Fatehpur Sikri is the historical city constructed by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in the beginning of 1570 in the state of Uttar Pradesh in India. It served as the empire’s capital from 1571 until 1585, when it was abandoned. Fatehpur Sikri is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the surviving palace and mosque are a tourist attraction.
It has a versatile and prolific Indo-Muslim composite style of Architecture and resembles a fusion of the composite cultures of indigenous and foreign origins. Fatehpur Sikri Mosque is said to be a copy of the mosque in Mecca and has designs, derived from the Persian & Hindu architecture.

History

Akbar shifted his court and residence from Agra to Sikri for a period of 13 years, from 1572 to 1585. The Sufi Saint Sheikh Salim Chishti had blessed him with a son who was named Salim in 1569. After the death of his two sons, the Sufi saint predicted that Akbar would have another son. Akbar’s son was named Salim to honour the saint and would later rule the empire as Emperor Jahangir.

To honour the saint, Akbar created this great city with magnificent palaces and institutions and gave it the name of Fatehabad, which later came to be known as “Fatehpur Sikri”. Fateh is a word of Arabic origin and means “victory”.

Fatehpur Sikri shared its imperial duties as a capital city with Agra, where a bulk of the arsenal, treasure hoards, and other reserves were kept at its Red Fort for security. During a crisis, the court, harem, and treasury could be removed to Agra, only 26 miles away, less than a day’s march.

It is at Fatehpur Sikri that the legends of Akbar and his famed courtiers, the nine jewels or Navaratnas, were born. Innovations in land revenue, coinage, military organisation, and provincial administration emerged during the Fatehpur Sikri years. Fatehpur Sikri was the first planned city of the Mughals. Its efficient drainage system and water-supply system suggest a very intelligent town-planning by Akbar.

Fatehpur Sikri was abandoned in 1585 and the capital moved to Lahore. The reasons for this remain obscure; it is possible that water sources dried up or that Akbar needed to be closer to invading Persian and Afghan armies.

Important buildings & Places To Visit

The buildings of Fatehpur Sikri show a synthesis of various regional schools of architectural craftsmanship such as Gujarati and Bengali. This was because indigenous craftsmen from various regions were used for the construction of the buildings. Influences from Hindu and Jain architecture are seen hand in hand with Islamic elements.

Jama Masjid or the Friday Mosque: It is notable for its Hindu and Persian elements of design. It is also known as the Dargah Mosque and is said to be a copy of the main mosque at Mecca. The tomb of Salim Chisti called “Salim Chisti Ka Mazar” was built within the grounds of Jama Mosque.

Buland Darwaza – the ‘Gate of Magnificence’: It is a 54 m high main entrance gate to the Jama Masjid. It is a stupendous piece of architecture from the outside and gradually makes a transition to a human scale in the inside. It was erected in 1602 AD to commemorate Akbar’s victory over Deccan. It is the highest and grandest gateway in India and ranks among the biggest in the world. A Koranic Inscription upon it says – “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”.

Tomb of Shaikh Salim Chisti: It was built in 1570 and is believed by many seekers to fulfil their wishes. Its Carved Marble Lattice Screens (Jalis) are a noticeable feature.
Palace of Jodha Bai: It was the principal harem wing for the Hindu wives of Akbar. The mother of Salim (Emperor Jahangir) Jodha Bai presided imperiously from her spacious purdah (screened salon). The architecture is a blend of styles with Hindu columns and Muslim cupolas.

Birbal Bhawan: This palace belonged to Raja Birbal, Akbar’s brilliant prime minister. He was one of the “Nine Jewels of Akbar’s court”. The building combines Hindu and Muslim styles of architecture.

Karawan Serai and Hiran Minar: The Karawan Sarai was a large courtyard used by visiting merchants. The Hiran or Deer Minar has been erected over the grave of Akbar’s favourite elephant.

Diwan-i-Aam – Hall of Public Audience: a building typology found in many Mughal cities where the ruler meets the general public. It is designed for large public gatherings.

Diwan-i-Khas – Hall of Private Audience: famous for its central pillar with thirty-six vaulted brackets supporting a circular platform for Akbar. It is here that Akbar had representatives of different religions discuss their faiths. It is Fatehpur Sikri’s architectural gem and unique for its interior decoration.

Panch Mahal: A five-storied palatial structure and an architectural marvel. The bottom floor has 176 intricately carved columns. It was Akbar’s personal citadel of pleasure, where he would spend his evenings with the ladies of the harem.

Fatehpur Sikri is one of the finest examples of Mughal architectural splendour at its height. Indeed, its numerous palaces, halls, and masjids satisfy his creative and aesthetic impulses, typical of Mughals. Though the city is in ruins, it is a place to visit if one comes to Agra. The sunset over the ruins is a sight to cherish.
Fatehpur Sikri is regarded as Emperor Akbar’s crowning architectural legacy. It is the best example of the culmination of Hindu and Muslim architecture. It is one of the greatest accomplishments of Mughal architecture, some say it’s only surpassed in beauty by the Taj Mahal.