Profile
Settings
Refer your friends
Sign out
The walled city of Fatehpur Sikri may be found in the vicinity of Agra. It was constructed in the late 16th century with the intention of housing the capital of the Mughal Empire. However, this function was only performed by the city for a total of 14 years before it was fully deserted around the turn of the 17th century. This ancient city is currently recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered to be one of the most popular tourist destinations in Agra.
History of Fatehpur Sikri
Mughal Emperor Akbar erected Fatehpur Sikri in 1571, which is regarded to be his greatest architectural achievement. The city’s name is derived in part from a nearby town called Sikri, which existed at the time the city was built. Akbar is said to have visited this village and sought the advice of Shaikh Salim Chishti, a Sufi saint. Akbar began building his capital in the area after the saint predicted the birth of his heir.
Fatehpur Sikri was the Mughal Empire’s capital from 1571 to 1585. For this reason, the city was renamed Fatehpur Sikri after Akbar’s triumphant return from the Gujarat expedition in 1573. He left the city in 1585 when he set out for Punjab to participate in his next military expedition. The shortage of water and turmoil in the country’s northwest is thought to be the key reasons for the city’s abandonment. After Akbar moved the imperial capital from Fatehpur Sikri to Lahore, and then to Agra, the city was abandoned by 1610.
When the British colonial rulers took control of Agra in 1803, they constructed an administrative office here that remained operational until 1850. In 1815, the Marquess of Hastings ordered repairs to the monuments at Fatehpur Sikri.
Architecture of Fatehpur Sikri
An artificial lake borders Fatehpur Sikri’s fourth flank, which is surrounded by 6-kilometer-long defensive walls with numerous entryways. The city was built with red sandstone in the Indo-Islamic architectural style.
It is a city that is full of palaces, mosques, monuments, public buildings, and other architectural wonders. Akbar also erected three palaces for each of his three favorite women in this guarded metropolis. The city’s eight gates include, among others, the Delhi Gate, the Agra Gate, the Lal Gate, The Gwalior Gate, and the Ajmeri Gate. The Jama Masjid, one of India’s largest mosques, is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Buland Darwaza, Salim Chisti Tomb, and Panch Mahal all draw tourists from all across India and beyond because of its unique architectural designs and intricate carvings.
Construction of Fatehpur Sikri
The construction of the palatial complex began in 1572 and developed rapidly. Although miniatures represent the Emperor inspecting the construction, no written information exists detailing the architects who worked for Akbar or the Emperor’s involvement in the process.
From 1572 to 1575, the major structures were elevated and completed, and from 1575 to 1585, halls and corridors were added to the existing buildings to accommodate the needs of the Emperor and his family. Before being abandoned, the complex served as the Emperor’s primary residence for fourteen years. In 1585, following the political and geographical shift of the empire towards Afghanistan, Akbar and his court went to Lahore.
The Fatehpur Sikri complex is constructed on a long, slender ridge of crimson sandstone that extends from southwest to northeast. The buildings, on the other hand, are exactly aligned north-south and turned 45 degrees from this orientation. Several constructions may have existed on this ridge before Akbar’s reign. Despite the fact that Akbar’s buildings were orientated differently than the pre-existing ones, many of the earlier buildings were saved. The new mosque was constructed with the west (qibla) in mind, as did the remainder of the palace complex. It is also probable that Akbar’s complex was constructed following the ancient Indian architectural technique of Vastu. However, no written evidence exists to support the Vastu idea.
Conclusion
The walled city of Fatehpur Sikri may be found in the vicinity of Agra. It was constructed in the late 16th century with the intention of housing the capital of the Mughal Empire. The ancient city is currently recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The complex was constructed on a ridge of crimson sandstone and orientated north-south, rather than the usual 45 degrees east-west (qibla).
