The architecture of Fatehpur Sikri has true Indian character. The walls of monument posses versatile Indo-Muslim composite style designs, which are a fusion of composite cultures. The monuments bring out the affluence of the Mogul rulers and the artistic talents of the workers who were behind each monument here.
The following monuments are quite fascinating:
Diwan-i-Khas,wikipedia. org. |
it is likely that Diwan-i-khas was used as a treasury for jewels. This square red sand stone building has four double-storeyed façades. This simple building without any big dome has four beautiful kiosks at each corner of the building that are octagonal in shape and have a circular dome with an inverted lotus on the top, making the building more impressive.. The main hall is quite fascinating and has 36 brackets arising from the pillar in three tiers, in a circular shape. The building is not well decorated and ornamental, however, the most impressive piece of work is the pillar in the center- apparently the stamp of impressive Mogul architecture.
Tomb of Salim Chishti
Fatehpur Sikiri. .en.wikipedia |
The Tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti built during the period 1580 and 1581 is a good example of the finest Mogul architecture in India and it was bullt along with the imperial complex at Fatehpur Sikiri near Zenana Rauza and facing south towards Buland Darwaza, within the quadrangle of the Jama Masjid which measures 350 ft. by 440 ft. It enshrines the burial place of the great Sufi saint, Salim Chisti (1478 – 1572), a descendant of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti of Ajmer. Here, he lived in a cavern on the ridge at Sikiri. The mausoleum was built by Akbar to show his respect and reverence for the saint who blessed him with a male child. The child was named Prince Salim after the Sufi Saint and later succeeded Akbar to the throne of the Mughal Empire, as Jahangir.
The Jama Masjid,
ama Masjid, Fatehpur Sikri. n.wikipedia.org/ |
It is situated opposite the Agra Fort right in the middle of Fatehpur Sikiri. Earlier there was a Tripolia Chowk, octagonal in shape in-between the Jama Masjid and the Delhi Gate of the Agra Fort. Later on it was demolished to build Agra Fort Railway Station.
The mosque is a blend of both Persian and indigenous architectural elements. This blending enhances the beauty of this mosque. The mosque is rectangular in shape and has a central nave with a single dome. The two colonnaded halls on either side, have two square chambers crowned with domes. Carved mihrabs adorn the main chamber and the two smaller rooms.The pillared dalan in the front, the liwan with three arched openings framed by panels and crowned by five chhatris are well built. The central mihrab has decorated mosaic stones bordered by glazed tiles. Unlike other place, herecorbelled pendentives support the dome.
Buland Darwaza:
Buland Darwaza or the "Gate of Magnificence", was constructed in 1601 A.D. by Akbar to commemorate his victory over Gujarat and it is the main entrance to the palace of Fatepur Sikiri built by the Mogul ruler. It is It is 43 km from Agra, India. It was a great monumental work undertaken by Akbar.
Buland Darwaza, made of red and buff sandstone decorated with white and black marble, is the highest and most majestic gateway in the world. The inlaid marble work in the arches and the Hindu style of architecture in the gallery above the entrance are impressive. The doorway is is topped by large free standing kiosks, which are the chhatris.The total height of Buland Darwaza is about 54 metres from the ground level. It is a 15-storied high gateway acting as the southern entrance of the city of Fatehpur Sikri. The approach to the gate has 42 steps. The structure is is semi octagonal in plan and has two smaller triple-storeyed wings on either side. Besides, it has three kiosks on its top surrounded by thirteen smaller domed kiosks. There are smaller turrets surrounding the gateway. The total height of the Gate above the pavement is 176 ft.The principal arch stands in the centre of three projecting sides and topped by a dome. The central arch is divided into three tiers with rows of smaller arches and flat brackets.
