Fatehpur Sikri

Fatehpur Sikri In Agra

Fatehpur Sikri Built in the year 1570 entirely in red sandstone, Fatehpur Sikri served as the capital of Akbar for almost 14 years. Located just 37 km from Agra, this city was established as the capital city of Mughal empire during the reign of Akbar, but the scarcity of water forced him to shift his capital soon after. In fact within a span of 20 years of its construction Fatehpur Sikri was abandoned.

History of Fatehpur Sikri

A fine example of the brilliant architecture of Mughal architecture, Fatehpur Sikri holds a very interesting story behind its construction. Akbar, who was a great ruler and dreamed of conquering the entire nation, was a very sad person from inside. As he was a childless King who had no-one to carry his name after him. He desperately wanted an heir who can retain his name and his glory in future. After trying everywhere at last he went to seek the blessings of Sufi Saint Shaikh Salim Chisti (who was living at a cavern near Sikri). With the blessings of the Saint Akbar became the proud father of 3 healthy sons. So to honor the Sufi Saint he build the entire city and also named his elder son Salim (the name of the Saint).

Architecture of Fatehpur Sikri

The city of Fatehpur Sikri is basically a cluster of many monuments, giving us a glimpse of the amazing Mughal architectural style. The city is surrounded with an 11 km wall on the three sides and with a lake on the fourth side. An influence of Hindu, Jain and Muslim architecture can be seen on the entire structure. There are many gates (namely Delhi Gate, the Lal Gate, the Agra Gate, Birbal's Gate, Chandanpal Gate, The Gwalior Gate, the Tehra Gate, the Chor Gate and the Ajmere Gate) around the entire city through which you can get easy access here.

Attractions of Agra Fatehpur Sikri

Diwan-I-Am:- Begin your journey of Fatehpur Sikri with Diwan-I-Am or the Hall Of Public Audience. The hall was constructed to organize the general meeting of the king with his people and was also used for celebrations and public prayers.

Diwan-khana-I-khaas:- On the right hand side is a two storied building, with corner kiosks, known as diwan-khana-I-khaas or Hall Of Private Audience. On entering it, one finds only a single vaulted chamber. In the center stands a profusely carved column supporting a collosal-bracketed capital. Four narrow causeways project from the center and run to each corner of the chamber.

Dargah Of Sheikh Salim Chisti:- Akbar who was blessed with a son when he visited the Saint Chisti thats when he constructed a dargah to honor the Saint. The lattice work in the Dargah is among the finest to be found any where in India.

The Jami Masjid:- Jami Masjid is one of the largest mosques in India, and was built in 1571 AD. To the right corner of the mosque is the Jammat Khana Hall and next to this is the tomb of the royal ladies. To the left of the Jami Masjid is the Stone Cutters' mosque, the oldest place of worship at Fatehpur Sikri.

Buland Darwaza:- Buland Darwaza was erected in the year 1602 AD to commemorate Akbar's victory over Deccan. This gate is considered the highest and grandest gateway in India and is considered to be the biggest in the world.

The other attractions that you can visit during your trip to Fatehpur

Turkish Sultana House
The Treasury
Daulat khana-I-khas
Palace of Jodha Bai
Hawa Mahal and Nagina Masjid
Birbal Palace

Timings & Entry Fees

Timings: It is open on all Days. Entry ticket cost is different for Indians and Foreigners.
Entry Fee: For Foreigners entry fee is Rs 485/- and for Indians entry fee is Rs 50/-

How to Reach
By Air: Nearest Airport, Kheria-Agra- 40 km.
By Rail: Convenient rail service is available from Agra Cantt. Railway Station- 40 km.
By Road: Fatehpur Sikri is connected to Agra and neighbouring towns by regular bus services of UPSRTC. Some of the major road distances are : Bharatpur- 21 km., Agra-37 km., Mathura-60 km., Vrindavan- 75 km. Gwalior- 150 km., Delhi- 210 km. Raipur- 225 km. Jhansi- 259 km.