Fatehpur Sikri, a historic city near Agra
Fatehpur Sikri, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a historical city constructed by Mughal emperor Akbar beginning in 1570 and served as the empire’s capital from 1571 until 1585, when it was abandoned due to water shortages.
We took a State Transport bus from Idgah (Agra). It was a pleasant 1 hr ride through the country side.
Bazaar leading to Buland Darwaza
Bazaar leading to Buland Darwaza
Buland Darwaza or the Gate of Magnificence is one of the gateways to the Jama Masjid, a stupendous piece of architecture from the outside.
Buland Darwaza
View of Buland Darwaza from the plaza
Jama Masjid or the Grand Mosque built with liwans (aisles) around a central courtyard. A distinguishing feature is the row of chhatris (small domed pavilions).
Inside Jama Masjid
Jama Masjid
Influences from Hindu and Jain architecture are seen hand in hand with Islamic elements.
Lotus flowers, typical of Hindu architecture
Lord Curzon’s Lamp (unfortunately in a real bad state)
Sheikh Salim Chisti’s Tomb
During the 1560s Akbar rebuilt the Agra Fort and established it as his capital. With his wife Mariam-uz-Zamani he had a son and then twins, but the twins died. He then consulted the Sufi Saint Sheikh Salim Chishti from the Chishti Order who lived as a recluse in the small town Sikri near Agra. Salim Chisti predicted that Akbar would have another son, and indeed one was born in 1569 in Sikri. He was named Salim to honor the saint and would later rule the empire as Emperor Jahangir. The following year, Akbar decided to build a palace and royal city in Sikri, to honor his pir Sheikh Salim Chishti.The tomb of Salim Chishti, “Salim Chisti Ka Mazar” was built there within the grounds of the Jama Masjid.
View of Sheikh Salim Chisti’s Tomb from Jama Masjid
View of Salim Chisti from Shahi Darwaza
Tombs belong to Sheikh Salim Chisti’s family
Inside Sheikh Salim Chisti’s Tomb
Inside Sheikh Salim Chisti’s Tomb
The tomb chamber has a semi-circular domed ceiling and exquisite marble latticed walls. The four-pillared chhaparkhat or pavilion made of ebony inlaid with mother-of-pearl shelters the tomb.
Chhaparkhat
On the latticed walls, pilgrims tie cotton strings in the belief that these are their wishes and the saints will help getting them answered.
Lattice walls inside Salim Chisti’s tomb
Strings attached to the latticed walls
In front of the latticed walls
In front of the latticed walls
Tomb of Islam Khan
Plaza
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