Interesting history behind construction of Akbar's Bridge - Page 2

Originally posted by: RadhikaS0

Abhay

Thanks for an interesting article. :) Akbar is a most fascinating person and one can keep reading about him endlessly and keep coming up with new gems about him every time. 😊

Question that comes to mind is, why Jaunpur? What is special about Jaunpur, which is now just another small city? Why did Akbar decide to build a mosque here? Why not in other more important centers of the Mughal empire?

Well, the fact is that till the Mughals conquered the plains of Bihar and Bengal, all the way to Bangladesh, Jaunpur was an important outpost of the Mughal empire in the east. And how did the Mughals assert their authority over any region? Simple - by constructing forts and palaces and mosques there. Munim Khan, an extremely loyal noble since the time of Humayun, took great care to uphold the Mughal prestige through extensive architectural construction in Jaunpur and the nearby areas. The intended mosque was one more step in this direction. Incidentally, many nobles under Munim Khan got quite a few mosques constructed in Jaunpur.

19th century drawings of the Jaunpur palace (no longer exists) show that it was constructed in a style that bore the distinctive stamp of Akbar. The royal bath or hammam at Jaunpur resembles that at Fatehpur Sikri. It had provision for hot and cold baths. This should still be existing.

Jaunpur is quite close to Benaras / Varanasi. Those who visit Benaras can travel further to Jaunpur and witness the beautiful Akbar's Bridge.

Originally posted by: Bindu_nhbr

Thanks for the pics Abhay😊

Its interesting that the bridge is in good condition even today.

The "Shahi bridge" is indeed beautiful.

This action of Akbar reminds me of the saying "Service to humanity is service to God"

Can't thank you enough for your humongous contribution.

Originally posted by: karkuzhali

Abhay,

Thank you very much for the interesting account of the circumstances leading to the construction of "Akbar's Bridge" as well as Kipling' s motivation to the write the poem about it. The pictures captured at various times speak volumes about the greatness of Akbar and his unquestionable love towards his subjects.

Interestingly, the fact that Salim was born in the same year when the bridge was completed was definitely due to the blessing from the potter's widow!

Saraswathi Aunty.

Originally posted by: alffim

Dear Abhay! Thank you! It is very interesting! Once again, I convinced that Akbar was perhaps unique ruler! Even today, very few public figures will decide to choose not external religiousness but inner meaning of Creed (Belief).

Originally posted by: Coolpree

Abhay, Thanks for sharing these interesting facts. the Jaunpur bridge is so beautiful and so unique. Do we even have a another bridge of this kind in India with Chathri's attached to it?
How poignant is the fact that Salim was indeed born in the year this bridge was completed?
Jaunpur is where my Naana ( maternal granfather) comes from. I remember visiting his ancestral home as a child but sadly don't remember the bridge :(

Originally posted by: Abi23

Thank u for this wonderful information Abhay

Originally posted by: harshu27

thnx abhay for sharing d info along wid d pics...its really fascinating to know that d bridge still xists in good shape... 😛 after so many centuries... 😛

Originally posted by: lasyap3

This was very much interesting ...

Thanks for sharing 👍🏼

Originally posted by: history_geek

Thanks Bindu,
Are you back again ?
I remember you planned to take a break ?

Second last line is very true.