Fatehpur Sikri was Akbar's capital for approximately 12 years. Akbar
selected Sikri as the seat of his government believing it to be
auspicious for himself. He experimented both with architecture and art
and built a city expressing his ideals and vision. Today, Fatehpur Sikri
is a deserted, phantom city. But the inner citadel is immaculately
preserved. The finest monuments within this area are the Diwan-i-Am,
Diwan-i-Khas, Panch Mahal, Buland Darwaza and the tomb of Saint Sheikh
Salim Chishti, and the Jama Masjid (one of the largest mosques In
India).
* Open on all weekdays from sunrise to
sunset. Free entry on Fridays. |

Buland Darwaja - The Buland Darwaja or the gate of
victory, was built by Akbar in 1601 in commemoration of his victory over
Khandesh and Ahmednagar in Southern India. Marble and sanstone have been
freely used in the construction of this structure Various other buildings
situated here are all worth a visit not only for their historical
importance, but also for the fine architectural work of the Mughal period.
Jama Masjid - Built in 1648 AD, in memory of Sheikh Salim
Chisthi and his grandson Islam Khan by Jehanara Begum, Shahjahan's daughter,
who was imprisoned with Shah Jahan by Aurangzeb, the masjid has a wonderful
assimilation of Iranian architecture. The building with its rectangular open
forecourt, has no minarets but its sandstone domes have a striking marble
patterning.
Salim Chisti's Tomb -The tomb was built over the exact spot where the
holy man Sheikh Salim Chisti sat in meditation during his lifetime. It is
ornamented with latticed screens and serpentine brackets. Shahjahan added
exquiatie pieta dura work later as a mark of respect for the saint. |