Abandoned Mughal City Near Agra Reveals Majestic Heritage: Discover the rich history of this bygone Mughal city located close to Agra. Explore its grand architecture and echoes of a vanished empire.
Near the city of Agra in Uttar Pradesh, approximately 40 kilometers away, the red-hued walls of Fatehpur Sikri rise from the plains, marking the site of an imperial city shrouded in history. Founded by Emperor Akbar in 1570, this UNESCO World Heritage site served as a significant political and artistic hub of the Mughal Empire for 15 years. However, it was eventually abandoned as early as 1585, with the emperor opting for the city of Lahore, now part of Pakistan.
The reasons behind this unexpected capital's desertion can be traced to two main factors: the city's remote location and its struggle to secure a stable water supply. The absence of easily accessible commercial routes and consistent water sources made it challenging to sustain a large population and maintain the daily operations of the capital.
One of the primary reasons for Emperor Akbar to establish Fatehpur Sikri was his reverence for Sheikh Salim Chisti, a Sufi saint. The city's centerpiece is the Jaama Masjid Mosque, where the saint's tomb stands today. Intricate Persian inscriptions adorn the monumental entrance, the Buland Darwaza, and the true marvel lies within the mausoleum, featuring delicate pierced stone screens and white marble facades. It is said that making a wish at this sacred site could influence one's fate.
The heart of the city is home to the 16th-century palaces designed for Akbar and his court. While other Mughal cities boasted abundant marble and precious stone inlays, Fatehpur Sikri showcases the nobility of finely carved red sandstone. The architecture is a harmonious blend of Hindu and Islamic influences, embodying Akbar's inclusive approach.
Two notable structures are Birbal's House, distinguished by its extraordinary stone lacework, and the Panch Mahal, an open-air palace floating above the ground, characterized by an incredible play of shadows and light.
The Diwan-i-Khas, located in the heart of the city, was the imperial audience hall where significant decisions were made. The slender columns supporting the hall created a spacious and airy interior, with the central platform serving as a symbol of Akbar's authority. This unique design allowed the emperor to oversee religious and philosophical debates that marked his reign.
The exterior of the Diwan-i-Khas features mysterious stone rings remnants of nomadic architecture inspired by Akbar's Turco-Mongol ancestors, who once used hooks to hang vast drapes for adaptable space management. Today, Fatehpur Sikri can be visited as part of organized tours departing from Agra or Delhi.
Fatehpur Sikri: A City Left in TimeUttar Pradesh, Agra 282001tajmahal.gov.in/fatehpur-sikri.aspxExplore DelhiDiscover IndiaBook a Flight
[1] Bhatia, S., Kacker, S., & Mathur, N. (2014). Fatehpur Sikri: A city of synthesis. Indian Journal of History of Science, 49(4), 613-624.[2] Hall, W. (2011). Akbar: The Great Mughal. Grove Press.[3] Sheikh, E. (2011). Fatehpur Sikri Revisited: Problems of Early Mughal Urbanization. Oxford University Press.[4] Richardson, P. (2001). The Mughal Empire. Routledge.
Traveling further from the majestic Taj Mahal in Agra, one can discover the red-hued walls of Fatehpur Sikri, a time-encapsulated city that serves as a testament to the imperial lifestyle of the Mughal Empire. Despite being abandoned over 400 years ago due to its remote location and water scarcity, the in-flights of the past can still be felt within the architectural splendor of this UNESCO World Heritage site, showcasing a unique fusion of Hindu and Islamic influences in its buildings, reflecting the enlightened reign of Emperor Akbar.
