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Fatehpur Sikri History
July 4th, 2011 by Pratham Leave a replyFatehpur Sikri is a historic city which is a mere ghost town today. If you walk down the lanes of history you will find that this city had a glorious beginning in the hands of the great Muhgal emperor Akbar back in 1570 A.D. This ancient city bears many fine architectural monuments which bear testimony to a blend of Indian, Persian and Mughal architectural influences.
The history of the origin of this city is quite interesting. Akbar had visited a saint known as Salim Chishti who then foretold that the emperor would have a second son who will survive to become a great ruler. The Sufi saint was then residing in a cavern near a ridge at Sikri. When in 1569 a second son was indeed born to Akbar, he decided to move his capital from Agra to Sikri in honor of the saint Salim. The son was also known as Prince Salim, who later grew up to become the great emperor Jehangir.
The Mughal emperor then started the construction of an architectural wonder of a town, based on the influences of the Persian architecture which he had witnessed during the rule of his ancestor, Timur. The complex was made up mostly of sandstone since it was readily available in that part of the country. The palatial complex consisted of several pavilions which were arranged geometrically as per the tent formations in Arabic nations. The monuments erected at Fatehpur Sikri show the architectural genius that Akbar was.
The history of the Sikri region goes way back. It is geographically the upper portion of the Vindhya mountain ranges. It was then located around a natural water body lake around which evidences of civilization can be found, dating back to the stone age. There are evidences of this region having been occupied earlier than Akbar, during the Mahabharata times. A stone sculpture that was found during excavation around this site reveals that there was a Jain temple in that region dated around 1010 A.D. which named the region as Sekrikya.
After Akbar constructed this imperial complex in 1571, he ruled from here till 1585. This place was abandoned then due to scarcity of water which could not support the growing population and due to turmoil brewing from the North West. After Akbar shifted his capital to Lahore, he could not come back to this place except once during 1601. Later on, this area was briefly occupied by the Mughal emperor Muhammed Shah. Since then, there were a few towns people who remained in that area, including mainly families of masons and sculptors till the early 1900s.
Thus, the Fatehpur Sikri history is rich and nostalgic, with the empty walls of the imperial town echoing a past that could not sustain a future.
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Fatehpur Sikri
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Brief history
Fatehpur Sikri is a fascinating ghost city built in the 16th century; 37 km from Agra Akbar the great, who at 26 years did not have an heir, founded this historic site.
Fatehpur Sikri He went to a saint, Shaikh Salim Chishti who lived in a city called Sikri. His blessing gave Akbar 3 sons. As a gesture, Akbar built a whole new city in Sikri. Akbar named his new capital Fatehpur Sikri or the City of Victory
.Fatehpur Sikri is one of the finest examples of Mughal architectural splendour at its height.
It was built between 1569 and 1585 and was intended to be the joint capital with Agra, but was soon deserted because the water system could not support any residents. It remained untouched for over 400 years now and its palaces are a remainder of the extravagance of the Mughals Fatehpur Sikri is the best example of the culmination of Hindu and Muslim architecture. Fatehpur Sikri Mosque is said to be a copy of the mosque in Mecca and has designs, derived from the Persian & Hindu architecture.
After this within 20 years, the capital of Mughals was shifted to Lahore
Diwan-i-Khas- Hall: Popularly known as the Diwan-i-Khas served as the royal chamber of Emperor Akbar. It is designed according to the Persian style of architecture and is decorated with fine sculpture and precious stones. There are 4 kiosks, which are located in the middle of the court.
Panch Mahal: The Panch Mahal ranks among the most fascinating buildings in Fatehpur Sikri. It is a five-storey building which was meant to be the shelter of the royal ladies and mistresses. The top story of the building offers a panoramic view of the surrounding area.
Tomb of Salim Chisti: The tomb of renowned Sufi saint Salim Chisti is located here. The tomb is well known for its delicate carvings and draws hundreds of pilgrims.
Buland Darwaza: It ranks among the important monuments in the place. This enormous gateway has a height of 54 meters and is largest gateway in the world. It was made in the year 1575 to celebrate Emperor Akbar's success in conquering Gujarat and is a fine blend of Persion and mughal architecture.
Apart from these prime Attractions in Fatehpur Sikri are Diwan-I-Am, Turkish Sultana’s House, The Treasury, Daulat khana-I-khas, Palace of Jodha Bai, Hawa Mahal And Nagina Masjid, Birbal's Palace, Sunehra Makan and The Jama Masjid.
Today regarded as one of the most important buildings amongst a list of World Heritage Structures, which has been brought forward by the UNESCO, a visit to the Fatehpur Sikri in Agra in India remains one of the fondest dreams of Indians from all around the world.
http://www.oldindianphotos.in/2009/12/agra-fort-and-fatehpur-sikri-1920s.html
