Fatehpur Sikri or the City Of Victory, an amazing UNESCO World Heritage Center, is located just 40 kms to the west of Agra. This fortified city is completely built with Red Sandstone and was once a capital of the Mughal Empire from about 1571 to 1585.
Entering into the city will make you feel like stepping into the royal enclave surrounded by luxurious palaces, peaceful courtyards, and busy bazaars that were dedicated to queens. Not only this, it also houses a grand concert hall, where a legendary musician Tansen used to perform for his emperor.
History Of Fatehpur Sikri:
This city was built during 1569 by Mughal Emperor Akbar. It is also believed that this city was built after Sufi Saint Sheikh Salim Chisthi blessed Emperor Akbar with the gift of having sons. Akbar planned this city as his capital, but later abandoned this city due to the shortage of water. 20 years later, the Mughals shifted their capital to Lahore.
Today this city has a population of about 30000 and this abandoned city has retained some of its old structures, due to the efforts of the Archeology Department.
Fatehpur Sikri stands as an evidence of royal Mughal Architectural excellence. Though the city is in a ruined condition, yet it is a place that cannot be skipped while visiting Agra. One can appreciate its majesty and can experience the unforgettable sunset casting its glow over this historical masterpiece.
Fatehpur Sikri is the ultimate example of the fusion of Hindu And Muslim culture. The Mosque of Fatehpur Sikri is probably a copy of the mosque in Mecca and it has been designed in Persian and Hindu tradition.
- Known for: Its majestic palaces, intricately decorated mosques, and distinctive architectural style.
- Timings: It will be open to the public daily, and from sunrise to sunset.
- Entry Fee: ₹40 for Indians and ₹550 for foreigners.
- Tips For Visitors: Be prepared for extensive walking; wear comfortable footwear and carry a water bottle and sunscreen.
- Required Time: Allow approximately three to four hours to thoroughly experience the splendor of Fatehpur Sikri.
- Best Time To Visit Fatehpur Sikri: For a comfortable visit, plan your trip to Fatehpur Sikri between November and March, when Agra’s weather is at its best.
- How To Reach Fatehpur Sikri: Thanks to excellent road connections, getting to Fatehpur Sikri is convenient by taxi, cab, or bus.
Major Attractions Of Fatehpur Sikri:
Diwan-I-Am:
The journey to the city begins with Diwan-I-Am, popularly known as the “Hall Of Public Audience.” This hall was meant for public meetings and social gatherings. Even the settlements for the grievances from the Emperor used to take place over here. It is a multi-layered rectangular pavilion typed structure that has enough open spaces on all the sides. It stands on 49 pillars and contains a Jharokha style chamber known as Takht-i-Murassa. It also holds beautiful decorations throughout its walls and pillars. There is a Bethak made of marbles that was designed specially for the ministers to sit. The hall is divided by two gateways and three aisles.
Diwan-I-Khas:
Standing to the right is a two-storeyed building with corner kiosks, known as Diwan-I-Khas or the Hall Of Private Audience. Only the people from royal family members used to gather here for private and official affairs. Its roof contains four Chattris and a Central Pillar has a square base with octagonal shaft that brings popularity to this architectural masterpiece. The intricate designs with floral and geometric patterns add beauty to the shaft and the base. Additionally 36 zigzag paths provide support to the Akbar’s platform that are connected to every corner of the building on all the first floor by four stoned walkways.
Palace Of Jodha:
The Jodha Bai’s Palace, the largest and most prominent palace, stands to the left of the Sunehra Makan. Its security and privacy was ensured by high walls and 9 meter guarded gates on the east side. This palace is a blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture, with prominent columns and cupolas.
Pancha Mahal:
It is an exclusive structure in Fatehpur Sikri that is designed in Buddhist style architecture. Characterized by its exclusively columnar design, the Panch Mahal presents a unique four-story structure, each level smaller than the one below, built asymmetrically. Its 176 columns, decorated with Jali screens, suggest the presence of the Purdah System. The pavilion offers an unparalleled view of the fort, overlooking the Anoop Talab, a pool historically used for musical concerts.
Buland Darwaja:
A 13-meter stairway leads to Buland Darwaja from the outside, enhancing its royal grandeur. This gate is about 54 meter high gateway. This gate was constructed in 1602 AD to celebrate the victory of Akbar over Deccan and is considered to be the most magnificent and tallest gateway and it also ranks among the world’s largest gate.
