Magazine Feature : Fatehpur Sikri

While I was enjoying exclusive luxury, complete relaxation and a splendid time-out at the sunshine beaches of  Indonesia , my article got published on  Prismma, India's finest Design and Lifestyle Magazine. Check out the article here.

Here,  a glimpse of the article :

Fatehpur Sikri:

The Mughal Sandstone Splendour

Far from the din and bustle of India's capital, New Delhi, yet close at hand in between the Delhi-Agra route, lies Fatehpur Sikri, a city that was once India's Capital for a brief period, but now bears a desolate and haunted look, yet testifies the architectural genius of the Mughal dynasty, which went on to produce more wonders like the Taj Mahal many years later.

The imperial city of the Mughal dynasty Fatehpur Sikri (The City of Victory) was built by the greatest Mughal Emperor Akbar at the beginning of 1570's. It was built in honour of the Sufi Saint Shaikh Salim Chisti, who lived in a cavern on the ridge at Sikri village about 40 kilometres from Agra and foretold the birth of the emperor's son (the future Jahangir), who was named Prince Salim after the Saint.

The Masterpiece of Mughal Architecture

Akbar experimented both with architecture and art and built this city expressing his ideals and vision. Sikri was the first planned city of the Mughals, and leaves proof of innovative town planning through its efficient drainage and water-supply system. The architecture of Fatehpur Sikri has a definite all-India character and embodies the noble ideals and the tolerant bent of Akbar's mind. 

Khawabagh-Akbar's private bedrooms

The city monuments exude the prolific and versatile Indo-Muslim composite style. These red sandstone monuments are one of the finest masterpieces of Mughal Architecture and is a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE site.

The fascinating haunted city

Jama Masjid (Jami Masjid) or The Friday Mosque:

Jama Masjid

Buland Darwaza :

The Red Stone Splendour

The Dargah of Sheikh Salim Chishti :

The white marble serpentine brackets at the Dargah

Jami Masjid, The Dargah of Sheikh Salim Chishti and the vast courtyard

Diwan-i-Khas:

Natural light coming through the Jaali work window....Diwan-I-Khas

Anup Talao:

 Anup Talao, Diwan-I-Khas and Panch Mahal

Panch Mahal:

Panch Mahal pavilion

The Astrologer's Seat:

Palace of Jodha Bai :

Infront of Jodha Bai Palace

Inside Jodha Bai's Palace

Birbal's Palace :

Fatehpur Sikri was Akbar's capital for only around fifteen years. Within fifteen years of the city's foundation, the lake that was the natural source of water for this city, fell short of providing water to the growing population in this region. Besides, there were constant disturbances from the North Western frontier. All these made Akbar abandon Fatehpur Sikri and he chose Lahore as his new capital to fight against the Afghan tribes. This city since then has been bearing a desolate look as if waiting for its inhabitants to return some day. 

Text and Photographs by Sanghamitra Bhattacherjee.

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