Built during the second half of the 16th century by the
Emperor Akbar, Fatehpur Sikri (the City of Victory) was the capital
of the Mughal Empire for only some 10 years. The complex of
monuments and temples, all in a uniform architectural style,
includes one of the largest mosques in India, the Jama Masjid.
40 kms from Agra, the city of Fatehpur Sikri served as the capital
of the Mughal empire between 1570 and 1586. But as abruptly as it
had been built, it was abandoned. A popular legend is attached to
the city's conception. According to it, Emperor Akbar was without a
male heir, and therefore, made a pilgrimage to seek the blessings of
the powerful saint Sheikh Salim Chisti. His prayer was fulfilled,
and soon, a son was born to him. In honour of the saint, Akbar named
the prince Salim, and decided to found a new city to celebrate his
birth. And thus, the magnificent Fatehpur Sikri, the new capital,
came into being.
"Fatehpur's fresh and innovative architecture, with its vast
array of building types represents -like most Moghul building-a
fusion of Indian and Islamic cultures. The underlying structure is
generally of Hindu post-and-beams, in many cases roofed with Muslim
vaults and domes. All is carried out here with cohesive and
sympathetic scale: note the 'neighborhood' atmosphere."
The city was intended to embody the noble ideals, and the
humanitarian bent of this dynamic emperor. Although a Muslim, Akbar
was famous for his incredible tolerance towards other religions, and
he is said to have indulged in a great deal of study and discussion
in this field, in his new capital. He also created a new religion,
Deen - e - Elahi which attempted to fuse positive aspects of all the
major religions into one composite whole.
The finest monuments within this area are the Diwan - i - Am, Diwan
- i - Khas, Panch Mahal, Jama Masjid, Panch Mahal, Buland Darwaza
and the tomb of Saint Sheikh Salim Chisti.
Best time to visit
From November to February. Access Agra is connected to Delhi by
air. One can also use the Taj Express or the Shatabdi to get there.
One can even drive or travel by bus (204 km from Delhi).
Where to Stay
Agra has a wide range of hotels and rest houses. UPSTDC's tourist
complex, Taj Khema near the Taj Mahal offers accommodation in tents
and deluxe rooms.There is a UPSTDC Tourist Bungalow as well. Hotels
and restaurants offer Indian, Continental and Chinese food. Mughlai
cuisine is Agra's specialty. There is an ITDC restaurant near the
Taj.
Places to visit
Itmad-ud-daula's Tomb, Chini-ka-rauza, Ram Bagh, and Fatehpur
Sikri.
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