The city of Fatehpur Sikri in Agra District is also the municipal board of the district in UP. The Mughal Emperor Akbar founded the city of Fatehpur Sikri, which went  to carry on as the capital to the Mughal Empire between 1571 and 1585. Following his victories on Chittor & Ranthambore, Emperor Akbar, thought of shifting his capital to a new location 23 miles from Agra. This was the Sikri ridge, where the new capital was formed to honor Salim Chisti, the renowned Sufi saint. This city was witness to the beginning of the making of a walled city, in which almost 15 years had to be invested in planning and building purposes. This city was initially, identified as Fatehabad, meaning “Victorious” in Persian. Later this fort came to be known as Fatehpur Sikri. This fort is one of the best examples reflecting the pure Mughal architectural prowess.

History

Contemporary history tells us that Akbar took major interests in the construction of Fatehpur Sikri as he contributed in the architectural layout and the style of the monument. He sought to patronise the grandeur of Persian courts going back in the age Timur, Akbar had the complex planned according to the Persian principals. However, the Indian influences are clearly reflected in the architecture and layout of the fort. The buildings are made of red sandstone availed from the nearing areas of Fatehpur Sikri. The Imperial Palace area has countless pavilions that are organized in geometric patterns on a leveled ground. In totality, this monument reflects diverse regional and cultural architectural patterns and influence, while the holistic approach to the construction style is definitely Akbar’s own style. The imperial complex was discarded post completion resulting mostly out of lack of water and due to its distance from the North West Rajputana areas, which was in major turmoil back then. The capital had to be shifted to Lahore. Akbar never returned to the Fatehpur Sikri city except for a short period in 1601. The Imperial Complex presently is left abandoned and is just a ghostly image. The modern town is located to the western edge of the imperial complex. For a considerable period of time, this monument was known for its masons and professional stone carvers including silk spinning.

Layout

Sitting on the rocky edges, Fatehpur Sikri covers a length of 3 km while the palatial city is encompassed on 3 sides by a wall running for almost 6 km and on the fourth side there is a lake. The Fatehpur Sikri buildings show a harmonious synthesis of different regional architectural schools like Gujarat and Bengal, since, the indigenous craftsmen were deployed in construction of the monument. The Hindu and Jain architectural influences are clearly visible alongside the Islamic architectural influences. Usage of Sikri sandstone is reflective in the palace city area. This complex is accessible through the Delhi Gate, Lal Gate, Agra Gate, Birbal Gate, Chandpal Gate, Gwalior Gate, Tehra Gate, Chor Gate and the Ajmere Gate, covering an area of almost 5 mile.

Few Important Structures within this monument are

Buland Darwaza

With a splendid height of 55 m, this gate was introduced after 5 years of completion of the Fatehpur Sikri Jama Masjid. This was more like a victory arch for the commemoration of Akbar’s Gujarat campaign victory. The largest entrance gate is known as the Horseshoe Gate as horseshoes were nailed to the gate to bring good luck.

Tomb of Salim Chisti

This is a white marble tomb made in the memory of Sufi saint Salim Chisti. This structure is built around a chamber comprising the grave of the saint placed underneath an ornamented wood canopy encased with mother-of-pearl mosaic. This tomb has white marble serpentine brackets and the influence of 15th century Sultanate period of Gujarat is clearly visible.

Diwan-i-Aam

This is also known as the Hall of Public Audience and has a multiple bayed rectangle structure with a huge open space in the front.

Diwan-i-Khas

This is known as the Hall of Private Audience and is famed for the central pillar featuring a square base and a carved octagonal shaft with floral and geometric designs. There are 36 serpentine brackets upholding a circular platform connected to each corner on the first floor of the building.

Ibadat Khana

Also known as the House of Worship, this is the structure where the foundations of Din-e-illahi were laid.

Few Other Structures Comprise:

• Anup Talao
• Huraj-i-Anup Talao
• Mariam-uz-Zamani Palace
• Pachisi Court
• Panch Mahal
• Birbal House
• Taksal
• Daftar Khana
• Karkhanas
• Khazana
• Turkish styled baths
• Darogah Quarters
• Hakim Quarter
• Caravan Sarai

Best Time to Visit

Monsoon season from June to September and the winter season from November to March are the best times to visit this place as the summer months are very hot and mostly unbearable. From April to June, you would rather avoid visiting Fatehpur Sikri.

Visitors Information

• This historical structure is open to visitors from Sunrise to Sunset.
• Entry is free for children below 15 years
• For Indian and the SAARC and BIMSTEC citizens the entry fee is Rs 20.
• For foreign visitors the entry fee is Rs 260
• If foreign visitors buy Agra Development Authority’s Toll Tax ticket of Rs 500 for Taj Mahal, they need not buy any other ticket for the monuments like Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Akbar’s Tomb & Itmad-ud-Daullah tomb within the same day. On Friday’s there is no Toll Tax on the monuments from ADA.
• You get licensed guide as well as audio guide facility while touring Fatehpur Sikri
• The Audio Guide facility comes in both English and Hindi languages. You need to contact the ticket counters to avail this facility.
• Near Diwan-i-Am there is an Archeological Museum opened from 9 am to 5 pm. This museum remains closed on Fridays.

How to Reach

By Air

The Kheria Airport in Agra is located 40 km from Fatehpur Sikri. This airport connects the city with other important cities in India. You can hire a taxi to commute to the city.

By Railways

The Agra Cant Railway Station located 40 km from the city is the closest railway station. Passenger trains are available regularly as they connect the city to other cities. Buses and taxis are also available from the station.

By Road

To travel by road you can take the UPSRTC bus service. These buses are very affordable and make commutation inside the city easier.