Fatehpur Sikri
A city in
northern India; former capital of the Mughal empire and the site of the
Taj Mahal, Agra, houses another most visited tourism destinations of
India, Fatehpur Sikri. Being a ceremonial capital, it does not have
fortifications. Fatehpur Sikri is unique in terms of its layout as well
as its architecture, which are generally considered to express the
personality and principles of Akbar. A royal city perfectly preserved,
Fatehpur Sikri provides a marvellous escape into the past. Akbar
embarked on the construction of a new capital here when a prophecy of
the birth of a male royal heir, by the Sufi Saint Salim Chisti of Sikri,
came true.
Architecture :
The buildings within Fatehpur Sikri are a unique blend of different
architectural traditions. Though the general layout and concept of the
buildings conform to the Islamic style of architecture, the actual
buildings (mainly palaces), their ornate columns, arches, carving style,
etc., show a strong Hindu style in general and that of Gujarat and
Rajasthan in particular.
Monuments within the complex :
1. Buland Darwaza
This gate can be approached from the outside by a 13-metre flight of
steps which adds to its grandeur. The gate erected in 1602 AD to
commemorate Akbar’s victory over Deccan is the highest and grandest
gateway in India and ranks among the biggest in the world.
2. 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.
3. 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.
