Fatehpur Sikri
Fatehpur Sikri, constructed between 1571 and 1585, was the Mughal emperor Akbar's capital for 15
years. It's in the modern state of Uttar Pradesh, about 40 km from Agra. It's
built with red sandstone, and though the workmanship is ornate, it's also
understated.
Akhbar was not only a conqueror he was also a statesman, who believed in
religious conciliation and in alliances, and he had Muslim, Hindu and Christian
wives, all of whom had their quarters in Fatehpur Sikri. The city was built
quickly, and deserted just as quickly, as the strategic interests of Akbar's
empire shifted.
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Buland Darwaza
Angled somewhat to exclude as many of the hawkers as possible. Inside
there's a huge courtyard, with a massive mosque, the Jama Masjid, on the
other side.
The square (and the city) are all aligned with the mosque, which is
aligned with Mecca. |
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Salim Chisti's Tomb The tomb was built in 1570.
Salim Chisti was a Sufi saint, and Akbar came to him looking for help in
having a son. The jalis - screens carved out of marble - show
superb workmanship.
To the left, in the shadows is part of the Jama Masjid, where Chisti
taught.
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Islam Khan's Tomb
Islam Khan was the grandson of Salim Chisti. His tomb is directly to
the right of his grandfather's, overshadowing it in size.
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The Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience)
The Diwan-i-Kas is also known as the Jewel House or the Ekstambha Prasada (Palace of Unitary
pillar)
Inside the building there's a central stone column. It supports four
crisscrossing walkways that go across the upper level.
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Astrologer's Seat
Akbar had astrologers on staff, who he consulted before making
important decisions. He used Hindu astrologers and Muslim munajjims, just
to play it safe. This is where they made their pronouncements.
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Khwabgah
This was the emperor's building. On the upper level there was a living
room, library and a place where he napped or entertained women. The lower level
was the Diwan-khana-i-khas, or audience hall.
Apparently, there were sliding stone doors and elaborate interiors, but
the building was looted later on.
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Turkish Queen's residence
Akbar liked variety in his wives (especially if marrying them cemented
alliances). He had a Christian wife and a Hindu wife, and this one was
Turkish. (In the local parlance she was the Rumi Sultana, which
sounds to me like a flavor of ice cream.)
Though it doesn't look like much at this point, the quarters were on
the left. The pool in front is Anup Talao, and was a famous spot
for music.
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Parcheesi board
Inside the palace complex, and apparently played with live pieces.
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