Fatehpur Sikri
This city made of red sandstone was founded and built by the emperor Akbar in 1571 to honor the Sufi mystic Sheikh Salim Chishti who had predicted the birth of a son to the ruler. Once born, the son was named Salim in honor of the saint and Fatehpur Sikri was built to commemorate the moment.
Built 40 kilometers from Agra, this city boasts of magnificent architecture in the form of arches, courtyards and buildings that indicate a Persian ancestry and yet it is a synthesis of Hindu and Islamic architecture, giving credence to the religious tolerance of the emperor. Akbar also founded a religion called Din-i-Illahi, which inspired some of the buildings at Fatehpur Sikri. The walls, palaces, baths, royal mint, courts and gardens still stand in splendid homage to the great visionary and builder inspite of the deserted air that looms large over this city.
The heart of the palace complex however comes alive when pilgrims come in thousands to offer flowers, tie a thread in the latticed screens, and to pray for the gift of a son, just like the erstwhile ruler had done, at the tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti, a white marble canopy set in the great courtyard of the Royal Mosque. The city, abandoned shortly after Akbar's death, owing to the lack of water in the area, has now been declared a World Heritage Site because of the architectural beauty of its buildings.
The must-sees here include the highest gate in India, Buland Darwaza, the Panch Mahal, the Jama Masjid Mosque, the palace of Maryamuzzamani, Birbal Bhawan and the life-size chessboard where courtiers could play the roles of pieces!
* Entry fee - Indians Rs 20, foreigners Rs 260; Cameras, Video Rs 25; Timings - Sunrise to sunset.
Akbar's Tomb at Sikandra
A short distance from Agra is the resting place of the most successful emperor that India ever had. Akbar's tomb at Sikandra is testimony to the simple lifestyle and masculine personality of the great ruler. Originally built with sandstone, the structure was later covered with marble by Akbar's son, Jehangir. The tomb said to have been designed and built by Akbar, boasts of a perfect symmetry and a vast scale. The gateway alone features more than 20 panels inlaid with intricate geometric patterns with relatively few floral designs keeping in sync with the ruler's personality. Its pyramidal shape and carved latticework screens add a certain charm to it.
Although this monument is not as magnificent or elegant as the other tombs in Agra, it has a quiet dignity befitting the regal emperor. There are beautiful calligraphic inscriptions on the white marble front of the gate. The lawns outside the impressive gateway are grazing grounds for hordes of deer and the trees are hubs for birds and monkeys. The serene location of Akbar's Tomb is a quiet retreat, where one can spend some time wondering about the life and times of the greatest of the Mughal Emperors.
* Entry fee Indians Rs 15, foreigners Rs 110; Cameras: Still - free, Video - Rs 25; Timings - Sunrise to sunset.
