A traditional architecture city : Fatehpur Sikri
1 / Introduction:
Mughal Emperor Akbar built a victorious city to commemorate his conquest of Gujarat. The city still carries on the heritage of India.His famous architecture in the city stands tall. The city I am talking about is the unique 'Fatehpur Sikri'. Today we will know about that traditional city.
Fatehpur Sikri is a census town in Agra district in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. From 1571 to 1585, Emperor Akbar declared the city the capital of the Mughal Empire but later canceled it in the wake of an incident in the Punjab. In 1610 the city was completely abandoned.Describing the city, English merchant Ralph Fitch described it as "Agra and Fatehpur Sikri are two very large cities, one of them much larger and more populous than London. 12 miles (kos) between Agra and Fatehpur and all the way to the food market and other Things like, quite a man was still in a town, and a lot of people were like a man in a market. "
2 / Origin:
The name Fatehpur Sikri originates from a village called Sikri, which used to be here. Archaeological excavations by the Indian Archaeological Survey from 1999-2000 show that people lived, temples and commercial centers before Akbar established his capital.After their expansion, the region was settled by the Sungras. In the twelfth century, it was briefly controlled by the Sikarwar Rajputs.
Fatehpur Sikri was Babar's favorite place and he used to call it Shukri (meaning thank you) as water was supplied to the soldiers from the lake here. Annette Beveridge writes in her translation of 'Baburnama' that Babur used to call Sikri a pig.In his memoirs, Babur writes that after defeating Rana Sangram Singh, he built a garden here called 'Vijayer Udyan'. According to Gulbadan Begum's 'Humayunnama', Babur built a rectangular hut in the garden which he used for entertainment and writing.He built an altar in the middle of a nearby lake. One km away from Hiran Minar was a rock climb with a baoli (octagonal step-well) at the bottom. Engraving on a stone plate here was the history of Babur's conquest.
3 / History:
Before Akbar allotted space for his capital city, his predecessors Babar and Humayun did much to redesign the urban layout of Fatehpur Sikri.Atilio Petrusioli, a scholar of Islamic architecture and professor of landscape architecture at the University of Bari Polytechnic in Italy, noted that "Babur and his successors" wanted to move away from the noise and confusion of Agra and create an uninterrupted sequence of gardens on both left bank and Connected.Petrusioli adds that when such an escapist landscape is imagined, the monument becomes largely an organizational element of the city, partly because of its location in a significant location and partly because of its perfect size.Humayun's tomb was one such organizational element, located 150 feet above the city and is now one of the country's most recognizable Mughal monuments.
According to modern historians, Akbar was very interested in the construction of Fatehpur Sikri and probably also gave instructions for its architectural style. Akbar built the precinct on Persian policy to revive the style of the Persian court process, conventional by Taimur Long.But under local influence it changed to Indian style. Most of the buildings here are red in color due to the abundance of sandstone around Fatehpur Sikri. The palace grounds are home to a number of distinctly geometrically decorated tents that mimic the tent-shaped layout of Arabia and Central Asia.The whole of Fatehpur Sikri thus highlights Akbar's great artistic ideas and his ability to combine the architecture of different regions and introduces a distinct style of architecture.
But the palace shut off the source of a nearby lake and disrupted the surrounding water supply. There was also a fear of attack by the enemy as the palace was located near Rajputana. For all these reasons the palace was abandoned in 1585 and the capital was shifted to Lahore.Akbar returned here for a while in 1601 but did not return permanently. 4-5 years after Akbar's death, William Finch (the English merchant) visited it and said, "It is all destroyed," written, "lying like a waste desert."During the Bubonic Plague epidemic from 1616-1624, Jahangir stayed here for 3 months in 1619.
Later, the Mughal emperor Mohammad Shah ( 1719-1748 ) and his representative Syed Hasan Ali Khan Barhaq were assassinated here (in 1720). After the conquest of Delhi by the Marathas, they took possession of this palace but later it was captured by the British. Ordered repairs after the capture of Agra in 1803.They used it as headquarters and barracks and it remained until 1850. In 1815 Marx of Hastings ordered the repair of the pillars in Sikri.
