Fatehpur Sikri is an ancient city within fortified walls located in Uttar Pradesh, North India. It was, for a short time, the capital of the Mughal Empire (1571-1585) during the reign of Emperor Akbar. Fatehpur Sikri is a World Heritage Site due to its historical and archeological significance. It draws thousands of locals and travellers every day.
Fatehpur Sikri literally means the ‘City of Victory’. Akbar built the city here for strategic reasons and also because a Sufi saint named Salim Chisti had predicted that this would be the birth site of his future son, Jahangir. There are three palaces within Fatehpur Sikri, each one was purportedly built for a favourite wife of Akbar. The city was basically divided in to two parts, the sprawling mosque and the living quarters. It was abandoned in 1585, apparently due to ongoing water shortages.
The architecture of this abandoned city is amazing. Emperor Akbar took great interest in the building of Fatehpur Sikri, heavily encouraging the influence of Persian architecture with Indian influences clearly visible throughout the buildings as well. The entrance to the ancient city, Buland Darwaza, is absolutely breath taking at about 55 metres high. The mosque inside the city, Jama Masjid, is one of the biggest mosques in all of India. And in the courtyard of the mosque is another stunning building, the tomb of Salim Chisti. It is made from white marble, which contrasts spectacularly against the red sandstone used for the majority of the city.The living quarter section of the city is equally as stunning. The Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience) looks ornate from the outside but is famous for the carved pillar in the centre of it. There is also a pool, sprawling gardens and even a Pachisi court. Who knows what could have become of this marvelous ghost city had it not been abandoned over 400 years ago.
Come and experience the magnificence of Fatehpur Sikri for yourself on any one of these North Indian tours :‘Living the Ayurvedic Way North’, ‘Northern Exposure’ or ‘Beauty Unwound Textile Tour’. We look forward to helping you get the best out of your India experience.
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