An interesting feature is on the main gateway one can find an Islamic inscription written in Persian that reads reads: "Isa (Jesus), son of Mary said: 'The world is a Bridge, pass over it, but build no houses upon it. He who hopes for a day, may hope for eternity; but the World endures but an hour. Spend it in prayer for the rest is unseen.'" Jesus was advising his followers not to consider the world as a permanent home.There are verses from the Quran carved in the Naskh (script) along the top. These were drawn by Khwaja Hussain Chishti, a disciple of Sheikh Salim Chishti. It is believed that it took nearly 12 years to complete the construction of the highest gateway.Buland Dawwaza reveals Akbar's secular attitude, catholicity and religious openness.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buland_Darwaza
Marium-uz-Zamani Palace:
The Marium-uz-Zamani Palace was the residence of of Akbar’s wife, Mariam. The palace is famous for highly embellished interiors and Akbar employed skilled wokers to build this dream palace for his queen who happened to a Hindu woman of Rajput origin. The palace is surrounded by a nice garden with rich carvings and floral motifs which enhances its charm. Since Marium-uz-Zamani was a devotee of Lord Krishna, her palace is also adorned with many paintings of Lord Krishna.
Panch Mahal:
The Panch Mahal, commissioned by sikarwar Rajputs is also also known as "Badgir" meaning wind catcher tower. That it is close to the Zenana quarters (Harem) supports the view that it was used for entertainment and relaxation. Considered as one of the most important and active buildings in Fatepur Sikiri, one of the most important building in Fatehpur Sikiri, it is an extraordinary unusual built on the model of f a Buddhist Temple; entirely columnar, it has four storeys of decreasing size arranged asymmetrically upon the ground floor, which has 84 columns. These columns, that originally had jaali (screens) between them, give full support the whole structure. Once these ornamental screens provided purdah (cover) to queens and princess on the top terraces enjoying the cool breeze and watching splendid views of the town of Sikri and adjacent places near the structure.
http://asi.nic.in/asi_monu_whs_fatehpursikri.asp
Buland Darwaza, made of red and buff sandstone decorated with white and black marble, is the highest and most majestic gateway in the world. The inlaid marble work in the arches and the Hindu style of architecture in the gallery above the entrance are impressive. The doorway is is topped by large free standing kiosks, which are the chhatris.The total height of Buland Darwaza is about 54 metres from the ground level. It is a 15-storied high gateway acting as the southern entrance of the city of Fatehpur Sikri. The approach to the gate has 42 steps. The structure is is semi octagonal in plan and has two smaller triple-storeyed wings on either side. Besides, it has three kiosks on its top surrounded by thirteen smaller domed kiosks. There are smaller turrets surrounding the gateway. The total height of the Gate above the pavement is 176 ft.The principal arch stands in the centre of three projecting sides and topped by a dome. The central arch is divided into three tiers with rows of smaller arches and flat brackets.
An interesting feature is on the main gateway one can find an Islamic inscription written in Persian that reads reads: "Isa (Jesus), son of Mary said: 'The world is a Bridge, pass over it, but build no houses upon it. He who hopes for a day, may hope for eternity; but the World endures but an hour. Spend it in prayer for the rest is unseen.'" Jesus was advising his followers not to consider the world as a permanent home.There are verses from the Quran carved in the Naskh (script) along the top. These were drawn by Khwaja Hussain Chishti, a disciple of Sheikh Salim Chishti. It is believed that it took nearly 12 years to complete the construction of the highest gateway.Buland Dawwaza reveals Akbar's secular attitude, catholicity and religious openness.
Marium-uz-Zamani Palace:
Marium-uz-Zamani Palace Mountains Of Travel Photos |
The Marium-uz-Zamani Palace was the residence of of Akbar’s wife, Mariam. The palace is famous for highly embellished interiors and Akbar employed skilled wokers to build this dream palace for his queen who happened to a Hindu woman of Rajput origin. The palace is surrounded by a nice garden with rich carvings and floral motifs which enhances its charm. Since Marium-uz-Zamani was a devotee of Lord Krishna, her palace is also adorned with many paintings of Lord Krishna.
Panch Mahal:
Panch Mahal, en. wikipedia. org. |
http://asi.nic.in/asi_monu_whs_fatehpursikri.asp