Perched
atop a rocky ridge 37 km west of Agra, Fatehpur Sikri came into
being four centuries ago when the Emperor Akbar, not yet 28 years
old, created the first planned city in Indo-Islamic style. The city
was actualised with great energy, but was completely abandoned a
little more than a decade later. In 1568, Akbar was secure and
powerful but he had no son and heir. His search for blessing for the
birth of a successor brought him to the Sufi mystic Shaikh Salim
Chisti, who lived in Sikri village.
The saint
prophesied the birth of three sons and soon after was born Prince
Salim, later to become Emperor Jahangir. In gratitude for the
blessing Akbar decided to create imperial residences in Sikri, which
would function as a joint capital with Agra. As a mark of his faith
and his recent victories, he named his new city Fatehpur Sikri.
Akbar was a keen builder and the plan of Fatehpur Sikri reveals an
architectural mastermind at work. Research has proved that it was
planned on a definite mathematical grid.
Sufi saint
Sheikh Salim Chishti, who lived in the village of Sikri near Agra,
predicted that Akbar would have three sons. As per the prediction,
one of the Rajput queens of Akbar - Maryam Zamani or Mary of the Age
- gave birth to a son in 1569 and was named as Salim after the
Saint. Subsequently, Akbar was blessed with two more sons. Akbar
built the city of Fatehpur Sikri to show his gratitude to the Sufi
saint Sheikh Salim Chishti and to celebrate his victory in Gujarat.
Located
at a distance of about 37 kms from Agra, this hill-top city was
built with red sandstone. The city is divided into royal and
spiritual enclosures. The royal enclosure comprises of nine palaces,
the harem and official buildings. The nine palaces are Ankh
Michauli, Diwan I Khas, Astrologer's Seat, Panch Mahal, Girl's
School, Turkish Sultana, Anup Talao, Khwabgah and Diwan I Am.
Among
other important buildings within this walled city of Fartehpur Sikri
are the tomb of Shaikh Salim Chishti, the Sufi Fakir who is said to
have granted Akbar and his queen Jodhabai their wish for a son;
'Naubat'-or 'Naqqar Khana' (drum-house), 'Taksal' (mint),
'Karkhanas' (royal workshop), 'Khazana' (treasury), Hakim's
quarters, Diwan-i-Am (hall of public audience), House of Maryam also
called "Sunahra Makan" (Golden House), Palace of Jodh Bai,
Birbal's house, etc. Fatehpursikri, however remained capital for
only a short period for it had to be abandoned due to shortage of
water. Still, the major reason why visitors from all over the world
throng this Mughal citadel when they come to Agra are the historical
and architectural marvels situated within it. Fatehpur Sikri is
unique, architecturally intriguing, the architectural grandeur of
Fatehpur Sikri cannot be described in words and one can only
experience the aura of its magnificent edifices by seeing them.
- Diwan-I-Am
Diwan-I-Am or the Hall Of Public
Audience was used for the public meetings. The place was also
used for celebrations and public prayers.
- Diwan-khana-I-khaas
Exquisitely built,
Diwan-I-khaas or Hall Of Private Audience was used by the
emperors for private meetings.
- The Jami Masjid
Jama Masjid is one of the largest
mosques in India, was built in 1571 AD. Inside the masjid, there
is a vast congregational coutyard. On the right side, at the
corner, is the Jammat Khana Hall and next to this is the tomb of
the royal ladies. On the left side of the Jami Masjid is the
Stone Cutters’ mosque, the oldest place of worship at Fateh
Pur Sikri.
- Buland Darwaza
Buland Darwaza is the highest and
grandest gateway in India and ranks among the biggest in the
world. It can be approached by a 13-metre flight of steps from
outside, which adds to its splendour. The gate was raised in
1602 AD to commemorate Akbar’s victory over Deccan.
Timings & Entry Fees» Foreigners: Rs
485/-
» Indians: INR Rs 50/-
» Open on all Days
