Fatehpur
Sikri was the imperial city of the Mughal dyn an only experience the aura of its
magnificent edifices by seeing them.
Architecture
The buildings within Fatehpur Sikri are a unique blend of
different architectural traditions. Though the general layout and
concept of the buildings conform to the Islamic style of
architecture, the actual buildings (mainly palaces), their ornate
columns, arches, carving style, etc., show a strong Hindu style in
general and that of Gujarat and Rajasthan in particular.
Fatehpur Sikri
Akbar was the greatest of all the Mughal rulers and one of the
best to have
ruled India. In 1556, he ascended the Mughal throne
at the tender age of 14, after the sudden demise of his father,
Humayun. As soon as he consolidated his power, he turned his
attention towards building an imperial capital in Agra. The result
was the Agra Fort, which not only served military purposes, but
was also the royal residence. Most of the buildings within the
precincts of this magnificent Red Fort are a mixture of different
architectural styles. The unique integration of these different
styles has given the buildings and palaces within the fort a
distinctive look. The assimilation of the different architectural
styles was the reflection of the period of prosperity and social
tolerance, which was the hallmark of Akbar's administration.
However, in the course of time, Akbar decided to shift his capital
to Fatehpur Sikri near Agra. Akbar used to visit the hamlet of
Sikri to take the blessings of the great Sufi saint Salim Chisti
in order to have an heir to his throne. Akbar's visitations were
fruitful, for he was blessed with three sons. The new city, built
on a ridge, grew into a magnificent township larger than
contemporary London.
Important monuments within Fatehpur Sikri
There are a number of buildings within the Fatehpur Sikri
complex. Each of the small palaces in Fatehpur Sikri has a
specific purpose and generally faces a courtyard.
Diwan-I-Aam (Hall of Public Audience)
It is an enclosed space surrounded by colonnades and has a large
open
area where petitioners and courtiers once stood in
attendance. On the western face of this building is the pavilion
where the emperor sat in honour surrounded by his courtiers.
Diwan-I-Khas (Hall of private Audience)
The Diwan-I-Khas (Hall of Private Audience)-used for serious,
confidential, diplomatic, and religious discourses-is just behind.
The Diwan-I-Khas is famous for its central decorated pillar
consisting of 36 elegantly carved brackets in the Gujarati
style-heavy and ornate, and sprouting in shape.
Panch Mahal
The most intriguing building in Fatehpur Sikri is the Panch
Mahal (five-tiered palace), which is a five-storied pavilion of
winds. The first two floors are of equal size, while the next two
are graded. On top is a single kiosk or open pavilion. Each of the
floors is supported on pillars. Originally, jali screens stood
between the pillars. The pavilion was originally used by the women
of the royal household and ladies of the harem. From the top of
the Panch Mahal, one can have a panoramic view of this imperial
city with its buildings, palaces, and the courtyards linking them.
The Turkish Sultan's palace is known for exquisitely carved panels
depicting wildlife-lions, birds, and foliage. Near the Diwan-I-Aam,
one can see a tank called the Anup Talao. Four bridges link the
central platform at the Anup Talao. Here the famous court musician
Tansen played music. Akbar's private apartments stand close to the
tank.
Jodha Bai's Palace
Jodha Bai (Jodha Bai was Akbar's Rajput queen) has the most
distinctively Gujarati and Rajasthani architectural features. A
strong portal guards this place, which was the residence of
Akbar's prominent queens. Also noteworthy are Mariam's Palace or
Sunehra Makan (golden house), Palace of Birbal (one of Akbar's
minister notable for his witticisms) and a miniature garden.
Jami Masjid (Mosque)
Jami Masjid (mosque), sacred center of Sikri, symbolizes the
city's spiritual prominence. It stands at the southwestern end of
Fatehpur Sikri. A high wall with gateways on three sides opens
into a huge courtyard, 111 by 139 meters, making it the largest to
be found in the Mughal period. The inner walls are lined with
columns and cloisters and the western façade has a massive arched
doorways behind which are three domes. In the vast courtyard
stands the tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti whose blessings are still
sought by childless women. This tomb was originally built in red
sandstone but was later on made with marble. The tombstone covered
by cloth is under a canopy of ebony, mother of pearl and brass. A
corridor for circumambulation surrounds the square tomb chamber.
Fatehpur Sikri had a short life of splendor. Once Akbar left it in
1585, it never regained its lost importance and has remained the
most magnificent and well-preserved ghost city of India.
Tourism of India provides complete information about weekend
getaways from Agra. Tourism of India offers package tours for Agra
