The history of Fatehpur Sikri feels like a fairytale. When nothing else seemed to work, the great Mogul Ruler Akbar visited this place to find and seek blessings from Sufi saint, Sheikh Salim Chishti to fulfill his wish for having a son to carry on his legacy. His efforts and prayers worked and soon he was blessed with a boy. The king named his son Salim after the Sufi saint and promised to establish a new city with magnificent architecture. Hence, the city of majestic Fatehpur Sikri came into existence on the hilly terrain at a distance of forty kilometers from Agra. For sixteen unforgettable years it was the marvel of visitors from across the globe.
As of date, this city stands isolated. The inner structure is impeccably conserved. The walls, castles, bathes, courtrooms and lawns are still standing the way they did centuries ago. The palace complex welcomes you into a different era. Its like reliving history all over again. The tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti is still visited by thousands of pilgrims who offer flowers as well as tie holy threads in the interlaced frames to fulfill their wish for a son.
Structure:
Fatehpur Sikri is rightly said to be the most elegant examples of the Mughal architectures. Although the city is very old, but it is a must visit place if you are in or around Agra. It is a place where time spent is well spent. Especially the sunset from the ruins is a view to be treasured. Fatehpur Sikri is an excellent example of the apogee of Muslim as well as Hindu architecture. It is said that the Mosque at Fatehpur Sikri is a replication of the Mecca mosque and has patterns influenced by the Hindu architecture as well as the Persian architecture. The grand entrance of the mosque is called the Buland Darwaza. The Buland Darwaza was initially built in the Indian state of Gujrat and later on transported here. It is fifty four meters high. The dargah of the great sufi saint is to the north of the mosque. The construction of this dargah dates back to 1570. Several parents hoping for a child come here to seek blessings. The finest lattice work can be seen in the dargah, said to be the finest in India.
Important Places in Fatehpur Sikri
Diwan-I-Khas: Also called the Jewel House. In this jewel house the Akbar’s best jewel experts inspected the royal treasure. This magnificent structure seems to be double storied from outside but from the inside it is a huge single chamber. It is surmounted by four cubicles and is situated in the center of the court.
Buland Darwaza: This huge entrance was built to celebrate King Akbar’s glorious win in Gujarat. The gateway is built in marble and adorned with colored stones.
Panch mahal: The most breathtaking structure in this city is the Panch Mahal. This is a five tiered palace. The first two floors are same sized whereas, the following two are graded. There is an open pavilion on the top.
Khwabgah: This is a pretty chamber on the first floor where the private room of Akbar once stood. This room was made such that the attendants from the harem could meet King Akbar at ease. Akbar also used this room to meet important officials and rest during afternoon.
Anup Talao: This was the refreshment place for the king. It is said that Tansen entertained Akbar and his royal guests over here.
