I turned a corner during my visit to the Fatehpur Sikri Complex and found this stately gentleman. He sat up straight, smoothed out his tunic, and motioned for me to take a photo. He seemed the perfect ambassador for the two-mile square site, where red sandstone buildings were adorned with some of the most exquisite, elaborate carvings I have ever seen.
Fatehpur Sikri was built by Emperor Akbar and served as capital of the Mughal Empire from 1571 to 1585. Akbar abandoned the site in 1585 when the spring-fed lake that supplied the city with water dried up; however, it was in nearly continuous use over the ensuing centuries. It was used by Mughal emperors, members of the Maratha caste, and even the British Army. As a result, most of the structures were well-maintained and did not suffer the ravages of time.
I spent several delightful hours exploring the complex. The nine gates and numerous towers in the original city walls are still largely intact. Even more impressive were the Diwan-i-Am (hall of public audience), Diwan-i-Khas (hall of private audience), and the palace of Jodh Bai palace. Fatehpur Sikri is no longer occupied, however the stunning white marble Jama Masjid Mosque, located outside the walls, is an active religious site that welcomes visitors of all faiths. Today the complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of three located in and around Agra, India.
Hello! I’ve been following your travels and reading your posts for a few months now, and I just wanted to tell you how much I love all your posts and look forward to reading about where you’ve been each week. I like how you present each location and experience so that it reads like a story. It really makes me feel like I’m there with you!! I also really enjoy the historical background that you provide with each location. I really love history, and your posts give me a chance to learn more each week. So thank you for sharing your experiences with the world! 🙂
Thank you so much Lauren! I recently suffered a conversation with a couple of drunks who said all blogs were a bunch of crap, so I really appreciate your viewpoint.