Most of the palace-court, two miles long and one mile wide, has remained intact for centuries of continuous use. Its three sides are still surrounded by a five-mile-long wall, which was built at the time of its founding.The palace and the adjoining mosque continued to be used, but the city was gradually abandoned. There is now vacant, barren land across most of the area, except for some ruins of the old town market, near the entrance of the ‘Nahabat Khana’ on Agra Road.The modern city is located to the west of the palace. It was recognized as a municipality from 1865 to 1904 but was later registered in the panchayat system.
4 / Reasons for founding the city:
Abul Fazl records Akbar's reasons for the founding of the city in the Akbarnama: "His noble sons (Selim and Murad) were born in Sikri and Sheikh Selim's God-knowing soul took possession of him.His holy heart wished to give external beauty to this place of spiritual glory.Now that his criteria had reached this point, his previous design was put forward, and an order was issued that a tall building should be erected for the special use of the Superintendents of Shahinshah. "
Akbar did not inherit until 1569, when his son, known as Jahangir, was born in 1569 in the village of Sikri. Akbar Chisti started building a religious precinct in honor of the saint Sheikh Selim, who foretold the birth of Jahangir. After Jahangir's second birthday, he probably started building a walled city and royal palace to test his son's stamina.By building his capital in the khanqah of Sheikh Selim, Akbar associated himself with this popular Sufi order and brought legitimacy to his kingdom through this affiliation.
5 / Architecture:
● Structure: -
Fatehpur Sikri is a rocky mountain, 3 km (1.9 m) long and 1 km (0.62 m) wide, and the palace town is surrounded by a 6 km (3.7 m) wall, with a fourth boundary on three sides. The city is organized around a 40 meter high mountain range and it falls in the shape of a rhombus.The general layout of the land structures, especially the "continuous and concise pattern of gardens and services and facilities" that characterized the city, led urban archaeologists to conclude that Fatehpur Sikri was originally built for the leisure and luxury of its famous inhabitants.
The dynastic architecture of Fatehpur Sikri was modeled on the Timurid form and style. The city was built extensively and especially with red sandstone. Gujarati influences can also be seen in its architectural vocabulary and the decoration of the palace at Fatehpur Sikri. The architecture of the city reflects both the Hindu and Muslim forms of domestic architecture popular in India at that time.The significant preservation of these original sites allows modern archaeologists to reconstruct the Mughal court life scene and better understand the classification of the royal and noble inhabitants of the city.
It can be accessed through gates along the 5 mile (8.0 km) long fort wall, namely, Delhi Gate, Red Gate, Agra Gate and Birbal Gate, Chandanpal Gate, The Gwalior Gate, Tehr Gate, Chhor Gate and Ajmeri Gate. The palace has a summer palace and a winter palace for Queen Jodha Bai.
i) Buland Darwaza:
Buland Darwaza (illuminated 'High Gate'), or "Gate of Victory", was built in 1575 AD to commemorate the Mughal Emperor Akbar's conquest of Gujarat. It is the main entrance to the Jame Mosque at Fatehpur Sikri, 43 km from Agra, India. Buland Darwaza is the highest entrance in the world and a symbol of Mughal architecture. It demonstrates the sophistication and height of technology of Akbar's empire.
The lofty doorway is made of red and buff sandstone, decorated with white and black marble, and is taller than the mosque courtyard. The lofty doors are symmetrical and topped by large open kiosks, which are umbrellas. It features terrace edge gallery kiosks on the roof, stylized buckler-battles, small spears and works interspersed with white and black marble.On the outside, a long flight of steps jumps down the hill, giving the gateway extra height. It is 40 meters high and 50 meters away from the ground. The total height of the structure is about 54 m above ground level. It is a 15-storey high gateway that serves as the southern gateway to Fatehpur Sikri town. There are 42 steps near the gate.
It is semi-octagonal, with three small winged wings on either side. Above it are three kiosks surrounded by thirteen small domed kiosks. There are small holes around the gateway. The spacious space is broken by arched niches, small umbrellas and marble that highlight the courtyard of the Jame Mosque. The main arch stands in the center of the three projecting sides and is topped by a dome. The central arch is divided into three levels, small rows and flat brackets.
