Fathepur Sikri

Fathepur Sikri is a testimony of Akbars learning and religious understanding. It is here where he gave shape to a new religion Din-hi-lahi and had designed a city with a mix of Hindu, Jain and Muslim architectural concepts. Akbar, decided to build the city in honor of a Suffi saint, Salim Chisti, whose prophecy about the birth of a son to the Emperor came true. So he decided to move the capital from Agra to Fathepur Sikri. It was the first planned city made by the Mugals, as there were drainage systems and the sloppy places were cut into terraces and buildings made on it. Salim Chisti, lived in cavern and was buried in white marble encased tomb within the Jama Masjid's courtyard.

The first construction at Fathepur Sikri was done by Akabar’s grandfather, Barber, to celebrate his victory over the Lodhi Dynasty. He built a palace ‘Jal Mahal’ surrounded by lake. This small red city is predominately made of buildings of red sand stones, and decorated with pillars, arches, brackets, chattris, etc. But, unlike other mugal works, here domes are few and the structures show influence of Gujrat and Bengal architecture. Watching the palaces and other places, during the sunset, transports one to the glorious days past of the city. This is the third heritage site declared by UNESCO in Agra.

Fathepur city is known not only for its architectural business, but also for the contributions of the king and his Navrathnas for the religious harmony and growth of art. The legends of Akbar and Birbal originated here, so also a new religion Din-i-ilahi that combined the essence of all the religions in the world. Sitting in Diwan-i-Khas, which has a central pillar with thirty-six vault supporting a circular platform, Akbar used to hold religious discourses with religious leaders. On the Buland Darwaza, a beautifully decorated gateway leading to the Jama Masjid, there is a verse from the Holy Bible that exhibits the religious tolerance exercised by the Emperor.

Akbar was sensitive towards the welfare of his subjects; he was a great administrator who brought in many reforms for the betterment of the masses. He formed the doctrine of Sulh-i-kul and the policy of patronizing art and literature. From Diwan-i-Am, a rectangular pavilion facing an open space, he used to speak to the general public.

The other places of interest in this royal city are the Anuup Talao, where Tansen is famed to have performed; Mariam-uz-Samani’s palace, the house of Akbars beautiful and adorable wife, and mother of Jhangirs mother, Mariam; Birbals residence; Panch Mahal, a five storied palatial building; Pachisi Court, the floor designed to play an old version of Ludo using human play piece; Jama Masjid; Diwan-khana-I-khaas, a hall for private audience; Palace of Jodha Bai, the largest of all building, this was the residence of Akbar’s Rajput wife - The palace has a blend of Hindu (especially for column) and Muslim (mainly for Cupolas) architecture designs; Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds; Nagina Masjid; etc.

Water is one of the main themes of Fathepur Sikri, where there is a lake palace, a Lake Pavilion, etc., but ironically water brought the doom of this dream city. Akbar had to abandon the city for Agra due to scarcity of water. Fatehpur Sikri is now a ghost city and a municipal board in Agra District. Only 30,000 people stay there. The buildings are kept intact by the consistent effort of the Archeological Department.