In India, there are remarkable monuments everywhere, but the city of Fatehpur Sikri is not only extraordinary but also shrouded in mystery. Historical records indicate that after a series of victories over Indian princes, Genghis Khan’s descendant, Ghiyath al-Din Muhammad, ascended to the throne with the title Akbar and ruled India for nearly 50 years (1556 – 1605). This renowned emperor ordered the construction of a new capital for himself in a barren land near a small lake, located 36 kilometers west of Agra, naming his new city Fatehpur (City of Victory). Nearly 20,000 prisoners and slaves were brought in to build the city of Fatehpur; thus, within a short period, a city made of red sandstone was completed.
The city of Fatehpur Sikri is situated on a hill, and to enter, one must pass through the Buland Darwaza (Victory Gate). Within the city are a series of large and small architectural structures, such as palaces and mansions, connected by spacious courtyards. At the heart of the city stands the grand palace of Akbar.
The most intriguing and unique feature is the venue for the secret national council meetings of the King, commonly referred to as the Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience). This Hall has the shape and structure of a large circular balcony perched atop a tall red sandstone column. At this lofty balcony, Emperor Akbar and his ministers often held confidential discussions regarding
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The Pansar Mahan Palace |
the grand affairs of the Mughal Empire. At the center of the large palace is a Pasisi chessboard (a form of Indian chess) of Akbar, featuring a beautifully designed and large board, where the pieces are represented by beautiful young men and women dressed in vibrant attire. In a distant corner of the city lies a large courtyard known as the Elephant Courtyard, surrounded by tall architectural towers. The Elephant Courtyard served as a place for executing criminals by trampling them with elephants.
Those who survived were deemed innocent. During each execution, the King and his court would ascend the tall towers to watch and pass judgement. Additionally, Fatehpur Sikri is home to the five-story Pansar Mahan Palace, designated for royal concubines, a two-story Persian-style building belonging to the poet Birbal, a close friend of Emperor Akbar, and a small tomb for Salim Chishti, Akbar’s spiritual advisor. Although small, this white marble tomb serves as a prototype for later mausoleums in Agra, including the Taj Mahal.
Fatehpur Sikri was only inhabited for 14 years before being abandoned due to a lack of water. From 1588 until the late 19th century, this beautiful city transformed into a forest and a habitat for wild animals. Consequently, no one dared to approach this deserted city, earning it the names “Ghost City” or “Dead City.” It wasn’t until 300 years after Akbar’s death that the abandoned Fatehpur Sikri was cleared and restored, becoming one of India’s renowned historical sites. Although small, Fatehpur Sikri retains more artistic elements of Islamic architecture than any other Islamic city in India.
