FATEHPUR SIKRI

FATEHPUR SIKRI



Founded by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century, this was the first planned city of the Indo-Islamic architecture. It was abandoned only 14 years after its creation due to a severe shortage of water. Perched atop a rocky ridge, the city is built in red sandstone and planned on a definite mathematical grid, offering a spectacular blend of Hindu and Muslim architectural elements. Many historical monuments and buildings stand strewn throughout the city.

Diwan-i-am is the place where the emperor arrived before the public to hear complains and dispensed justice while Diwani-i-khas served as the hall of private meetings of the emperor. At the southern end of the city, around a lovely pool called Anup Talao, Akbar’s private living quarter consisted of his library, his Daftarkhana or record office and his dream palace. Mariam’s Palace, the living quarter of his beautiful Goan wife, stands east of the emperor’s quarter and is another great architectural showpiece of the city. Jodhabai’s Palace, the largest palace of the city, housed the emperor’s other queens. Decorated with rich-blue tiled roof, the structure is an admixture of Islamic, Manduian and Gwaliorian styles of architecture.  Akbar’s favourite courtier and the famous wit, Birbal’s Palace is also nearby. Panch Mahal, Jama Masjid, Buland Darwaja and Salim Chisti’s Tomb are other impressive structures of the city.

 Accessibility: Agra is the nearest airport and railway station only 37kms away. From there Fatehpur Sikri is well connected by road.

Accommodation: A Tourist Lodge and a number of standard Hotels afford good accommodation.

Season: Throughout the year.

Location: Uttar Pradesh, India

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