The great gate itself is flat. There are also three horizontal panels of remarkable buff stone in the royal gates. The spandrels of plain red sandstone are made of white marble so that the top of the arch is covered with white marble flower-like ornaments, and a flat rose, centered on its slender panel, on both sides.
The caspad ornament, actually large and bold, but small and delicate when viewed from below, is carried under the arch spring. Two are cut from the left hand and eight from the right. The arch is bounded by three actual openings bounded by decorative panels and three more arched openings crowned by half-domes. The total height of the gate above the sidewalk is 176 feet. The Persian inscription on the eastern gate of Buland Darwaza records Akbar's conquest of Uttar Pradesh and his conquest of Gujarat in 1573.
■ Inscriptions: -
An Islamic inscription in Persian at the main entrance reads, "Mary (Jesus), Mary's son said: 'The earth is a bridge, go over it, but do not build on it. Whoever hopes for a day can hope for eternity.' , But the world endures but one hour. Spend the rest in prayer for the unseen."Jesus was advising his followers not to consider the earth as a permanent abode and not to expect worldly things, because human life is short. The verses of the Qur'an are engraved on the Nask (script). These were drawn by Khwaja Hussain Chishti, a disciple of Sheikh Selim Chishti.
■ Purpose: -
Buland Darwaza was not part of the original design of the Jame Mosque, it was built by Akbar in 1573 to celebrate his conquest of Gujarat.
ii) Jame Mosque:
Jame Mosque is a 16th century Jamaat mosque on the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh, India. Built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar, it is one of the largest mosques in India. It is the most pilgrimage place for devotees. It is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Agra district. Some of the mosque's designs reflect beautiful Iranian architecture.
Akbar opened the Jame Mosque as part of his new capital Fatehpur Sikri. The structure was one of the first sites built in the city, and was completed sometime between 1571 and 1574, according to its own inscription. The mosque was in honor of Sufi Sheikh Selim Chishti, Akbar's spiritual adviser. It was also intended to serve as a khanqah (monastic school) for the descendants of the Shaykh. In her time, it was acclaimed by various writers and travelers for its beauty and splendor.
Mosques play a role in Akbar's religious design. In 1579, he delivered a sermon for the prayer of a congregation with the participation of the inhabitants of Fatehpur Sikri. Although some of his ancestors did so, reading sermons was usually reserved for religious leaders (such as an imam) and was therefore perceived by the ulama as extremists.Akbar also joined the crowd in their prayers and was even seen sweeping the floor of the mosque. Kavuri-Bau argues that all this work was a conscious move on the part of Akbar, using the mosque to present himself as a divine sovereign rather than a regular ruler.
The Jami Masjid at Fatehpur Sikri remains a "symbol of Mughal tradition and pride" even after Akbar's rule. The mosque was widely praised by Akbar's son and heir, Jahangir, who called it his father's greatest architectural masterpiece.While in Fatehpur Sikri in 1619, Jahangir discussed the mosque complex with his son Khurram. Khurram became the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan and referred to this mosque as a model of Delhi's own Jame Mosque.
The Jame Mosque is located at the highest point of the rocky ridge where the Fatehpur Sikri site is located. It is placed on a high peak, built to provide a flat surface. The mosque complex is surrounded by walls; Just outside the south wall is a large baoli (octagonal step-well). Like other parts of Fatehpur Sikri, the mosque is made of locally mined red sandstone. It uses yellow sandstone, marble and slate for decoration and has Persian and Arabic calligraphy.
At the time of construction, the mosque was the largest in Mughal India. It represents a combination of Islamic, Hindu and Jain architecture, with Gujarati influences. Asher claims that the mosque brought elements from pre-Mughal structures from the Jame Mosque in Mandur and the Jame Mosque in Chanderi. Alfiari also sees inspiration from the pre-Mughal Jame Mosque, but instead mentions them in Atla and Champaner.
