37 kms from Agra is built a city predominantly in Red Sandstone and is
called Fatehpur Sikri. This town was built by the Mughal Emperor, Akbar. He
had planned this city as his capital but shortage of water compelled him to
abandon the city. After this within 20 years, the capital of Mughals was
shifted to Lahore.
Fatehpur
Sikri was built during 1571 and 1585. Today this ghost city has a population
of about 30,000. This deserted city has retained many of the old structures,
because of the efforts of the Archaeological department .
Fatehpur Sikri is one of the finest examples of Mughal architectural
splendour at its height. Though the city is in ruins, it is a place to visit
if one comes to Agra.But in real terms Fatehpur Sikri is a place where one
should spend some time. The sunset over the ruins is sight to cherish.
Fatehpur Sikri is the best example of the culmination of Hindu and Muslim
architecture. Fatehpur Sikri Mosque is said to be a copy of the mosque in
Mecca and has designs, derived from the Persian & Hindu architecture.
Prime Attractions of Fatehpur Sikri
§ Diwan-I-Am
The journey to the royal palace begins with Diwan-I-Am or the Hall Of
Public Audience. This hall was also used for celebrations and public
prayers. It has cloisters on three sides of a rectangular courtyard. To the
west is a pavilion with the Emperor’s throne. Beautiful jali screen on
either sides separated the ladies attending the court.
§ Diwan-khana-I-khaas
To the right is an apparently looking two storeyed building, with corner
kiosks, known as diwan-khana-I-khaas or Hall Of Private Audience. On
entering it, one finds only a single vaulted chamber. In the centre stands a
profusely carved column supporting a collosal-bracketed capital. Four narrow
causeways project from the centre and run to each corner of the chamber. It
is believed that Akbar’s throne occupied the circular space over the
capital and the corners were assigned to the four ministers.
§ Turkish Sultana’s House
To the left of the Pachisi Board is the Turkish Sultana’s house. The
house, as its location at the corner of Anup Talao shows, was a pavilion for
repose, attached to the pool. The geometrical pattern on the ceiling is
reminiscent of Central Asian carvings in wood.
§ The Treasury
To the left of the Diwan-I-Khaas is the Treasury or Ankh Michauli, once
believed to have been used for playing the game, comprising three rooms each
protected by a narrow corridor which were manned by guards.
§ Daulat khana-I-khas
Located in the corner to the left is the emperor’s private chamber. It
has two main rooms on the ground floor. One housed Akbar’s library
while the larger room was his resting area. On the first floor is the
Khwabgah or the bed-chamber. It was connected with the Turkish Sultana’s
house, the Panch Mahal, Mariam’s House and the Jodha Bai’s palace
by corridors.
§ Palace of Jodha Bai
To the left of the Sunehra Makan is the largest and the most important
building in the royal palace, named after Akbar’s Rajput wife, Jodha
Bai. This spacious palace was assured of privacy and security by high walls
and a 9 metre guarded gate to the east. The architecture is a blend of
styles with Hindu columns and Muslim cupolas.
§ Hawa Mahal And Nagina Masjid
To the right of Jodha Bai’s palace is Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds.
This small-screened wind tower faces the garden and is attached to the
palace. The garden is laid out in the Char Bagh style with straight walls
intersecting at right angles and divided by shallow channels.
§
Birbal’s Palace
To the north west of the Jodha Bai’s Palace is the 2 storeyed palace
occupied by Akbar’s two senior queens- ruqnayya begum and salima sultan
begum. It has two storeys-four rooms and two porches with pyramidical roofs
below and two rooms with cupolas and screened terraces above. The building
combines hindu and muslim atyles of srchitecture.
