Fatehpur
Sikri, Agra 
A
royal city perfectly preserved, Fatehpur Sikri provides a marvellous escape into
the past. Akbar embarked on the construction of a new capital here when a prophecy
of the birth of a male royal heir, by the Sufi Saint Salim Chisti of Sikri, came
true.
Imposing gateways and light- hearted palaces were built in red
sandstone within this fortified city only to be abandoned a few years later.
Among its many architectural game are the places for his queens - Jodha Bai,
Mariyam and his Turkish sultana, built in varying styles, each perfect in itself.
The Diwan-e-Khas entirely unique in its concept is a tall vaulted room
with an intricately carved central pillar and capital supporting a platform that
once held the emperor's throne.
Narrow galleries link this to the corners
of the room where it is believed his ministers sat The airy Panch Mahal a 5 storied
structure rising in pyramidal fashion was probably used by the ladies of the court.
Set like a jewel in a courtyard of pink sandstone is the finest building
here, the marble tomb of Salim Chisti enclosed by finely carved, lacy marble screens.
The Buland Darwaza, an imposing gateway 54 m high was built to commemorate
Akbar's Aligarh the famous university town is a center of Islamic studies. The
city is also noted for its handicrafts and metal wares.
··» Monuments
in India —› Humayun's
Tomb, Delhi —› India
Gate, Delhi —› Khajuraho
Temples —› Konark
Temple —› Lake
Palace, Udaipur —›
Qutub Minar, Delhi
—› Taj Mahal, Agra
—› Umaid
Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur —›
Ajanta Ellora
—› Charminar, Hyderabad
—› Fatehpur
Sikri, Agra —› Gateway
of India, Mumbai