■ Gates: -
The mosque complex enters through three gates. Akbar used the eastern gate known as Badshahi Darwaza (Imperial Gate) to enter the mosque. It is arranged using cut mosaic. The North and South Gates may be historically similar to each other - however, the South Gate was rebuilt by Akbar in 1573 to celebrate the success of his military campaign in Gujarat.It is the most prominent gate and a monument within itself, with a hallway and rooms on several floors. Asher says the gate was built to emphasize Akbar's relationship with the Chishti order.
■ Premises: -
Sahan (courtyard) dimensions 165 m / 130 m. An aju tank is located in its center. The north, south and east sides of the courtyard are lined with buildings (arches). These are shaded by an unbroken, protruding shawl (eve), supported by corbels. Thirty-six above the parapet of these arches. The inner bay of the arches is divided into hujras (cells), probably used as sleeping places for devotees.To the north of the courtyard is the tomb of Selim Chishti and the tomb of Islam Khan. The former is different from the red sandstone of the Jame Mosque complex in the wholesale use of Makrana marble. Groundwater reservoirs are located below the premises.
■ The prayer hall : -
The rectangular prayer hall (dimension 89 m / 20 m) is located at the western end of the precinct, facing Mecca in accordance with Islamic tradition. In front of it is a huge cake, with three arched entrances. Three domes rise from the roof, the three bays into which the hall is divided. The central bay is square and richly decorated, featuring geometric marble carvings and images of polychrome flowers.Its west wall bears ornate mihrabs (places of worship), bordered by mosaics and glazed tiles. The Bay Hall on both sides is the Colonized Hall, each with a square. These halls have their own decorated mihrab and it is supported by Hindu style pillars. At the top of the prayer hall is the Zenana (Women's Gallery).
iii) Tomb of Selim Chishti:
A tour of Agra allows you to see excellent historical monuments from the fort to the tombs and other structures. These are all examples of Mughal art and architecture. Fatehpur Sikri, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was established by Akbar to serve as its capital. It was later abandoned due to lack of water.It was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar between 1571 and 1580 in honor of the famous Sufi saint Selim Chisti. And what a wonderful example of beauty! Located on the premises of the Friday Mosque Complex, it is made of pure white marble and stands stingily on a peak. The immense respect and supreme place that it occupies in the hearts of its fans is reflected in its aesthetics and proportions.
The many structures of the Mughal era that you will see during your Agra Fatehpur Sikri trip will be supported by one or the other legend. There is no alternative. It is generally believed that Akbar, whose successor was not his successor, went to see Selim Chisti.He sought her blessing, and of course, he was blessed with a son, whom he called Selim, who later became known as Jahangir. There is a tomb of this famous Sufi saint who was a descendant of Moinuddin Chisti of Ajmer.
The tomb of Selim Chisti, a famous tourist attraction near Agra, is visited by a large number of women every year. Hoping for the blessing of the child, they tie the thread in the lattice window and ask for blessings in this holy shrine. When their wishes are fulfilled, they return to express their gratitude to the saint for fulfilling their wishes.
■ Architecture: -
Selim Chisti's mausoleum is located inside the mosque complex at Fatehpur Sikri on Friday and faces the main entrance of the mosque premises, Buland Darwaza. The architecture of these magnificent monuments reflects a combination of Hindu, Jain and Islamic elements. The building you see today is considered to be an improvement over the original. The original structure built by Emperor Akbar was different in its proportions, significantly smaller than the red sandstone used in its construction.
The inner tomb chamber stood at that time. The conversion of the tomb was later completed by his son Jahangir. He made several additions, including a porch, south porch, and marble cladding. As a result, the tomb today measures 14.63 meters on each side and is built of Makrana marble, it is famous for its quality and texture. Historians estimate that these changes were made about 20 years after Akbar built the original structure.
They came to the conclusion that the marble used in its construction was not of Akbar's time. In fact, the use of marble was not popular at the time, and the cases in which it was used were rarely used. Some examples in support of this statement are two more outstanding installations built by Akbar, Humayun's tomb in Delhi and the Jahangir Mahal in Agra.
