Fatehpur Sikri
Emperor Akbar’s imperial capital, Fatehpur Sikri, lies 35 km southwest of Agra. The perfectly preserved remains of the city include the palace and the royal Jama Masjid (mosque) where the Sufi Saint Shaikh Salim Chisti was buried.
Fatehpur, town of victory, was built in sandstone. It was only occupied for 14 years before Akbar shifted his capital to Lahore. The reason most often given for this is the lack of water but it may also have been for strategic reasons.
The palace buildings are in the style of local Indian architecture. The finest monument is Diwan-e-Masjid. Fatehpur’s most arresting sight is Panch Mahal, so named because of its five storeys. Near the fort is the mammoth Buland Darwaza.
Emperor Akbar took great interest in spiritual and religious matters. In Fatehpur Sikri he held his famous discourses with representatives of many faiths.
