The northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh has several famous tourist hotspots with Fatehpur Sikri (the city of victory) being one of them. The political capital of India’s Mughal Empire under Akbar from 1571 to 1585, Fatehpur Sikri–which was later abandoned because of water shortage–was built by Akbar the Great to celebrate the Mughal Emperor Babur’s victory over Rana Sanga, the Rajput warrior.
A World Heritage Site, Fatehpur Sikri is actually a walled city just 26 miles away from Agra, which is much famed for the Taj Mahal. The walled city of Fatehpur Sikri is no less grand and splendid than the magnificent Taj which is India’s pride and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Though relatively less famous than the Taj, Fatehpur Sikri is arguably the finest example of the Mughal architecture.
The best thing about the monuments and architecture at Fatehpur Sikri is that they reflect the best of not only the Islamic architecture but the Hindu architecture. Akbar’s crowning architectural legacy, the Fatehpur Sikri, also reflects the best of the Bengali and the Gujarati architectures. The walled city has several wonderful palaces and monuments including Diwan-i-Am, Diwan-i-Khas, Paanch Mahal, Birbal Bhawan, Jodha Bai Palace, Mausoleum of Saleem Chisti, Jama Masjid, and Buland Darwaza.
Though all landmarks of the place are worth their weights in gold it is the magnificent Buland Darwaza, built with red sand stone that really stands out for its magnificence and beauty. Buland Darwaz–the highest gateway in the world–was built by Akbar to celebrate his victory over the rich province of Gujarat.
The Gate of Magnificence, Buland Darwaza, is a massive 175-feet tall structure, and is as impressive and virile as the greatest emperor of Hindustan who built it. No wonder, it is regarded one of the most famous monuments of India and arguably the finest structure built by Akbar.