In the Agar region of India there is a city called Fatehpur Sikri. The city of Fatehpur Sikri is a tourist attraction in India as a prime example of Mongol architecture. Fatehpur Sikri means Victory City in Uttar Pradesh, India. The city was founded in 1571 by Emperor Akbar as the capital of the Mongol Empire.
The city of Fatehpur Sikri dates back to the Mongol period. The city was founded in 1571 by Emperor Akbar as the capital of the Mongol Empire.
Emperor Akbar left the city of Fatehpur Sikri during the expedition to Punjab. Saddle was completely abandoned in 1610 due to water shortage.
Emperor Akbar’s goal in founding the city of Fatehpur Sikri was to thank Sheikh Salim Chishti. This sheikh had made predictions about the birth of the son of Emperor Akbar. In 1569, the wife of Emperor Akbar, Maryam Oz, gave birth to a son named Jahangir.
Archaeological excavations by Lady Pratab Singh indicate that the statue, antiques and structures in Fatehpur Sikri date back to more than 1000 years ago.
In fact, before the conquest of the city by Emperor Akbar, his predecessors, especially Babur and Homayoun, took extensive measures to design the city.
In 1803, the British made extensive efforts to revive the city of Fatehpur Sikri. One of these measures was the establishment of an administrative center. About 12 years later, a man named Marquez Hastings ordered the repair and restoration of historic buildings in Fatehpur Sikri and Sikandra.
Architecture of Fatehpur Sikri city
The city of Fatehpur Sikri is surrounded on three sides by a 6 km long wall. The city is located on a rocky ridge 1 km wide and 3 km long.
It is interesting to know that the fourth part of the city of Fatehpur Sikri is surrounded by a lake and the space inside the city is mainly composed of red sandstone.
The architecture of Fatehpur Sikri is inspired by Timurid architecture. In fact, the architecture of the city is a reflection of the common Indian architecture, which is formed by combining Indian and Muslim styles.
Historic and tourist sites in Fatehpur Sikri
Maryam Al-Zamani Palace
Maryam Al-Zamani Palace has been used as the emperor’s shrine in the past. This palace was originally the residence of Jeddah, the queen of the Mongols. However, other wives of Emperor Akbar lived there.
Maryam Al-Zamani or Jadbayi Palace is based on the Islamic architectural style of the Mongols and the Indian style of Raja Putana. The reason for using the Indian Raja Putana style goes back to the Queen’s separate lineage.
Long gate
Boland Darvaza is a large and magnificent gate in the city of Fatehpour Sikri, which was built in 1601. Emperor Akbar ordered the construction of a high gate to commemorate the conquest of Gujarat.
Boland Gate has a unique architecture. The height of this building is estimated to be 54 meters and it consists of red limestone. The large gate is decorated with granite carvings and marble decorations.
Boland Darvaza has an original inscription in Persian that shows the religious status of the Mongols.
The content of the main tall inscription of Darwaza is as follows:
“Jesus Christ said the world is a bridge to cross. So do not build a house on it. It is possible that one who hopes one day will also hope for eternity. The world lasts only an hour, spend it in prayer and worship. The rest is unseen. “
Five places
One of the historical and tourist monuments of Fatehpour Sikri is five places. The figure of five places remains as a pyramid and consists of five floors and 176 columns.
In ancient times, 176 columns were built side by side by stone carving nets to protect the female section. The building block of the five-column columns is mostly sand.
The most important uses of the five venues have been various ceremonies such as local dances, music performances, performances and entertainment.
It is interesting to know that five places are known as learners.
Tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti
The tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti was built between 1580 and 1851. The mausoleum is considered to be one of the finest examples of medieval Indian carvings and is carved from marble.
In the tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti, the lifeless body of a Sufi and Sheikh named Salim Chishti is laid to rest. The tomb of Sheikh Chishti is covered with marble stones with intricate carvings. During the period when the Mongols and Indians lived in the city of Fatehpur Sikri, the tomb of Sheikh Salim was used as a main border of Sufism.
Special Court
The title of the most attractive lecture hall in Fatehpur Sikri is dedicated to a special court. One of the most exquisite parts of the court is the central tower, known as the Lotus Kingdom.
The central tower is decorated with masonry and engraving and is a clear example of precise masonry skills.
The special court was the private auditorium of Emperor Akbar, including religious leaders.
central Mosque
The Grand Mosque is one of the first buildings to be built in the city of Fatehpur Sikri. The architectural style used in the construction of the Grand Mosque is a combination of Hindu and Islamic. In addition, the Grand Mosque is built on the principles of Indian mosques and has a central courtyard.
The Grand Mosque has the best architectural landmarks of the Mongol era in India, including carved altars. The main structure of the mosque is rectangular and consists of red sandstones.
The Grand Mosque located in Fatehpour Sikri was built by Emperor Akbar under the supervision of Salim Chishti.
The Neighbor of the Minaret is a circular tower in India, also known as the Elephant Tower due to its ivory-covered rock ridges.
According to some narrations, the minaret was designed as a memorial to Emperor Akbar’s favorite elephant.
Birbal House
Birbal House was the residence of the favorite minister of Emperor Akbar. It is interesting to know that this minister was a Hindu. Prominent features of Birbal house architecture include retaining brackets and sunshades.
The best time to visit Fatehpur Sikri
The city of Fatehpur Sikri is located in the Agra region. Agra is located in an area with a subtropical climate. The average temperature in the Agra region from April to July is about 45 ° C.
Thus, the best time to visit Fatehpur Sikri is in winter weather.
Ways to access Fatehpur Sikri
The city of Fatehpur Sikri is generally accessible through gates along the castle wall. The gateways to the city of Fatehpour Sikri include the gates of Chor, Delhi, Lal, Birbal, Gwalior, Ajmari, Agra, Chandanpal and Tehra.
Address: India – Agra Region – Uttar Pradesh Province – Fatehpur Sikri City