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Fatehpur Sikri was Akbar's
capital for approximately 12 years. Akbar selected Sikri as the seat
of his government believing it to be auspicious for himself. He
experimented both with architecture and art and built a city
expressing his ideals and vision. Today, Fatehpur Sikri is a
deserted, phantom city. But the inner citadel is immaculately
preserved. The finest monuments within this area are the Diwan-i-Am,
Diwan-i-Khas, Panch Mahal, Buland Darwaza and the tomb of Saint
Sheikh Salim Chishti, and the Jama Masjid (one of the largest
mosques In India).
Attractions in Fatehpur Sikri :
Jama Masjid : Also known as the Dargah Mosque, this is said
to be a copy of the main mosque at Mecca. Its noted for its design
which has persian and Hindu elements.
Buland Darwaza : The monumental 54 m high Buland Darwaza, the
Gate of Victory, is the main entrance. It was constructed to
commemorate Akbar's victory in Gujarat. A koranic inscription upon
it read, "The world is a bridge, pass over it but built no house
upon it. He who hopes for an hour, hopes for Eternity, for the world
is but an hour". Just outside the gateway is a deep well wherein
local daredevils leap from the top of the entrance into the water.
The Shahi Darwaza is the official entrance, where licensed guides
can be hired.
Tomb of Shaikh Salim Chisti : The tomb visited by many
seeking ful filment of their wishes was built in 1570. The carved
marble lattice screens (jalis) are simply remarkable. Within the
courtyard is the another tomb of Islam Khan, the saint's garden.
Place of Jodha Bai : This was the principal harem wing for
Akbar's Hindu wives, over which Jodha Bai, mother of Salim (emperor
Jehangir) presided imperiously from her spacious purdah - screened
salon. The architecture of the building is a blend of styles with
Hindu columns and Muslim cupolas The walls of the Hawa Mahal or
Palace of the winds are made entirely of stone latticework.
Birbal Bhawan : This casket like palace belonged to Raja
Birbal, Akbar's brilliant Brahimin prime minister, one of the "None
Jewels of Akbar's Court". The palace fronts onto the Lower Haramsara,
which was once believed to be an enormous stable with nearly two
hundred enclosures for elephants, horses and camels.
Karawan Serai and Hiran Minar : The Karawan Sarai was a large
courtyard used by visiting merchants. The Hiran or Deer Minar is
said to have been erected over the grave of Akbar's favourite
elephant.
Palace of the Christian Wife : There was a reperate abode for
Akbar's Christian wife from Goa, Maryam, located close to the Jodha
Bai Palace. At one time it was gilded throughout, earning the name
the Golden Facade.
Panch Mahal : A five storied architectural marvel and Akbar's
personal citadel of pleasure, where he would spend his evenings with
the ladies of the harem. Nearby is the Astrologer's seat, an
ornamented pavilion where the resident astrologer played an
important role in day to day court life.
Diwan-i-Khas : Fatehpur Sikri's architectural gem, this
structure is unique for its interior decoration. This single vaulted
chamber is dominated by its massive central Lotus Throne Pillar that
supported Akbar's throne. This stone column support a flat topped
dome which is 6 m high.
Diwan-i-Aam : This hall of public audience was designed for
large public gatherings. Nearby is Pachisi courtyard, where akbar
and his courtiers used slave girls attired in brilliant dress as
piece of pachisi (a game similar to ludo), moving when ordered on a
giant marble board. |
