Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh, India
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V70PDB
N 27° 05.667 E 077° 39.850
43R E 764160 N 2999694
Quick Description: Fatehpur Sikri is a city and a municipal board in Agra district in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. It was the political capital of India's Mughal Empire under Akbar's reign, from 1571 until 1585, when it
Location: India
Date Posted: 1/8/2008 4:59:44 AM
Waymark Code: WM2Y20
Views: 79
Long Description:The name of the place came after Mughal Emperor Babur defeated
Ranga Sanga in a battle at a place called Sikri (about 40 KM from
Agra). Then Mughal Emperor Akbar wanted to make Fatehpur Sikri his
head quarters. So he built this majestic fort. But due to shortage
of water he had to ultimately move his HQ to Agra Fort.
Akbar had no child. After the blessing of Sufi Saint Salim
Chisti he was blessed with a male child who became the heir to his
throne, he was named Salim (after the name of Sufi Saint Salim) who
later become Emperor Jahangir. The tomb "Salim Chisti Ka Mazar" was
built in honour of Sufi saint Salim Chishti in 1571 by Mughal
emperor Akbar. Earlier it was built with red sand stone but later
converted into beautiful marble mauseleum. This was built much
later the Fatehpur Sikri Fort was built by Akbar.
Fatehpur Sikri shared its imperial duties as a capital city with
Agra, where a bulk of the arsenal, treasure hoards, and other
reserves were kept at its Red Fort for security. During a crisis,
the court, harem, and treasury could be removed to Agra, only 26
miles away, less than a day's march.
Innovations in land revenue, coinage, military organisation, and
provincial administration emerged during the Fatehpur Sikri
years.
It is regarded as Emperor Akbar's crowning architectural legacy.
Indeed, its numerous palaces, halls, and masjids satisfy his
creative and aesthetic impulses, typical of Mughals.
Fatehpur Sikri is a World Heritage Site. Some contemporary
Indian architects, notably B. V. Doshi, have cited it as an
important source of inspiration. Architect or layperson, this city
generally captures the imagination and wonder of all who experience
its urban spaces and see its buildings. Charles and Ray Eames,
cited Fatehpur Sikri in the landmark 'India Report' that led to the
conception of the National Institute of Design, India's premiere
design school.
Eventually, it is believed that water sources dried up and the fort
had to be abandoned.
Wikipedia... (visit link)
