Fatehpur Sikri is 36 kn from Agra. It was the capital of Emperor Akbar in the late sixteenth century. During his reign, the Mughal empire tripled in size and wealth. He constructed many palaces, mosques and buildings in Fatehpur Sikri which are his architectural legacy.
History of Fatehpur Sikri
Sikri was the capital of the Mughal Empire from 1571 to 1585. The Muslim saint, Salim Chisti, was residing in Sikri. He had told Emperor Akbar that his wish for a heir will come true. Soon afterwards, Prince Salim was born. He would rule the Mughal Empire as Emperor Jehangir. Jehangir loved painting, architecture and the fine arts.
Buland Darwaza
Buland Darwaza is the main gateway to the Jama Masjid at Fathepur Sikri. Akbar erected it as a victory arch after his success in the war over Gujarat. At 54 metres, it is the highest gateway in the world. Red and buff sandstone have been used in the construction. The architectural style has Hindu and Persian influences. Buland Darwaza is symmetrical and topped by large chhatris.
Panch Mahal of Fatehpur Sikri
The design of Panch Mahal is distinctive. The building has five floors. Size of the floors decrease as we go up. Columns with intricate carvings support all the floors. There are eighty four columns on the ground floor. Each succeeding storey decreases in size with fifty-six columns on the first floor, twenty on the second, twelve on the third. The top floor contains a single chattri supported by four columns.There are no doors or windows. Panch Mahal was built by Emperor Akbar primarily as a recreational and pleasure palace for queens and ladies of the harem. It is also known as badgir or the wind tower.
Lotus Throne of Emperor Akbar
The Lotus Throne is on top of a massive red sandstone column. Thirty six carved brackets support the throne. The emperor used to sit in the centre and his ministers on the four supporting structures.
Love Story of Salim and Anarkali
Crown Prince Salim fell in love with Anarkali. She was a beautiful dancer in Akbar’s court. When Akbar came to know of this, he was furious and ordered that Anarkali be entombed alive. But according to legends, the tomb opened to a secret passage through which she escaped and fled the country.
Jodha Bai’s Palace in Fatehpur Sikri
Akbar had three wives- Hindu, Christian and Muslim. Jodha Bai was a Rajput princes. She was reportedly the favourite wife of Akbar and the mother of Jahangir, Akbar’s eventual successor. Her palace is the largest in the Imperial harem. The gateway on the eastern side is magnificent. There are a number of Hindu motifs in the palace.
Tomb of Islam Khan
This red sandstone building is the tomb of Islam Khan. It is surmounted by a large dome. Thirty six domed kiosks encircle the dome. Islam Khan was the General of the Mughal Army and grandson of the great Sufi Saint Salim Chisti.
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