Fatehpur Sikri, India

The next day, we left Agra on our way to Jaipur, but our tour guide made one stop along the way with us to see the famous palace of Fatehpur Sikri.  The name is an amalgamation of various words and languages with ‘fateh’ meaning victory, ‘pur’ meaning city and ‘Sikri’ meaning palace.  This palace, constructed over 15 years starting in 1570, stands in a now deserted region of India. 

The palace was built by Emperor Akbar in honor of Sufi saint Shaikh Salim Chisti, who lived in a cavern on the ridge at Sikri, and foretold the birth of his son, who was named Prince Salim after the saint.  It was the first planned city of the Mughals and also the first one designed in Mughal architecture, an amalgamation of Indian architecture, Persian and Islamic architecture. It served as the Mughal Empire's capital from 1571 until 1585. Though the court took 15 years to build, it was abandoned after only 14 years because the water supply was unable to sustain the growing population and local unrest in the area. The complex of buildings, including the royal palaces, courts and the Jama Masjid is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.



The Diwan Khana-I-Am, the hall of public audience for the emperor and his subjects, where he heard petitions and ruled on disputes.

A pavillion with the hall of private audience at the rear.

Courtyard with the tiered, multi-storied Panch Mahal in the background.  This 5 story structure was built for the ladies of the court and gradually ascends to a single domed "chhatri".

The central pillar of the Diwan-i-khas, the hall of private audience for the emperor and his guests.

The Panch Mahal, close up.

Inside the Hujra-i-Anup Talao, whose name means the "Turkish Sultana's House" or empresses' house, which has ornate relief carvings on the interior, but was probably used as a dressing room for court performers.

Inside the Hujra-i-Anup Talao

The Anup Talao, which means the "peerless pool", was used as a stage for imperial peformances and private functions.

The royal bed for the emperor.

Gateway to the palace.

The Jama Masjid, or congregational mosque, were probably the first buildings constructed on the site.  This is the primary gateway from inside the courtyard.

The Jama Masjid mosque.

The mosque on the left and the tomb of the Salim Chisti, the priest and saint who foretold the birth of the emperor's son, leading to the movement of the capital and the construction of Fatehpur Sikri, in white marble on the right.

The resting place of Salim Chisti, built of stone and inlaid completely with mother of pearl.

The resting place of Salim Chisti, built of stone and inlaid completely with mother of pearl.

Along the way from Fatehpur Sikri, we were able to photograph some of the creatures that shared the roadways with us along the way.