Fatehpur Sikri Architecture

Fatehpur Sikri is an ideal example of Hindu-Muslim architectural fusion. This red sand stone monument has various royal palaces which reflects Gujrati and Rajasthani architectural styles, using ornate columns, fanciful jali work, intricate carvings and surface ornamentation. The palaces that are available inside the Fatehpur Sikri are largely a sequence of connected rectangular courtyards. 

Palace of Jodha Bai

As the name suggest, this is the palace of Akbar's Rajput wife, Jodha Bai. It is the largest and the most important building in Fatehpur Sikri. Located to the left of the Sunhera Makan, this palace is highly guarded. This spacious palace has high walls and a 9 metre guarded gate to the east. It is embellished with Hindu style of columns and Muslim cupolas. 

Entrance Gate of Jodha Bai Palace

Most Important Building In Fatehpur Sikri

Fatehpur Sikri

Bulund Darwaza

Bulund Darwaza, constructed around 1576 A.D, is the highest and grandest gateway in India and also regarded as the one of the biggest in world. It was erected to commemorate the triumph of Emperor Akbar over Gujrat. It can be approached from the outside by a 13m flight of steps which adds to its grandeur.The monumental 54 m high Buland Darwaza, the Gate of Victory, is the main entrance. It was constructed to commemorate Akbar's victory in Gujarat. A koranic inscription upon it read, "The world is a bridge, pass over it but built no house upon it. He who hopes for an hour, hopes for Eternity, for the world is but an hour". Just outside the gateway is a deep well wherein local daredevils leap from the top of the entrance into the water. The Shahi Darwaza is the official entrance, where licensed guides can be hired.

Bulund Darwaza

Entrance Gate

Different angle of Bulund Darwaza

Tomb of Shaikh Salim Chisti

The tomb visited by many seeking fulfillment of their wishes was built in 1570. The carved marble lattice screens (jalis) are simply remarkable. Within the courtyard is the another tomb of Islam Khan, the saint's garden.Childless women from various parts of country comes here to seek the blessings of the Sufi saint Sheikh Salim Chisti and they will tie a knot at the building so that their wishes will come true. Even Akbar was blessed with a son, when he came here. So, to show his gratitude, the great Mughal emperor Akbar has constructed this tomb in the year 1570 A.D. This tomb is embellished with finest lattice work in the entire country. 

Tomb Of Salim Christi

Tying knot so that wishes  will be fulfilled

Very popular attraction in Fatehpur Sikri

 The Jama Masjid

This mosque of Fatehpur Sikri is regarded as one of the largest mosque in India. It was build in 1571 A.D and said to be the copy of main mosque at Mecca. It architectural design displays exclusively Muslim derivation. A vast congregational courtyard is built inside Jama Masjid. To the right, at the corner, is the Jammat Khana Hall and next to this is the tomb of the royal ladies. The mosque of Stone Cutters’, the oldest place of worship at Fatehpur Sikri, is built at the left side of Jama Masjid. The main entrance to the Jama Masjid is in the eastern side known as the Buland Darwaza. Jama Masjid (mosque), sacred center of Sikri, symbolizes the city's spiritual prominence.

Jama Masjid

 Performing Friday Prayer

displays exclusively Muslim derivation

Panch Mahal 

A five storied architectural marvel and Akbar's personal citadel of pleasure, where he would spend his evenings with the ladies of the harem. Nearby is the Astrologer's seat, an ornamented pavilion where the resident astrologer played an important role in day to day court life.Panch Mahal (five-tiered palace) is an intriguing five-storied pavilion of winds. The Turkish Sultan's palace is known for exquisitely carved panels depicting wildlife-lions, birds, and foliage.

The first floor has 84 pillars with row of eight pillars arranged in north to south direction and row of six pillars arranged in east to west direction. 

The second floor has 56 pillars with row of six pillars in north to south direction and row of four pillars in east to west direction and also beautiful carved pillars with unique designs. Capitals of these pillars also contain beautiful carved designs like floral vase, arch or rosette pattern. This floor also has a projecting chhajja and a carved frieze.

The third floor is composed of 20 pillars with smaller in size. It contains row of five pillars from north to south and row of three pillars from east west direction having double pillars at northeast corner. The fourth floor has 12 pillars in two rows. Pillars on eastern side are double. This floor also has beautiful jalied balustrade. The top of the building is decorated with beautiful square chhatri with a cupola.

Panch Mahal

five-storied pavilion

top of the building is decorated with beautiful square chhatri with a cupola.

Mariyam's House

is architecturally small and simple building but profusely painted in the interior and the exterior, in pleasing colour combination with gold. Now this building is popularly known as Maryam's House as it was abode of Akbar's Mother Hamida Banu Begum, who was entitled Maryam Makani (Equal in rank to Mary). This North oriented building, stands over a rectangular plinth, which is 18.23m north to South by 14.75m East to West in dimension and reached by steps centrally placed on Each side. It is composed of four rooms, one in the centre and other three at the back facing south.

Rama and Hanuman, most popular Hindu deities are carved in relief of the brackets, on the northern façade of the building, which shows Akbar's liberal attitude towards the art without any discrimination. The interior has beautiful paintings depicting elephant fights, hunting, battle scene and tournaments. Pilaster of Northwest corner contains scenes depicting nature. In addition to the murals, the palace also has series of carved designs like row of elephants, hamsa (swan), and kirti mukhas on the brackets and chhajja bears.

Mariyam's house