Fatehpur Sikri famously known as the city of Ghosts was built by Akbar the Great Mughal Emperor. Fatehpur Sikri is a place worth visiting to discover how once the city could have been which has now turned into ruins.
Situated 26 miles west of Agra, it was built at the orders of the Mughal Emperor Akbar. While Akbar himself was illitterate, he took a keen interest in literature, architecture, and the arts. He is also reputed to be a very tolerant ruler, and the buildings at Fatehpur Sikri blended both Islamic and Hindu elements in their architectural style.
Main attractions of Fatehpur Sikri
The Buland Gate
This gate is the entrance into the courtyard around the great mosque at Fatehpur Sikri, the Jami Masjid, which served as a model for later congregational mosques built by the Mughals.
The Jami Masjid
Fatehpur Sikri MosqueOne of the largest mosques in India, Jami Masjid was built in 1571 AD. Inside, there is a vast congregational coutyard. To the right, at the corner, is the Jammat Khana Hall and next ot this is the tomb of the royal ladies. To the left of the Jami Masjid is the Stone Cutters’ mosque, the oldest place of worship at Fateh Pur Sikri. It is entered through the eastern entrance known as the Buland Darwaza.
Darga Salim Chishti
This white marble structure contains the tomb of Shaykh Salim Chishti, the Sufi holy man who was Akbar’s adviser and teacher. Akbar came to him originally because he had been unable to produce a male heir, and Shaykh Chishti promised that Akbar would have a son if Akbar entrusted the education and upbringing of the boy to Shaykh Chisti. The prediction came true, and Akbar’s son Jahangir was indeed raised by the Sufi holy man. In addition, Akbar had the entire city of Fatehpur Sikri built around Shaykh Chisti’s abode, which was about 24 miles west of Agra.
The Panch Mahal
This view of Fatehpur Sikri shows the tallest tower in the palace complex, the “Panch Mahal”, and in front, a building that according to legend was the school for Akbar’s numerous wives. To the right of the school, which has 176 pillars is the huge parchesi “board” on which Akbar could play parchesi using slave girls as life-size “pieces.”
Diwan-i-Khas
From this elevated platform, Akbar would conduct public audience and hear the entreaties of his subjects without being exposed to potential assassins. The intricate detailing in the stone beneath the platform demonstrates Hindu influence. Remarkably, this structure, as well as the rest of Fatehpur Sikri, was constructed without the use of mortar.
FACTS ::
- Location: Uttar Pradesh, India
- Built in: 1571 – 1585 by Mughal Emperor Akbar
- Best time to visit Fatehpur Sikri: October to March
- Significance: UNESCO World heritage Site
How to Reach Fatehpur Sikri :
The Imperial fort of Fatehpur Sikri is approachable from Agra, 37 kilometers away or 18 kilometers from Bharatpur. Most visitors prefer to make a day trip to the fort en route from Agra or from Bharatpur, as it requires at least half a day to explore.
- Air: Nearest airport is Agra which is 7 km from the city center and 3 km from Idgah bus stand. It only takes 40 minutes from Delhi to Agra.
- Rail: Fatehpur Sikri is well connected by railroad. The main railway station is the Agra Cantonment station.• Road: Idgah bus stand is the main bus stand of Agra, from where one can catch buses for Delhi, Jaipur, Mathura, Fatehpur-Sikri, etc.
Important Muslim Pilgrimage Places»
Ajmer Sharif
Jama Masjid
Haji Ali
Fatehpur Sikri
