Fatehpur Sikri near Agra was built between 1571 and 1585 and is one of the most popular tourist places to visit in Uttar Pradesh. Today, this town has a population of about 35,000. Due to the efforts of the archaeological department, this isolated city has retained several old structures. This city is one of the supreme examples of Mughal architectural magnificence at its stature. Though the city is in a shell, it’s a place to visit if you go to Agra and in real terms, it’s a place where you should spend some time. The sunset over there is a sight to treasure.
Fatehpur Sikri is the best example of Hindu and Muslim architecture. Its mosque is said to be a duplicate of the mosque in Mecca and has designs taken from the Hindu and Persian architecture.
Major Attractions of Fatehpur Sikri
1. Diwan-E-Am
The trip to the regal palace begins with Diwan-E-Am or the Hall of Public Audience. This hall was also used for revels and public prayers. It has a walkway on 3 sides of a rectangular courtyard. A pavilion with the Emperor’s throne lies to the west with beautiful Jali screen separated on either side with the ladies attending the court.
2. Diwan-E-Khaas
Diwan-E-Khaas or Hall of Private Audience, a 2 storied building with corner kiosks lies to the right of Diwan-E-Am. On entering it, you could find only a single vaulted chamber. An abundantly carved column behind a massive bracketed capital stands in the centre. There are four narrow causeways that project from the centre and goes through each corner of the chamber. It’s said that Akbar’s throne occupied the round space over the capital and the corners were given to the four ministers.
3. Palace of Jodha Bai
The largest and most significant building in the royal palace, named after Akbar’s Rajput wife, Jodha Bai lies to the left of the Sunehra Mahal. This large palace was built by keeping privacy of the queen in mind and was secured by high walls and an 8 meter guarded gate to the east. This architecture is a mixture of styles with Hindu and Muslim columns.
4. Hawa Mahal and Nagina Masjid
Hawa Mahal, the palace of wind lies to the right of Jodha Bai’s palace. This small screened wind tower is attached to the palace and it faces the garden. The garden is built in the Char Bagh style with straight walls intersecting at right angles and divided by low channels.
5. Dargah of Sheikh Salim Chisti
Dargah of Sheikh Salim Chisti is positioned to the north of the mosque and was built in 1570. Here, women who don’t have children come for the blessings of the saint. Even Akbar was blessed with 3 sons when he came here. The pattern work in this dargah is among the finest to be found anywhere in India.
6. Buland Darwaza
This gate is visible from outside by a 13 meter flight of steps which adds to its majesty. The gate was erected in 1602 AD to honor Akbar’s victory over Deccan and this gate is the grandest and highest gateway in India and rank among the biggest in the world.