Selim Chisti's tomb is repeatedly decorated with straight-line designs, six sided stars and swastikas (which is a Hindu and Buddhist symbol), making his appearance on the lattice panels of the verandah. Important details of this structure in the presence of traditional Islamic and Arabic inscriptions are the lotus motif and the chakra motif. These images are a combination of organic and geometric motifs, and according to that style, it is considered to belong to the reign of Shah Jahan.
■ Funny facts: -
It is believed that Saint Selim rejected Chisti Akbar's invitation to be his royal guest and refused to accept the gift brought by the royal guard.During his lifetime, Selim Chisti had the ability to perform many miracles, and even perform some tasks that were considered impossible. Inscriptions of the Muslim holy book, the Qur'an, can be found on both the inner and outer walls of this sacred structure. It is the only structure made of white marble in the red sandstone Fatehpur Sikri Complex.
■ Entrance fee: -
Admission prices are different for domestic and international tourists. Apart from Indian tourists, tourists from SAARC and BIMSTEC countries will have to pay Rs 35. However, international tourists have to pay an entry fee of 550 INR. Children under the age of 15 do not have to pay an entrance fee.
■ Best time to visit: -
As a tourist attraction, the tomb of Selim Chisti, located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, can be visited throughout the year. However, the best time to plan a Fatehpur Sikri trip depends largely on you, depending on what time you feel comfortable traveling. This is because the temperature fluctuates between 40 ° C and 45 ° C in summer. Although the weather in winter is cool and pleasant. The average temperature during this period is 24 ° C, which is perfect for sightseeing and exploring. Many people like to see it at this time.
iv) Diwan-i-Am:
Diwan-i-Am or Hall Public Audience, is a building typology that is found in many cities where the ruler meets the general public. In this case, it is a versatile rectangular structure like a pavilion located in front of a large open space. Turkish Bath to the south-west of Diwan-i-Am and next to the house of the Turkish Sultana.
The Diwan-i-Am Hall is a public audience, located near the Agra Gate, the place where Akbar listened to the pleas of the common people and did justice every morning. In the afternoon, he would visit his offices located next to this spacious complex. The colonial building is divided into 111 bays using square pillars.The most impressive feature of this complex is the east-facing throne chamber. It is said that it was built because of Akbar's belief in 'Sun Worship'. This chamber features a unique stone tiled roof and a wonderfully carved fridge.
The chamber is roughly divided into three parts, the front space, the seat of the emperor is arranged in a six-pointed star pattern surrounded by a stone curtain in the center and the part is masked with a beautiful curtain for the royal ladies. Surrounded by a beautifully carved balustrade chamber. The building had no domes or superstructures but the height was artistically distinguished by the skillful use of columns, brackets, shades and kiosks at regular intervals in a higher composition.In Akbar's time, both this complex and the Diwan-i-Khas displayed remarkable rich cloth and other beautiful ornaments in accordance with the majesty of the emperor.
v) Diwan-i-Khas:
Diwan-i-Khas is the hall of private audience. There were times when the Mughal emperor Akbar entertained the common people, others were reserved for the royalty. The Diwan-i-Khas or Hall of Private Audience was built for such events. During the Fatehpur Sikri tour, you will see its royal structure located in the north corner of Pachisi courtyard. It is marked by an engraved column in the center.
Akbar, through his secular outlook, was far ahead of this period. He was interested in learning about religions other than Islam and invited scholars from different religions to discuss religion. This is where he will do it. After visiting it, you will surely be intrigued by its wonderful architecture, which is most popular for its four canopies (umbrellas like structures) and intricately carved central pillars.It is generally believed that the scholars, who argued with Akbar, would stand at the ends of four "bridges" connected by the center. If all this sounds quite interesting, then wait until you come across this wonderful structure while traveling from Agra to Fatehpur Sikri.
■ Architecture: -
The Diwan-i-Khas, or Hall of Private Audience, was originally built in the Persian architectural style. An engraved central column dominates the interior, while the four pillars, which open at the top of themselves, are adorned with fine sculptures and precious stones. This pillar is connected to a central platform, where the emperor sat.The oblique galleries in its vicinity are thought to have been occupied by ministers and nobles. At times, though, the galleries were too narrow, and the court was unable to seat all the ministers together. According to some, the emperor visited the Diwan-i-Khas, where the royal house's gems, gems and other valuable treasures would be preserved, from time to time.
