Overview
Fatehpur Sikri is a historic town and municipal board located in the Agra district of Uttar Pradesh, India. Situated about 40 kilometres west of Agra, it served as the capital of the Mughal Empire for a brief period during the reign of Emperor Akbar. The walled city, built largely of red sandstone, is known for its blend of Persian, Islamic and indigenous Indian architectural styles, and the complex of monuments at the site is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Key Facts
| Name | Fatehpur Sikri |
|---|---|
| Type | Town and historical site |
| District | Agra |
| State | Uttar Pradesh |
| Country | India |
| Founder | Emperor Akbar |
| Founded | 1571 |
| Principal material | Red sandstone |
| UNESCO inscription | 1986 |
| Nearest major city | Agra (~40 km east) |
Background
The site at Sikri was an older settlement that gained prominence after Akbar visited the Sufi saint Shaikh Salim Chishti, who reportedly foretold the birth of an heir. When the prince later named Jahangir was born in 1569, Akbar resolved to build a new imperial capital at Sikri in honour of the saint. Construction of the palace-city commenced in 1571. After Akbar's military success in Gujarat, the city was renamed Fatehpur, meaning "city of victory", combining with Sikri to give it its present name.
History and Chronology
- 1569 – Birth of Prince Salim (later Jahangir), associated with the blessings of Salim Chishti.
- 1571 – Akbar begins construction of the new capital.
- 1573 – Following the conquest of Gujarat, the city is named Fatehpur.
- c. 1571–1585 – Fatehpur Sikri serves as the principal Mughal capital and a centre of administration, art and religious discourse.
- 1585 – Akbar shifts his capital to Lahore to manage the north-western frontier; Fatehpur Sikri is gradually abandoned, partly attributed to water shortages.
- 1986 – The monumental complex is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Architecture and Major Monuments
Fatehpur Sikri is built on a sandstone ridge and is enclosed by a defensive wall on three sides, with a large artificial lake (now dry) on the fourth. The architecture combines elements drawn from Hindu, Jain and Islamic traditions, expressing Akbar's syncretic vision.
- Buland Darwaza – A monumental gateway, approximately 54 metres in height, built to commemorate the Gujarat campaign and considered one of the largest gateways in the world.
- Jama Masjid – A large congregational mosque, among the earliest of its kind in the Mughal style.
- Tomb of Salim Chishti – A white marble tomb located within the Jama Masjid courtyard, a major site of pilgrimage.
- Diwan-i-Khas – The hall of private audience, noted for its central carved pillar with radiating brackets supporting a circular platform.
- Diwan-i-Aam – The hall of public audience used for general administration and petitions.
- Panch Mahal – A five-storeyed pavilion of decreasing tiers, used for leisure and recreation.
- Jodha Bai's Palace – The largest residential palace in the complex, blending traditional Indian motifs with Mughal symmetry.
- Birbal's House – A residence associated with Akbar's minister Raja Birbal.
- Ibadat Khana – The "house of worship" where Akbar convened scholars of various religions for theological debates that shaped his doctrine of