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 37 kms from Agra is built a city primarily in Red Sandstone known as Fatehpur Sikri. This town was built by the Mughal Emperor, Akbar during 1571 -1585 to honour the Sufi Saint Sheikh Salim Chishti, who blessed him with a son. The monument shows a blend of various regional schools of architectural craftsmanship, such as Gujarat and Bengal. Influences from Hindu and Jain architecture are seen along with Islamic elements.
Prime Attractions of Fatehpur Sikri:
Diwan-e-aam: The journey to the royal palace begins with Diwan-e-aam 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 jaali screens on both sides separated the ladies attending the court.
Diwan-e-Khaas: The Diwan-e-Khaas is also known as ‘The Jewel House’ or ‘The Ekstambha Prasada’. It is a two storey building, with corner kiosks, famous for its central pillar. It is here that Akbar had representatives of different religions discuss their faiths.
Daulat khana-e-khaas: Akbar’s private chamber has two main rooms on the ground floor; one is his library and the other his resting area.
Palace of Jodha Bai: It is the largest and the most important building in the royal palace, named after Akbar’s Rajput wife, Jodha Bai. The architecture is a blend of styles with Hindu columns and Muslim cupolas.
Hawa Mahal: To the right of Jodha Bai’s palace is the Hawa Mahal. This small-screened wind tower faces the garden and is attached to the palace.
Panch Mahal: The beautiful and airy 5 storey pavilion is among the most captivating building in Fatehpur Sikri. The first two floors are of equal size, while the next two are graded. On top is an open pavilion. Each of the floors is supported on pillars.
Dargah of Sheikh Salim Chisti: Built in 1570, this dargah is visited most commonly by women who do not bear children. They come to seek the blessings of the saint.
The Jami Masjid: It is one of the largest mosques in India, built in the 1571 AD and there is a vast courtyard inside.
Buland Darwaza: The gate was erected in 1602 AD to commemorate Akbar’s victory over Deccan. The 54 meter high Buland Darwaza, designed in coloured stone and marble is India’s highest and grandest gateway and ranks among the biggest in the world.
Today, Fatehpur Sikri is a deserted, phantom city. But the inner citadel is perfectly preserved. The surviving palace and mosque are a tourist attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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