■ Funny facts: -
It is believed that Diwan-i-Khas was once used for gold, gems and other valuables. It is one of the finest examples of Persian architecture.It was here that Akbar used to discuss his religion.
vi) Ibadat Khana (House of Worship):
Ibadat Khana (shrine) was a meeting hall built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar (d. 1556-1605) at Fatehpur Sikri in 1575 AD to bring together spiritual leaders from different religious places to discuss education.
Akbar held a religious gathering at The Great House of Worship; The two men dressed in black were Jesuit missionaries Rodolfo Aquiva and Francisco Henriques. In his interest in learning about different religions, Akbar made a call to prayers at Fatehpur Sikri in 1575 which is known as Ibadat Khana.In this place he invited selected mystics, intellectuals and theologians and discussed religious and spiritual matters. He invited scholars of different religions like Hinduism, Islam, Zoroastrianism, Christianity and even atheists.
He conducted religious debates with these people. They visited the place of worship and discussed their religious beliefs with Akbar.
■ Historical background: -
Akbar built the Ibadat Khana as a house of debate. The religious leaders and philosophers around this diverse empire, as well as those who are passing by, were invited to Akbar’s discussion on Thursday evening.Through the example of Sulaiman Kirani, a former ruler of Bengal, Akbar's spiritual inclination was aroused, which was said to be spending the night with more than a hundred spiritual men.Akbar also wanted to sharpen his theological understanding, as he was told to come to the court of the king Mirza Sulaiman, a Sufi with a tendency to spiritual controversy.
■ Divine Faith: -
Towards the end of 1580, Akbar began trying to reconcile the differences between all religions by creating a new faith, the Deen-i-Ilahi ("Fa Divine Belief"), which included both Panthic versions of Islamic Sufism and the Bhakti or Bhakti movement of Hinduism.
Even some elements of Christianity (such as the cross), Zoroastrianism (fire rites) and Jainism were merged into the new religion. Akbar was greatly influenced by the teachings of Jain Acharya Acharya Heer Vijay Suri and Jin Chandra Suri and gave up vegetarian food due to their influence.He declared that Jains should not kill amari or animals on holy days like Parushan and Mahabir Jayanti. He withdrew the jizya tax from Jain shrines like Palitana.
This belief, however, was not for the public. In fact, the only "converts" to this new religion were the aristocracy of Akbar's court. Historians have so far been able to identify only 18 members of this new religion. Alfred, Lord Tennyson's poem praises Akbar's dream Ibadat Khan, referring to tolerance and humanity as his "ine divine belief", while nineteenth-century British Protestant criticizes the intolerance of Christianity.
■ Discovery of Ibadat Khana: -
Different archaeologists and historians had different thoughts about the location of the place of worship. Syed Ahmed Mararavi, then Athar Abbas Rizvi and Vincent Flynn proposed that the place of worship be the place of worship between the Jame Mosque and the palace of Jodha Bai. However, they had no real evidence to support their argument.In the early 1980s, KK Muhammad, working under RC Gaur, a professor at Aligarh Muslim University, excavated and found steps, platforms and a boundary wall, which matched the image of Ibadat Khan from the time of Akbar.
vii) Anup Talao:
Anup Talao was also built by Raja Anup Singh Sikarwar, an ornamental pool with a central platform and four bridges. Surrounding it are several important buildings of the royal enclave, including Khabgah (dream house) Akbar's residence, Panchmahal, five-storey palace, Diwan-i-Khas (private visitors' hall), Ankh Michauli and Jyotishi Asan, in the southwest corner of Pachisi Court.
viii) Hujra-i-Anup Talao: -
It is claimed to be the residence of Akbar's Muslim wife, although it is controversial due to its small size.
ix) Mariam-uz-Zamani Palace or Jodhabai Palace:
You must have heard of Jodha Bai, a Rajput princess married to the Mughal emperor Akbar. She was famous by her other name Maryam-uz-Zamani. In addition to these two names, he was known by many other names like Hira Kunwari, Hira Kunwari and Harka Bai.Maryam-uz-Jamani Palace is one of the most impressive structures in the entire Fatehpur Sikri. It arouses a lot of curiosity with its architecture which reflects the Gwalior, Mandu elements along with the traditional Islamic design.
