Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Fatehpur Sikri

Friday, 19 September 2014

The emperor Akbar built his capital city, Fatehpur Sikri ("City of Victory"), from scratch to honor a saint that correctly predicted that Akbar would have three sons. It was only occupied for fourteen years before Akbar was forced to leave to defend other parts of his empire. Some of the buildings and monuments have been restored, but much remains as it was left, and the place has a haunted feel to it: empty, yet alive.

The main courtyard with the "Panch Mahal" dominating the square. "Panch Mahal" means "Five Palace", so-called because of the five stories of arcades overlooking the courtyard.
The Diwan-i-Khas ("Jewel House") and gardens in the main courtyard.
The "Peerless Pool" in the main courtyard.
Just about every available surface is filled with geometric designs.
A random, but carefully constructed, mortared wall.
Christy
Sue
Living quarters in the Imperial Harem.
Imperial Harem
Adjacent to the palace area is the Jami Masjid (mosque). It is still an active mosque and serves the community below Fatehpur Sikri.

Jami Masjid. The white structure is the tomb of Shaikh Salim, the saint who prophesied Akbar's sons.
The main gate to the mosque (Buland Darwaza).
The prayer hall.
Looking into the prayer hall from the side.
Viewing the mosque courtyard through a stone screen.

1 comment:

  1. very informational blog post. Fatehpur Sikri is one of the best collections of Indian Mughal architecture in Uttar Pradesh, India.

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