrounded by his ministers and officers meted out justice. To the north of Diwan-i-am lies Diwan-i-Khas ,the Hall of Private Audience also referred to as “Jewel House”, a monument known for its central plan.
To the south of the court stands “Buland Darwaza” commemorating the victories (such as conquest of Gujarat). This stupendous piece of architecture is 54 mts aka 167 ft tall from outside gradually making transition to human scale. The central portico of the gate comprised of three arched entrances with the central entrance being the largest one also known as horseshoe gate (after the custom of nailing horseshoes to its large wooden doors for good luck).
Jama Masjid meaning the Friday Mosque congregational mosque, and was perhaps one of the first buildings to come up in the complex, as its epigraph gives AH 979 (AD 1571-72) as the date of its completion. It is one of the largest mosques of Asia and it can house almost 10,000 people at a time for prayer. A distinguishing feature is the row of chhatri over the mosque.
Other important monuments worth mention are Dargah of the sufi saint Salim chisti whose interior is apparently decorated with exquisite Pearl shell work, Panch Mahal, whose elevation of four recessed storeys recalls certain Buddhist temples, the pavilion of Anup Talao (or the Turkish Sultana), the palace of Jodh Bai, the palace of Birbal, Academy of performing arts where the famous Tansen seat existed.
Fatehpur Sikri
Religious Symbolism translated in buildings
Fatehpur Sikri also houses three palaces of three favourite wives of Akbar one from each faith. i.e. Mariam-ul-Zamani aka Hira Kunwar Bai ,the hindu princess, Salima Sultan the Muslim Princess and a Christian wife from Goa clearly reiterating Akbar’s secular beliefs. Here only the great religious experiment ie Creation of Din-i-elahi (combining the best of Islamic and Hindu beliefs) took place and was in practice till the time of Akbar’s Death.
Poetry Translated in Red Sandstone
Fatehpur Sikri
Fatehpur Sikri listed as a heritage site by UNESCO is Akbar’s religious & architectural beliefs transformed into Red Sandstone!! And definitely a dekko in your Agra’s must visit list.
Location, Timings and Charges Detail
- Location: 37 kms from Agra.
- How to Reach: Agra is the most easily accessible tourist destination in India. The city has excellent air, rail and road links. While in Agra, the best way to visit Fatehpur Sikri is by a taxi.
- Timings: 6 AM- 7:30 PM every day.
- Entry Fee
- Foreigners: Rs 485
- Indian Nationals: Rs 50
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