Introduction

Built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in the mid 16th century, Fatehpur Sikri was meant to be a new capital for his empire. It was also the emperor’s homage to Saint Sheikh Salim Chishti, who predicted the birth of the emperor’s much-desired son and heir. Built in almost uniform style, Sikri is a sprawling complex of palaces, mosques, temples, and other structures. It is a stunning amalgamation of the Persian and Indian styles of building.

Planned under Akbar’s closer supervision, the new city was initially called Fatehabad - the City of Victory. However, scarcity of water forced the emperor to abandon the city after just 10-odd years. The city now lies in ruins, but many of the buildings and palaces built in the 16th century still stand proudly in their Mughal glory.

Rectangular in shape and is bordered by towering walls on three sides, nine gates mark the entrances to the city. Much like Agra Fort, there is a hall for public audiences, Diwan-i-aam, complete with an ornate pavilion for the emperor’s throne. Adjacent to this is the Diwan-i-khas, the emperor’s Hall of Private Audience. A beautifully decorated building, Diwan-i-khas has a single-vaulted chamber and a carved central pillar, known as the Lotus Throne Pillar. This pillar supported Akbar’s throne, and four causeways lead from the center to the four corners of the chamber, where his courtiers sat.

Another remarkable remnant of a Pachisi courtyard, which, as the name suggests, is dominated by a huge pachisi board, on which slaves moved as pachisi pieces. Panch Mahal, the tallest pavilion in the city overlooks the Pachisi courtyard. A five-storeyed building, Panch Mahal is where Akbar’s wives could watch the game.

Other buildings and palaces within the royal complex include the Sunehara Makhan, Jodha Bai Palace, the Treasury, Birbal’s Palace, Hawa Mahal, and the dargah of Sheikh Salim Chisti. Turkish Sultana’s house where Tansen entertained Akbar and his courtiers and Khwabgah.

India’s largest mosque, the Jama Masjid is also located at Fatepur Sikri. The Jama Masjid’s architecture is similar to the main mosque in Mecca with a blend of Persian and Hindu elements. At its entrance is the 54 meter-high (approximately 177.2 feet) Buland Darwaza, which was built in celebration of Akbar’s successful conquest over Gujrat.

Special Attributes

A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Nuisance

Touts

Dressing restrictions

Dress in whatever you find comfortable. However, if you wish to visit the mosques and temples within the complex, you will have to make sure that your arms and legs are completely covered.

Connectivity

Buses, Taxis

Enjoyed by

All

Exposure

A visit to Fatehpur Sikri involves a lot of walking, most of which would be in the sun. Remember to cover your head, wear sunscreen, and carry a bottle of water.

Avoidable Season

April, May, June, July, August, September

Facilities

Basic, plan accordingly.

Things Not Allowed

Professional video cameras with more than 8 mm lens.

Tip

The Agra Development authority charges a one-time fee of Rs 500 from non-Indians for visits to the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Itmud-ad-Daulah, Sikandra and Fatehpur Sikri. You can opt for a day pass, which costs the same, and just pay for the entrance ticket at each monument.

Type of site

Monument/Architectural landmark