Fatehpur Sikri, Agra
A
royal city perfectly preserved, Fatehpur Sikri provides a marvellous escape
into the past. Akbar embarked on the construction of a new capital here when
a prophecy of the birth of a male royal heir, by the Sufi Saint Salim Chisti
of Sikri, came true.
Imposing gateways and light- hearted palaces were built in red sandstone within
this fortified city only to be abandoned a few years later.
Among its many architectural game are the places for his queens - Jodha Bai,
Mariyam and his Turkish sultana, built in varying styles, each perfect in itself.
The Diwan-e-Khas entirely unique in its concept is a tall vaulted room with
an intricately carved central pillar and capital supporting a platform that
once held the emperor's throne.
Narrow galleries link this to the corners of the room where it is believed his
ministers sat The airy Panch Mahal a 5 storied structure rising in pyramidal
fashion was probably used by the ladies of the court.
Set like a jewel in a courtyard of pink sandstone is the finest building here,
the marble tomb of Salim Chisti enclosed by finely carved, lacy marble screens.
The Buland Darwaza, an imposing gateway 54 m high was built to commemorate Akbar's
Aligarh the famous university town is a center of Islamic studies. The city
is also noted for its handicrafts and metal wares.
··» Monuments
in India —› Humayun's
Tomb, Delhi —› India
Gate, Delhi —› Khajuraho
Temples —› Konark
Temple —› Lake
Palace, Udaipur —›
Qutub Minar, Delhi
—› Taj Mahal, Agra
—› Umaid
Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur —›
Ajanta Ellora
—› Charminar, Hyderabad
—› Fatehpur
Sikri, Agra —› Gateway
of India, Mumbai
