Other places of interest

Fort of Akbar

Built by Akbar in 1564 and expanded in the next three generations, the fort contains the Moti Masjid, Diwan-i-Am, Diwan-i-Khas, Jehangir Mahal, etc. - all are fine examples of Mughal architecture.

Fatehpur Sikri

24 miles south west of Agra lies deserted sandstone city of Fatehpur Sikri, built by Mughal emperor Akbar in 1569 at the place where Saint Salim Chisti who foretold the birth of a son to the emperor lived. To commemorate the event, Akbar shifted the capital, and in a short time a complex of forts, palaces and mosques sprang up. It is said that Englishmen who came to meet the emperor Sikri in 1583 could hardly believe their eyes to the glory and grandeur of the city.

Because of the scarcity of water, Akbar was forced to abandon the city and Fatehpur Sikri became a ghost town. A series of graceful buldings adorn the city, the more important ones are:

Jama Masjid

Built in 1575 and aims to keep the 10,000 believers, the mosque excels in symmetry and inlay designs. Victory Gate, Buland Darwaza, with its huge dimensions, dominates the scene.

Within the courtyard of the mosque is the mausoleum of Saint Salim Chisti who foretold the birth of a son of Emperor Akbar. Even today, thousands of childless women belonging to all religions come to the tomb of this saint Mohamadan seeking the same blessing that he gave emperor over 400 hundred ago.

Diwan-I-AM

(Hall of public audience)

More than 350 meters long, it consists of an alcove around a courtyard, where is the Hall of Judgment where Emperor Akbar sat. Behind the hall is the courtyard where the Emperor played chess using slave girls as living pieces.