Location - Agra, Uttar Pradesh
Best Time To Visit - October to March
About 37 km from Agra, lies another majestic Mughal monument called
Fatehpur Sikri. It is an important tourist attraction that brings to people
LIVE history. It is located in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Fatehpur Sikri
was Akbar's capital for about 15 years. In fact its construction was
commenced by Mughal emperor Akbar in the honour of Salim Chisti ( a resident
saint of Sikri ) in 1571. It is different from other Mughal monuments in
India in the way that it marries Muslim and Hindu architectural styles.
Akbar himself supervised the construction of Fatehpur Sikri. He even lifted
stones along with the workmen. The pavilions, courtyards, terraces, gardens
and pools are the additional attractions of Fatehpur Sikri.
Places of Interest
The many buildings of Fatehpur Sikri showcase a fine blend of various
regional schools including Gujarati and Bengali. Influences of Jain, Hindu
and Islamic architecture can also be seen. This amalgamation is seen because
craftsmen of several places were involved in the making of the buildings.
Jama
Masjid - Jama Masjid is famed by many names like:Friday mosque and
Dargah Mosqueand. It is said to be the replica of the main mosque of Mecca.
Its architecture comprises the both the aspects of Persian and Hindu
elements. A distinguishing feature of the mosque is the row of chhatris
(small domed pavilions) over the sanctuary.
Buland Darwaza - This grand building is the highest
and grandest gateway in India. It ranks amongst the biggest in the world
with a height of 54 metres. 'Gate Of Magnificence' is the common name with
which Buland Darwaza is referred to. Its construction was done to
commemorate the great victory of Mughal emperor Akbar. Buland Darwaza is
indeed an architectural splendour.
Palace of Jodha Bai - This palace was the chief
harem for Akbar's Hindu wives. Here lived one of Akbar's favourite wives
Jodha Bai (mother of emperor Jahangir).The architecture of the building
shows a lot of Gujarati influence.
Tomb of Shaikh Salim Chisti - Salim Chisti was a
resident saint of Fatehpur Sikri. It was built in 1570. The tomb boasts of
marvelous architecture. It is visited by all those who have deep faith in
God and look forward for the fulfillment of any desired wish. The jalis are
the additional attraction of the tomb.
Birbal Bhawan - This beautiful palace belonged to
Raja Birbal, one of the nine jewels of Akbar court and his minister.
Horizontal sloping sunshades or chajjas are the additional attraction of the
Birbal Bhawan palace.
Panch Mahal - The five storeyed Panch Mahal with
84-pillared ground floor rises to a four- coloumned kiosk at the top, and
the checkered Pachisi Court on which humans are said to have been moved as
boardgame pieces.
Diwan-e-Khas - This building with a finely carved
central column, has for long interested historians, who have differently
interpreted its design and purpose.
Fatehpur Sikri has also been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site in
the year 1986. Nothing to be scared many people refer to it as the 'Ghost
Town'.
