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Fatehpur Sikri
The city of Fatehpur Sikri was built by Emperor Akbar in show of his gratitude for sufi saint, Salim Chisiti.The abandoned city of Fatehpur is located 26 km west of Agra. The fantastic ruins narrate the tolerance of Akbar towards every religion whether Hindu or Islam. The various mosques, fine halls and palaces within this city tell about the ideals and visions of the Emperor. It remained the Mughal capital for 15 years but was abandoned due to an inexplicable reason such as shortage of water. Naturally, it has given rise to various questions and doubts. Some of the most popular reasons are given below:

Sheikh Salim Chishti's Prediction of an Heir:

The reign of Emperor is known for prosperity and development The name of Akbar is still remembered with love and reverence. But such glorious reign, he was grieved by the absence of an heir. Emperor Akbar went to seek the blessings of Saint Salim Chisiti who predicted that the Emperor would be blessed with three sons in the near future. In the very next year, the Emperor was blessed with a son named after saint as Salim. In 1571, Akbar built a mosque in gratitude to the sufi Saint Salim Chisiti. After the death of the Saint in 1572, a tomb was built for him inside the mosque.

Fatehpur Sikri the Capital of the Mughal Empire:

Fatehpur Sikri was a fantastic city. Fatehpur means the city of vicitory. Sikri was later added to commemorate the conquest of Gujarat by Emperor Akbar. The work on the city begun in 1571. There are elaborate palaces, mosques, harems, tombs, formal courtyards and a beautiful palace for the Emperor. Over a period of time, the royal court shifted here and thus was born a new capital of the Mughal Empire.

The Architecture:

The Fatehpur Sikri is representative of tolerant spirit of Emperor Akbar. His respect for all religions is reflected in all the buildings and in the fusion of Hindu and Islamic architecture of the city. The city is home to the palaces, courtyards, public halls, harem, the treasury, soldier's barracks, the main mosque, the shrine of Sufi Saint Sheikh Salim Chishti and the Buland Darwaza.

Abandonment of Fatehpur Sikri:

Emperor Akbar deserted the city of Fatehpur Sikri which took 15 years to be built. The reason for desertion is stated to be shortage of water supply. But, Emperor seems to have lost interest in the city.

The Friday Mosque:

It is said to be the copy of chief mosque in Mecca. Jama Masjid or Friday Mosque is perhaps the largest mosque to be built in India. Around ten thousand men can gather here to pray at any given time. It was the first major structure to be built within the city er hall with an arch and a pray hall with three domes.

The Buland Darwaza :

Buland Darwaza means "the gateway of victory". It is one of the two entrances to the Jama Masjid. It is situated on the southern side of the mosque. It was built to commemorate the victory of Emperor Akbar over Gujarat. It is constructed in colored sandstone and white marble on the southwestern end of the city. The gateway can be reached through a flight of stairs. The gate is rises to a height of 12 meters from the ground.

The Dargah of Sufi Saint Sheikh Salim Chishti :

The tomb of the revered Saint Saint Sheikh Salim Chishti is situated within Jama Masjid comlpex. It is one of the most important Sufi shrines in the region. Firstly, it was built in red sand stone later it was replaced by lattice marble screens. His prediction regarding the birth of an heir to the Emperor Akbar elevated his status substantially. Even now, the belief still holds and numerous childless couples visit the shrine to seek the fulfillment of their wishes. The masjid complex also has a tomb of Islam Khan, grandson of Saint Salim Chisiti.

The Royal Complex:

The royal complex is one of the largest building complexes at Fatehpur Sikri measuring up to 250 square meters. It consists of three main areas:

• The Public area
• The Mardana or men's area
• The Zenana or women's area.

Diwan-i-Amm:

The court of commons is the first building you come across past the gateway to the palace. It is enclosed by colonnades and was overlooked by the Emperor on the pavilion on the western side of the court. The intricate stone screens provided the women to glimpse at the ongoing of the celebrations and processions within this court. The marriage of Prince Salim with a Hindu Princess was one of them. Behind the Diwan-i-Amm is a small entrance that leads to the protected private domain of the imperial palace.

There are numerous complexes for the royal harem and the ladies-in-waiting, residencies for the ruler and living quarters.

Diwan-i-Khas :

The building for the nobility has two storeys with a balcony supported on heavy corbels. From inside the high-ceiling allows the building to form a single huge harboring area. An elaborately carved centre pillar supports the balcony connected by bridges that run diagonally from the corners of the gallery. The structure is referred as a Hindu structure. Here, the Emperor Akbar used to conduct meetings with the ambassadors, governors, and other officials of the state.

Aaankh Michauli :

It is part of Diwan-i-Khas, the court of commons. Numerous romantic tales are famous regarding the purpose of this area. The name implies "hide and seek". And it is said that the Emperor used to entertain his female following within this area. But these rumors have been denied due to the location of this hall within the men's complex where access to women was not allowed.

Anup Talao :

It is situsted in the men's complex. This pool with embellished edges has a platform at the center that can be reached by narrow bridges. It is towards the Khwabgah i.e the resting place for the Emperor. The royal court singer Tansen is said to sing sitting in the center of the pool.

The Panch Mahal :

The name of this palace means five-storied structure. The ground floor of the palace consists of a hundred and seventy-six intricately carved columns. The next two floors are similar whereas the top two floors are in the form of pillared halls. The top of the palace has a crowned stone umbrella for enjoying the view of the fort and the palace. The view form the top shows the distinct layout of the imperial city, the private and the public areas with courtyards linking them together.

Jodha Bai's Palace:

It is situated in the centre of a rectangular courtyard known to be the women's area it was known as the Zenana of Empress Jodha Bai. The Empress was a Rajput Princess before her marriage to Emperor Akbar and it reflected in the Rajput influence in the palace. With blue tiled roofs and arcades surrounding the courtyard on all four sides the palace, it can only be reached through a single fortified gateway on the east side.

The Hawa Mahal :

It is a fantastic structure built of walls with stone lattice work. It is constructed on a raised platform. It used to be the summer retreat for the women of the harem. That's the reason it is called Hawa Mahal.

The Birbal Palace :

This palace is named after legendary Birbal, a royal advisir of Emperor Akbar. It is situated close to the Jodha Bhai Palace. It is said to be the residence of the advisor but it is a mystery whether this claim is true or false. No one was allowed to live on the royal complex except the royal family.

There is so much to explore in this deserted city. No doubt, you will be mesmerized by its charms. When planning a visit to Fatehpur Sikri, get in touch Legent Holidays. Because no body knows it better than us.
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