Fatehpur Sikri – a historical place known for its brilliant Mughal architecture and the aura of that era, is a small city, located 39 kms, and west of Agra, in the state of Uttar Pradesh. This city was constructed by the great Mughal emperor Akbar, in the 16th century in honour of a Sufi Saint, Saikh Salim Chisti, who predicted the birth of his son Jahangir.
The city has been recognized by UNESCO, as a World Heritage Site, was also the first planned city made by the Mughals. The mesmerizing architectural beauty and marvels, till today makes it a must stop over places for millions of tourists who travel from the nearby country capital of Delhi to Agra.
The city which was previously known by the name of Fatehpur, was later renamed as Fatehpur Sikri and is host to some of the finest and indigenous Mughal marvels that one can experience or see nowhere in the world. The city hosts a combination of various regional flavors in Islamic overtones crafted on red sandstones.
Let’s discover the most prominent places to visit in Fatehpur Sikri:
1. The Buland Darwaza: Along the wall on the south of another famous mosque – Jama Masjid lies the massive and majestic door that stands 55 meters high and guards the wall city. A Mughal architectural marvel that’s truly majestic.
2. Jama Masjid: Adjoining the Buland Darwaja, lies the massive and beautifully designed mosque, like any other Indian mosques portrays an immensely sized courtyard and inlays of marble crafted architecture.
3. Panch Mahal: As the name suggest – Panch Mahal, meaning five storied palace hold true to its beauty that impresses all. The diminishing stories reach up to a ‘chattri’ – an umbrella like structure. The palace has 176 columns that have been very precisely cut and decorated and its ornate stoned curtain adds further charm to the entire structure.
4. Slaim Chisti’s Tomb: Made with pure white marble, the tomb is dedicated to the great Sufu Saint Salim Chisti. It is placed in the courtyard of Jama Masjid, is carved like an ornament and been decorated in patterns of screens and mosaic art.
5. Diwan-e-aam and Diwan-e-Khas: Built by Emperor Akbar, Diwan-e-Aam is a central courtyard that held meetings of the emperor with the common mass. The courtyard has been very tastefully designed and depicts the past glory of the Mughal era in India.
Diwan-e-Khas, is yet another creation of the emperor Akbar and is a square building with beautiful interiors and exteriors. Was made by the emperor to host his private guests and visitors and has a centrally located pillar that has an octagonal shaft and brackets in the form of a serpentine along with gracefully carved floral patterns and designs. It is said that the emperor used to use this pace to discuss religious philosophies and larger matters.
Apart from the above mentioned notable attractions of Fatehpur Sikri, other prominent places that one could visit being here are Ibdat Khana, Anup Talao, and the Pachisi Court. Exploring the magnificent and beautiful walled city of Fatehpur Sikri which stands as a gem from the Mughal ages, is worth a special mention and visit.