Jama Masjid or the Friday Mosque : Also known as the Dargah Mosque,
this is said to be a copy of the main mosque at Mecca. Its noted
for its design which has persian and Hindu elements.
The monumental 54 m high Buland Darwaza, the Gate of Victory, is
the main entrance. It was constructed to commemorate Akbar's victory
in Gujarat. A koranic inscription upon it read, "The world
is a bridge, pass over it but built no house upon it. He who hopes
for an hour, hopes for Eternity, for the world is but an hour".
Just outside the gateway is a deep well wherein local daredevils
leap from the top of the entrance into the water. The Shahi Darwaza
is the official entrance, where licensed guides can be hired.
Jama Masjid or the Friday Mosque: Also known as the Dargah Mosque,
this is said to be a copy of the main mosque at Mecca. Its noted for
its design which has persian and Hindu elements.
The monumental 54 m high Buland Darwaza, the Gate of Victory, is the main entrance.
It was constructed to commemorate Akbar's victory in Gujarat. A koranic inscription upon it read,
"The world is a bridge, pass over it but built no house upon it. He who hopes for an hour, hopes for Eternity,
for the world is but an hour". Just outside the gateway is a deep well wherein local daredevils leap from the top
of the entrance into the water. The Shahi Darwaza is the official entrance, where licensed guides can be hired.
Tomb of Shaikh Salim Chisti: The tomb visited by many seeking ful
filment of their wishes was built in 1570. The carved marble lattice
screens (jails) are simply remarkable. Within the courtyard is the
another tomb of Islam Khan, the saint's garden.
Place of Jodha Bai : This was the principal harem wing for Akbar's
Hindu wives, over which Jodha Bai, mother of Salim (emperor Jehangir)
presided imperiously from her spacious purdah - screened salon.
The architecture of the building is a blend of styles with Hindu
columns and Muslim cupolas The walls of the Hawa Mahal or Palace
of the winds are made entirely of stone latticework.
Birbal Bhawan: This casket like palace belonged to Raja Birbal,
Akbar's brilliant Brahimin prime minister, one of the "None
Jewels of Akbar's Court". The palace fronts onto the Lower
Haramsara, which was once believed to be an enormous stable with
nearly two hundred enclosures for elephants, horses and camels.
Diwan-i-Am: This structure has arches, which are covered with white
lime polish for a smooth finish, has triple arched royal canopy
with lavish pietra dura ornamentation.
Karawan Serai and Hiran Minar : The Karawan Sarai was a large courtyard
used by visiting merchants. The Hiran or Deer Minar is said to have
been erected over the grave of Akbar's favourite elephant.
Palace of the Christian Wife: There was a reperate abode for Akbar's
Christian wife from Goa, Maryam, located close to the Jodha Bai
Palace. At one time it was gilded throughout, earning the name the
Golden Facade.
Panch Mahal : A five storied architectural marvel and Akbar's personal
citadel of pleasure, where he would spend his evenings with the
ladies of the harem. Nearby is the Astrologer's seat, an ornamented
pavilion where the resident astrologer played an important role
in day to day court life.
Diwan-i-Khas : Fatehpur Sikri's architectural gem, this structure
is unique for its interior decoration. Its massive central Lotus
Throne Pillar that supported Akbar’s throne dominates this
single vaulted chamber. These stone columns support a flat-topped
dome, which is 6 m high.
Diwan-i-Aam: This hall of public audience was designed for large
public gatherings. Nearby is Pachisi courtyard, where Akbar and
his courtiers used slave girls attired in brilliant dress as piece
of pachisi (a game similar to ludo), moving when ordered on a giant
marble board.
Excursion:
Bateshwer (About 65 K.M.)
Keetham Lake (About 23 K.M.)
Patna Bird Sancutary (About 54 K.M.)
Chambal Safari (About 80 K.M.)