Fatehpur Sikri The Abandoned City of Akbar

Fatehpur Sikri: The Abandoned City of Akbar

Fatehpur Sikri is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. The city was founded in 1571 by Mughal emperor Akbar, and was his capital for 13 years. Fatehpur Sikri is known for its beautiful architecture, which is a blend of Hindu, Muslim, and Jain styles. The city is also home to a number of historical monuments, including the Jama Masjid, the Diwan-i-Khas, and the Buland Darwaza.

Akbar founded Fatehpur Sikri after he received a vision from Sufi saint Salim Chishti. The saint told Akbar that he would have a son if he built a city in his honor. Akbar took the saint’s words to heart, and began construction on Fatehpur Sikri in 1571. The city was built in just 13 years, and was a marvel of its time.

Fatehpur Sikri was a planned city, and was laid out in a grid pattern. The city was divided into three main sections: the imperial city, the residential city, and the commercial city. The imperial city was home to the emperor’s palace and other government buildings. The residential city was home to the homes of Akbar’s courtiers and officials. The commercial city was home to the markets and shops of the city’s merchants.

Fatehpur Sikri was a thriving city for many years, but it was eventually abandoned. The reason for the city’s abandonment is not entirely clear, but it is believed that a number of factors contributed to its decline. One factor may have been the lack of water. The city was located on a dry plain, and it was difficult to get water to the city. Another factor may have been the death of Salim Chishti. After the saint’s death, Akbar lost interest in the city.

Today, Fatehpur Sikri is a popular tourist destination. The city is well-preserved, and its beautiful architecture is a testament to the skill of the Mughal builders. Fatehpur Sikri is a reminder of the glory of the Mughal Empire, and it is a fascinating place to visit.

Here are some of the most popular tourist attractions in Fatehpur Sikri:

Jama Masjid: The Jama Masjid is the largest mosque in Fatehpur Sikri. It was built by Akbar in 1571, and is a beautiful example of Mughal architecture. The mosque can accommodate up to 25,000 people.
Diwan-i-Khas: The Diwan-i-Khas is a hall of audience where Akbar would meet with his courtiers. It is a beautiful room with a marble floor and a ceiling supported by 26 pillars. The walls are decorated with intricate carvings and paintings.
Buland Darwaza: The Buland Darwaza is a massive gate that was built by Akbar to commemorate his victory over Gujarat. The gate is 54 meters high and 33 meters wide. It is decorated with intricate carvings and paintings.
Akbar’s Palace: Akbar’s Palace is a complex of buildings that was home to Akbar and his family. The palace is made up of a number of courtyards, halls, and pavilions. The palace is decorated with intricate carvings and paintings.
Salim Chishti’s Tomb: Salim Chishti’s Tomb is a mausoleum that was built by Akbar in honor of Sufi saint Salim Chishti. The tomb is a beautiful building with a marble exterior and an interior that is decorated with intricate carvings and paintings.

Fatehpur Sikri is a fascinating place to visit and learn about the history of the Mughal Empire. The city is well-preserved and its beautiful architecture is a testament to the skill of the Mughal builders.