The ancient citadel of Fatehpur Sikri was once the pride of the Mughal empire and today it has become a famous tourist destination in India. So let’s explore what Fathpur Sikri Citadel has to offer.
Some details about the ancient citadel of Fatehpur Sikri
Fatehpur Sikri is located in Agra district in the State of Uttar Pradesh in northern India. Previously, Fatehpur Sikri was known as the “City of Victory” after the victorious Gujarat campaign.
Fateh Sikri was built between 1571 and 1573 and was chosen as the capital by Mughal emperor Akbar (1556-1605). However, the citadel only existed for a short period of time and was abandoned at the end of the 16th century because people realized that there was no water source here.
(Complete map of Fatehpur Sikri Citadel. Photo: collected)
Because it was abandoned, it still retains its ancient features to this day and has become a famous tourist destination in India.
Masterpiece of Indian architectural art
The citadel was built on high ground surrounded by stone. Southeast of Fatehpur Sikri is a large artificial lake, which is currently a gathering place for people on major holidays. The top of the ridge due to its flat geography is located all the main buildings of the complex.
Fatehpur Sikri citadel is surrounded by a 6 km long wall on three sides and an artificial lake on the fourth side, which is the main source of water for the city.
Sikri is modeled on the Timurid style and is built mainly of red sandstone, with only Salim Chishti’s tomb being built of white marble.
(Salim Chishti’s mausoleum inside the citadel. Photo: collected)
The architecture and decoration of the palaces at Fatehpur Sikri show the influence of Gujarat architecture. Preserving the original spaces helps archaeologists reconstruct the designs of the Mughal court and understand the life and workings of the royal family. The main spaces placed in the complex are Jami Masjid, Mausoleum of Salim Chishti, Buland Darwaza, Diwan-i-aam, Diwan-i-Khas, Panch Mahal, Naubat Khana, Jodha Bai Palace, Anup Talao, House of Birbal, Hiran Minar, Pachisi Court, and Ibadat Khana.
(Some architecture inside the citadel. Photo: collected)
The main structures of Fatehpur Sikri can be entered through nine gates along the fort wall, which are – Delhi gate, Lal gate, Agra gate, Birbal gate, Chandan Pal gate, Gwalior gate, Tehra gate, Chor gate and Ajmeri gate. Agra Gate is the most important gate because Emperor Akbar built Agra fort there. The complex had a separate summer palace and winter palace for Emperor Akbar’s beloved Queen Mariam-uz-Zamani – Jodha Bai.
(The most important gate of the citadel. Photo: collected)
The Mosque complex is approached through the Buland Darwaza on the South, which is a widely known structure with a height of 54 meters above ground befitting its name. This is the victory gate built 5 years after the construction of the mosque to commemorate the victory of emperor Akbar’s Gujarat campaign.
Construction techniques used while building the citadel
The citadel’s structure is a combination of a pillar system along with domes and ribbed domes of Buddhist origin. To match the structure’s enormous scale, high domes were designed but the interior was scaled down with double domes decorated with paintings or plaster. The variety of roof types incorporated at Fatehpur Sikri are steep angle domes, curved domes with stone ribs, stone domes and flat stone slabs. The roof finish is smooth in some areas and carved in others. The roofs of the lower structures were used as terraces with parapets finished with carved screens.
A notable design element of Fatehpur Sikri is the Chajja or protrusions used to shade the openings. They provide a floating effect to the structure as the lower parts are usually openings and the upper parts of the chajja are horizontal solids. A consistent combination of niches and screens can be experienced as both a decorative and functional wall feature throughout the complex. The openings that are not doors are intricately carved with floral patterns on the stone screens.
(Architecture with chajjas to shade the sun and rain)
Fatehpur Sikri is a notable example of Mughal architecture and an admired tourist destination of Agra. It was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986. This is definitely a place not to be missed when visiting the city of Agra.