Jodha Bai was Akbar's first Rajput wife, and after giving birth to Jahangir she was called Maryam-uz-Jamani. She was the longest serving Mughal empress who was a Hindu. Her marriage to Akbar was one of the most important events in Indian history, as it symbolized Akbar's tolerance of other religions, which also led him to formulate inclusive policies.When you visit Mariam-uz-Zamani Palace for the first time on your sightseeing tour from Agra to Fatehpur Sikri, you are immediately fascinated by its size and aesthetics. It’s actually a brilliant combination of the two. Intricate carvings and floral designs immediately grab your attention.
■ Architecture: -
Maryam-uz-Jamani Palace, also known as Jodha Bai's Palace, is one of the largest palaces in the entire Fatehpur Sikri complex. The east side of the structure is marked by a great gateway, with several guard rooms with triangular ceilings. An interesting feature of this magnificent structure built during the reign of Akbar is the presence of Hindu motifs.The motifs you will see while visiting Fatehpur Sikri are parrots, elephants, Srivastava symbols, garland garlands and swans. Most of it can be found inside. The superstructure of the building itself deserves a special mention, as it consists of eight pillars, an umbrella and a semicircular domed roof.
■ Funny facts: -
Maryam-uz-Jamani Palace is also known as Jodha Bai Palace. It is believed that Jodha Bai was also a smart businessman who ran an international business of spices and silk. You can also see Jodha Bai's kitchen inside the palace.
x) Nubat Khana:
Nubat Khana is one of the famous beautiful structures in Fatehpur Sikri, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and in Fatehpur Sikri, the capital city built by Akbar. This spectacular structure is not something you should miss on your Agra Fatehpur Sikri spectacular trip. It is also known as Nakkar Khana and is built in the traditional Mughal style. The elegance and sophistication commonly associated with Mughal architecture is most evident in the archways of this structure.
It got its name from the fact that it was here that the nawabat (a special type of drum that is played during ceremonies) was played during special ceremonies and ceremonies. According to the custom in those days, nawabat was played to announce the arrival of the emperor. There was a general rule that music was played in this structure five times a day at a predetermined time. The three-story building also has an elephant gate or elephant pole where visitors had to disembark before proceeding further.
■ Architecture: -
Nawabat Khana is an extraordinary red sandstone Mughal era structure that you should visit during your visit to Fatehpur Sikri. The three-storey building has three arches which give it elegance.
■ Funny facts: -
Nawabat Khana where nubat or drums were played to announce the arrival of the emperor.
■ Nearest tourist attractions: -
The Nawabat Khana is an outstanding structure built during the Mughal period and a part of the Fatehpur Sikri Complex. In addition to this, there are other locations that you can check out and are located very close by.
xi) Fifth floor:
A five-story palace structure, the layers of which are gradually shrinking in size, to the end, which is a single large domed canopy. Originally perforated stone curtains faced the front and were probably subdivided into interiors, suggesting that it was built for court ladies. The floors are supported by intricately carved columns at each level, a total of 176 columns.
The five-storey meaning ‘five-tiered palace’ was introduced by Akbar This structure stands near the Zenana Quarter (harem) which supports the assumption that it was used for recreation and rest. It is one of the most important buildings in Fatehpur Sikri.
It is an extraordinary structure using the design elements of a Buddhist temple; Full-column, four small-sized areas arranged asymmetrically on the ground floor, with 84 columns. These columns, which were originally lattice (curtains), supported the whole structure. Once these curtains provided curtains (covers) for the queens and princesses on the upper roof and enjoyed the cool breeze and saw great views of the city at the foot of the Sikri castle and ridge.