Birbal’s Palace:
This palace is located towards the northwest of Jodha Bai’s Palace and this two storeyed palace occupied by Akbar’s two senior queens, Salima Sultan Begum and Ruqnayya Begum. This two-storeyed structure holds 4 rooms and 2 porches with pyramidal roofs at the bottom and two rooms with cupolas and screened terraces on the upper side. This building is also an example of Hindu and Muslim style Architecture.
Sunehra Makan:
This is located on the opposite side of Diwan-I-Khas and is dedicated to Akbar’s Rajput wife, Marium-Uz-Zamani. This two-storeyed building is highly decorated with gold murals in Persian Style. The beams contain inscriptions of verses by Akbar’s brother Faiji.
Tomb Of Salim Chisthi:
This tomb of Sufi saint, Salim Chisti, is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture that graces the mosque courtyard. Akbar commissioned its construction as a tribute to Chisti, who prophesied the birth of Jahangir. Enclosed by delicate marble screens, the tomb features intricately carved doors bearing Quranic inscriptions. The marble floor, adorned with vibrant stones, leads to an inner chamber with a wooden canopy inlaid with mother-of-pearl mosaics. Renowned for its blessings related to childbirth, the tomb attracts devotees who tie threads to the marble screens, symbolizing their hopes and prayers.
The Jami Masjid:
This is one of the oldest and largest mosques in the city that was built in 1571 AD. It holds a large congregational courtyard and is now added to UNESCO World Heritage Center. It is also known as a Friday Mosque and is one of the most visited places in Fatehpur Sikri. To the right corner, it has Jammat Khana Hall and tombs of royal ladies also lie next to it. Stone Cutter’s Mosque is located to the left of Jami Masjid and is the oldest place of worship. It is a site of pilgrimage. This mosque has a single dome with two colonnaded halls on both the sides. Sculptured Mihrabs adds beauty to the two smaller rooms and also the main chamber. It is an example of Islamic Architecture blended with Persian style. Golden inscriptions on the blue coloured backgrounds clearly showcases this fusion. Also, the interior spaces are enriched with watercolour paintings, showcasing delicate and stylish floral motifs. The dome is supported by corbelled pendentives instead of commonly used squinches. This mosque is usually entered by the eastern entrance gateway known as Buland Darwaja.
Final Thoughts:
City’s majestic walls depict the story of the Medieval Mughal Empire. Fatehpur Sikri is a small city and short-term capital of Mughals during Akbar’s period. Akbar once visited Sikri to consult the Sufi Saint Salim Chisti, who predicted the birth of an heir to the Mughals. When this prediction became true, Akbar built a new capital in Chisti and named it priorly as Fatehabad which means Victory in Arabic.
It is believed that Akbar himself took his interest in building this city and even dictated its architectural style. The complex was built in Persian style as a tribute to his ancestors. The walls of this city complex are marked with the readily available red sandstones. Due to the shortage of water this city was shortly abandoned after the death of Ashok.
This World Heritage Site houses Jodha Bai Palace, Diwan-I-Am, Diwan-I-Khas, Buland Darwaja, Jami Masjid, Darga of Salim Chisthi, and many more Architectural wonders. Akbar also undertook the construction of three palaces for his three wives, one being Hindu, one Muslim, and one Christian.
The sunset transforms Fatehpur Sikri, an Indo-Islamic architectural marvel, into a vision of radiant beauty.
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FAQs:
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What Is The Significance Of The Name Fatehpur Sikri?
- The name Fatehpur Sikri means ‘The City Of Victory’ that reflects Akbar’s military conquests.
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Why Was This City Built?
- Akbar built this city to honour Sufi Saint Salim Chisti, who predicted the birth of Akbar’s son Jehangir.
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What Are Some Of The Main Attractions In Fatehpur Sikri?
- Buland Darwaja: A splendid gateway of 54 meter high that remarks the victory of Akbar over Gujrath.
- Jama Masjid: A large Mosque within the complex
- Pancha Mahal: A palace with five tiers.
- Diwan-I-Khas: The Hall Of Private Audiences
- Diwan-I-Am: The Hall Of Public Audiences
- Tomb Of Saint Salim Chisti: Built To Honour Sufi Saint Salim Chisti
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Why This Was Abondoned?
- This city was abondoned due to the shortage of water and some strategic reasons.
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Is Fatehpur Sikri A Site Of UNESCO World Heritage Center?
- Yes, it was marked as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986.