Fatehpur Sikri

Fatehpur Sikri, located about 40 kilometres west of Agra in Uttar Pradesh, is one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture and urban planning in India. Built by Emperor Akbar in the late 16th century, it served as the capital of the Mughal Empire for a brief period between 1571 and 1585.
The city was designed as an architectural and cultural masterpiece reflecting Akbar’s vision of a unified empire that embraced diverse traditions—Islamic, Persian, Hindu, and Jain. Though abandoned within a few years due to water scarcity, Fatehpur Sikri remains a UNESCO World Heritage Site (since 1986) and a symbol of Mughal grandeur, artistic innovation, and imperial vision.

Historical Background

• The foundation of Fatehpur Sikri is closely associated with Sheikh Salim Chishti, a revered Sufi saint of the Chishti order who lived in the village of Sikri.
• Akbar, who was childless at the time, visited the saint seeking blessings for an heir. Soon after, his son Prince Salim (later Emperor Jahangir) was born in 1569.
• As a gesture of gratitude and devotion, Akbar decided to build a grand city at Sikri, naming it Fatehpur (“City of Victory”) after his conquest of Gujarat in 1573.
• The construction began in 1571 and was completed around 1575, encompassing magnificent palaces, mosques, courtyards, and administrative complexes.

Urban Layout and Architecture

Fatehpur Sikri exemplifies the Mughal approach to urban design, integrating artistic elegance with political symbolism and religious inclusivity. The entire city extends across a rocky ridge approximately 3 kilometres long and 1 kilometre wide, surrounded by a fortified wall with numerous gateways.
The architecture of Fatehpur Sikri displays a harmonious blend of Indian and Islamic styles, often described as Indo-Islamic architecture. It is primarily built of red sandstone, locally available in the region, and decorated with intricate carvings, latticework, and ornamental designs.

Major Structures within Fatehpur Sikri

1. Buland Darwaza (Gate of Magnificence):
   • Built in 1575 CE to commemorate Akbar’s victory over Gujarat.
   • At a height of 54 metres, it is one of the largest gateways in the world.
   • The inscription on the archway reflects Akbar’s tolerance, quoting the Quranic verse promoting humility before God.
2. Jama Masjid:
   • One of the largest mosques of its time, completed in 1571–72.
   • Features a vast courtyard capable of holding thousands of worshippers.
   • The mosque combines Persian and Indian architectural elements with extensive geometric ornamentation.
3. Tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti:
   • Located within the Jama Masjid courtyard, it is built in white marble and intricately carved with jalis (latticed screens).
   • Devotees tie threads in the marble screens, believing that their wishes will be fulfilled.
   • The tomb remains a revered pilgrimage site.
4. Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience):
   • Used by Akbar to address the public, hear petitions, and conduct state affairs.
   • An open structure with a throne platform where the emperor would sit to administer justice.
5. Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience):
   • A smaller hall used for confidential meetings with ministers and foreign envoys.
   • Famous for its central pillar with an intricately carved capital connected to four walkways, symbolising Akbar’s vision of uniting different religions and ideologies.
6. Panch Mahal:
   • A five-storeyed palace built in a pyramidal structure, each storey decreasing in size.
   • Designed as a leisure pavilion with open galleries to allow cool breezes, possibly used by the royal ladies.
   • Its design draws inspiration from Buddhist vihara architecture.
7. Jodha Bai’s Palace (Queen’s Palace):
   • The largest and most important residence in the royal complex.
   • Combines Islamic arches with Hindu motifs such as lotus medallions and elephant brackets, symbolising the syncretic nature of Akbar’s rule.
8. Birbal’s House:
   • A richly ornamented building named after Birbal, one of Akbar’s “Navaratnas” (Nine Gems).
   • It showcases fine carvings and decorated pillars, suggesting it was built for high-ranking courtiers.
9. Hiran Minar (Elephant Tower):
   • A tall stone tower built in memory of Akbar’s favourite elephant.
   • The tower’s surface is decorated with projections resembling elephant tusks.
10. Anup Talao (Peerless Pool):
    • A beautiful ornamental pool surrounded by platforms connected by bridges.
    • It was used for musical performances and gatherings with scholars and artists.

Administrative and Cultural Significance

Fatehpur Sikri was not merely a royal residence—it was conceived as the political, cultural, and spiritual capital of Akbar’s empire.

• It housed the imperial court, military establishments, and religious institutions.
• Akbar held discussions on philosophy, religion, and governance in a hall known as the Ibadat Khana (House of Worship), where he invited scholars from various faiths—Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Jain, and Zoroastrian—to debate spiritual matters.
• These interactions eventually inspired Akbar’s policy of Sulh-i-Kul (“Universal Peace”) and the creation of a new syncretic faith called the Din-i-Ilahi.

Thus, Fatehpur Sikri became a symbol of Akbar’s vision of religious tolerance and imperial unity.

Abandonment of the City

Despite its grandeur, Fatehpur Sikri was abandoned after about 14 years of occupation.

• The most widely accepted reason is acute water scarcity and the difficulty of maintaining supplies for the growing population.
• Some historians also attribute its decline to strategic concerns, as the city was located too far from the northwestern frontiers where Mughal military campaigns were intensifying.
• By 1585, Akbar shifted the capital back to Lahore, and later to Agra.

Though deserted, the city remained largely intact, serving as a remarkable example of 16th-century Mughal urban design.

Architectural Features and Style

The architecture of Fatehpur Sikri reflects Akbar’s eclectic and inclusive approach to art and culture:

• Material: Primarily red sandstone with limited use of white marble.
• Design: A fusion of Persian, Timurid, Hindu, and Jain architectural styles.
• Ornamentation: Carvings of floral patterns, geometric designs, brackets, and jali screens.
• Spatial Planning: Balanced layout with courtyards, pavilions, and symmetrical open spaces emphasising harmony between architecture and landscape.

This synthesis of cultural influences came to define Mughal architectural identity, later reaching its zenith under Shah Jahan in monuments like the Taj Mahal.

UNESCO World Heritage Site

In 1986, Fatehpur Sikri was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding universal value as a masterpiece of Mughal architecture and city planning. UNESCO recognised it as “an exceptional testimony to the Mughal civilisation at the peak of its splendour.”
Today, the site is managed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which undertakes preservation, restoration, and visitor management.

Legacy and Significance

1. Architectural Legacy:
   • Fatehpur Sikri stands as a model of Mughal architecture’s aesthetic and technical excellence.
   • It influenced later architectural developments in Delhi, Lahore, and Agra.
2. Symbol of Akbar’s Vision:
   • Reflects Akbar’s ideals of governance based on tolerance, justice, and cultural integration.
3. Urban and Cultural Heritage:
   • Provides insights into 16th-century urban planning, art, and royal lifestyle.
4. Tourism and Education:
   • Remains one of the most visited historical sites in India, attracting scholars, architects, and tourists from around the world.