The mandapa gives a royal view of the fort on the left. The pool in front of Panchmahal is called Anup Talab. It was filled with water, stored for bridges, and set up for concerts and other entertainment. Downstairs are 84 columns, 56 for the first story, and 20 and 12 for the second and third stories, respectively. Most stories have 4 columns supporting an umbrella. In all there are 176 columns and each is a beautifully carved column of unique design.
xii) Birbal's house:
The house of Akbar's favorite minister, who was a Hindu. Notable features of the building are the horizontal sloping sunshades and brackets that support them.
Birbal's house in Fatehpur Sikri According to popular belief, the most probable inhabitants of this palace were Akbar's two senior queens, Rukaiya Begum and Salima Sultan Begum. Birbal's house stands near the north-west corner of the palace of Jodhbai. It is one of the wonderful buildings of the royal harem. It was built in 1571.It consists of four-quarters rooms, each measuring 16'-10 "(5.13 m) square, interconnected with all open doors, and two rectangular entrance porches at north-west and south-east corners. There are triangular thatched ceilings with pyramidal roofs.The interior of the building is divided by richly carved pilestar within three days. The shafts of this pilaster are divided into three zones, with three different types of decoration, such as single border design, arabesque geometric design and stylized floral design.
The capitals of this pilaster carry lotus petals and stalactite designs. On the first floor there is a beautiful broom that overlooks the court below and a simple canopy. Each dome in the upper chambers is mounted on an octagonal drum, also engraved with a raised trefoil pattern.The domes are crowned by an inverted lotus and kalash finial and also bear the marks of tile work. These brackets are engraved with lotus and arabesque designs on both faces. The spandrels of the arches also carry arbuscu and floral designs.
xiii) Diamond Tower:
The Diamond Tower or Elephant Tower, is a circular tower covered by projections of stone in the shape of ivory. Traditionally it is believed to have been built as a monument to Emperor Akbar's favorite elephant. However, it was probably used as a starting point for the next milepost.
xiv) Other buildings:
Other buildings included Taksal (Mint), Daftar Khan (Records Office), Karkhana (Royal Workshop), Khazana (Treasury), Hammam (Turkish Bath), Darogar Quarters, Stables, Karwansarai, Hakim's Quarters etc.
6 / Remains:
Based on excavations carried out by the Indian Archaeological Department in 1999-2000, Vanu Pratap Singh, a veteran journalist from Agra, said the antiquities, sculptures and structures here suggest that it is a more than 1,000-year-old 'cultural and religious site' that has been lost.Swarup Chandra Jain, a senior leader of the Jain community, said, "Archaeological excavations have unearthed more than 100 Jain statues and the foundation stone of a temple with the year inscribed on it. These idols are more than 1,000 years old. "Historian Sugam Anand admits that even before Akbar's arrival, there were human settlements, temples and commercial centers. He further says that Akbar established his capital in a vacant place on the hillside.
7 / Current status:
i) Demographic:
According to the 2011 Indian Census, Fatehpur Sikri has a total population of 32,905 of which 17,392 are males and 15,513 are females. The population between the ages of 0 and 6 was 5,139. The total literacy rate in Fatehpur Sikri was 17,236, which is 52.4% of the population, with male literacy of 60.4% and female literacy of 43.4%.Fatehpur Sikri had an effective literacy rate of 62.1%, out of which male literacy was 71.6% and female literacy was 51.4%. The Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe population was 4,110 and 1 respectively. There were 4936 families in Fatehpur Sikri in 2011.
ii) Administration :
Fatehpur Sikri is one of the 15 block headquarters of Agra district. There are 52 gram panchayats (gram panchayats) under it.
Fatehpur Sikri, a seat in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Indian Parliament, and five other Legislative Assembly divisions.
iii) Transportation :
Fatehpur Sikri is about 39 kilometers (24 miles) away from Agra. The nearest airport is Agra Airport (also known as Kheria Airport), 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Fatehpur Sikri. The nearest railway station is Fatehpur Sikri Railway Station, about 1 km (0.62 miles) from the city center. It is connected by road to Agra and surrounding centers, where regular bus services are operated by UPSRTC in addition to tourist buses and taxis.
8 / Conclusion:
In the end, the city of Fatehpur Sikri and the various traditional architectures that have developed in the city have given it an important place since the Mughal era. The city will become more and more famous as a traditional city in the days to come.
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