🔆 Fatehpur Sikri (Uttar Pradesh)
📍 Historical Background
✅ Built between 1571–1585 by Akbar.
✅ Constructed in honour of Sufi saint Sheikh Salim Chishti.
✅ First planned city of the Mughals.
✅ Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site (1986).
📍 Urban Planning & Architecture
✅ Rectangular plan with grid-pattern roads intersecting at right angles.
✅ Efficient drainage & water management system.
✅ Built predominantly in red sandstone.
✅ Architectural blend of Islamic & Hindu elements.
📍 Important Buildings
🏛 Imperial Palace Complex – Includes the marble tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti.
🏛 Diwan-i-Am – Hall of Public Audience.
🏛 Diwan-i-Khas – Hall of Private Audience (famous central pillar).
🏛 Turkish Sultana’s House – Intricate carvings.
🏛 Ankh Michauli (Treasury) – Believed to be associated with court games.
🏛 Daulat Khana-i-Khas – Emperor’s private chamber.
🏛 Palace of Jodha Bai – Blend of Hindu pillars & Muslim cupolas.
🏛 Panch Mahal – Five-storeyed structure.
🕌 Nagina Masjid – Private mosque.
🕌 Jami Masjid (1571 AD) – Congregational mosque.
🚪 Buland Darwaza (1602 AD) – Built to commemorate Akbar’s victory in the Deccan.
📝 UPSC Prelims Focus
• Built by – Akbar
• Period – 16th century
• Material – Red sandstone
• Blend of – Indo-Islamic architecture
📝 UPSC Mains Angle (GS1 – Art & Culture)
“Fatehpur Sikri represents the zenith of Mughal architectural planning and syncretism. Discuss.”
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September 1, 2026 411 2
