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Fatephur Sikri

Fatephur Sikri, known as the "deserted city," is situated 40 km west of Agra. Between 1570 and 1585, during the rein of Emperor Akbar, Fatephur Sikri was the capital of the Mughal Empire. It is said that the emperor, having no male heir, made a pilgrimage to this spot to see the saint Shaikh Salim Chishti. The saint foretold the birth of Akbar's son and Akbar then transferred the capital to Sikri and built the exquisite city. The city was eventually abandoned due to difficulty with the water supply. Today it is a perfectly preserved example of a Mughal city at the height of the empire's splendor.

The five story palace, photo right, was used by the ladies of the court.

The tomb of Shaikh Salim Chishti, built in 1570, is white marble with probably the finest examples of carved marble lattice screens in the country. Fatephur Sikri'mosque is said to be a replica of the mosque at Mecca.

It's a beautiful building with elements of Persian and Hindu design. The main entrance is through the 54 meter high Buland Darwaza (the Gate of Victory).

A Koranic inscription inside the archway says "The world is a bridge, pass over it but build no house upon it. He who hopes for an hour may hope for eternity." To reach the gate, one must climb an impressive flight of steps.

Since Akbar was known for his tolerance of all religions, his city contained elements of Hindu, Mughal and Christian architecture. He had a palace built for each of his wives. The Palace of Jodh Bai (the Hindu wife-daughter of the Maharaja of Amber) contains intricate wall carvings; the Christian wife's palace was called Golden House for it was once gilded throughout.