“Echoes of Empire”: The

Timeless Structures Of
Fatehpur Sikri
SUBMITTED FOR :
DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF ARTS

By
Rajeev Yadav
Under Supervision of-Dr. Mamta
Meena
Department of History
St.John’s College M.G.Road Agra
May 2024

1
 Forward
The purpose of this research project is to
delve into the rich historical and
architectural significance of Fatehpur
Sikri, a remarkable example of Mughal
architecture in India. Founded by Emperor
Akbar in 1569, this “City of Victory” not
only marks the Mughal Empire’s political
aspirations but also showcases a unique
blend of various architectural styles. The
project aims to explore the reasons
behind its construction, its short-lived
prominence as the Mughal capital, and
the eventual abandonment due to the
scarcity of water. By examining the city’s
layout,design, and the socio-cultural
context of its time, the research will
contribute to a deeper understanding of
Fatehpur Sikri’s place in India’s heritage.

2
Research Methodology
Here’s a proposed research methodology for studying
the historical context, architectural features, and Indian
architectural influence on Fatehpur Sikri:
In my childhood I visited fatehpur sikri in school tour
from that time fatehpur sikri become my favourite tourist
places I know little about some buildings but This
research research gave me an opportunity to
understand and feel the ancient era after I first read in
world heritage series on fatehpur sikri by archaeological
survey of India in which ASI decoded some outline and
structure of Buildings including various types like
gateways, inner buildings,outer buildings and more but
ASI don't specify bibliography and those ancient books
written on fatehpur Sikri.
But this project needs reference of books I search on
internet also reads several research papers on that
subject which was reasearch by specialist and also read
in books only that topic like A guide to fatehpur sikri by
Maulvi Muhammad Shraf Hussain and AKBARNAMA by
Abdul Fazl which was translated in hindi by Abdul
Rahimi,AIN-I-AKBARI by Abdul fazl,translated by Naval
Kishore, A research project by Shivani Garg in which
researcher specified several references regarding
fatehpur Sikri .

3
Contents

Chapter Page no.

Historical 1 to 12
Context
Main Buildings 13 to 29
inside the fort

Buildings 30 to 39
outside the
fort
Indian 40 to 48
Architecture
Influence on it

4
 Chapter 1
Historical Context

Fatehpur Sikri is located at 27°+ latitude and 77°

longitude to the south-west of Agra at a distance of
40 kms. The medieval town was developed on a ridge of
red sand stone roughly two miles long and a half mile
wide,
to the north-west of which was a natural lake (now a dry
low bed of land) at which a dam was constructed t o
meet out
the paucity of water, some time when township was
being
developed.
Fatehpur Sikri's earlier name was only Sikri which
existed during the Sultanate period.
During the Sultanate period down to the end of the 15th
century village
Sikri was under the control of adminitrators ( hakims ) of
Bayana
region .Muslim settlement in the area began in early
thirteenth century and
and continued during fourteenth and fifteenth centuries.
During this period of settlement , Muslims constructed a
large number of residential and religious buildings in the

5
area . The existence of a mosque and a tomb in the old
village of Sikri at it ls present locality of Naqar
confirms early settlement ,
_____________________________________________
1. Irfan Habib, An Atlas of Mughal Empire. Delhi ,1982,
2, Michael Brand and Glenn D. Lowry, Fatehpur Sikrii A
Source Book, (ed,) with contributions by Z.A, Desai
3 , S.A.A. Rizvi, Fatehpur Sikri New Delhi 1972
4. Fatehpur Sikri A Source book

Another mosque known as ambiyabali mosque in the

mohalla Shaikh Chhutwa of old Sikri town has a Persian
inscription on its eastern wall of the courtyard of the
mosque^ which mentions the construction during the
reign
of Sultan Alauddin Khalji (1296-1316 A.D.).
The 12th of Shawwal 713 AH (30th January, 1314 A.D.)"
(English Translation).
Like the mosque there is also an important tomb of
Sultan Alauddin Khalji's period at a short distance from
Sikri on the road side of Agra-Ajmer highway (at present
Sikri-Bharatpur road ) known as the tomb of Makhdoom
Shah.
This tomb is probably of Makhdoom Shaikh Tajuddin
who died at Sikri in 1321-22 A,D. The date of the
construction of the tomb building according t o its
inscription is 1315-16 A.D, It is possible that according
to the prevailing custom the tomb building might have

6
been constructed during the life time of the Shaikh.
___________________________________________
1 .Epigraphia Indica : Arabic and Persian Supplement
(In
continuation of epigraphia Indo Moslemica), 1930-20,
published by the Director General, Archaeological
Survey
of India , New Delhi, 1987, pp. 31,32.
2. Ibid, 1913-20, p.20.
3. Fatehpur Sikri, p.3 .
4. epigraphia Indica (Arabic and Persian supplement)
1965,
P no.50,

7
Another inscriptional evidence is found on a grave which
is situated in the North-west direction of the tomb,
with an inscription of Shaikh Najmuddin who died in
1358 A.D.
The presence of the above mentioned mosque and
tomb
buildings suggest the importance of Sikri as a Muslim
settlement during the Khalji and Tughlaq period as an
administrative unit in the Bayana region.
After Taimur's invasion(1398-99-A.D,), the Ahadi
rulers of Bayana declared autonomy and ruled over the
territory for about two decades. Sultan Sayyid Mubarak
Shah (1421-1434 A.D,) and Sultan Bahlol Lodi
(1451-1489 A.D,) tried to keep the territory under their
control but they failed, However,
the fief of Sikri remained under Sayyid Sultans for a brief
period,
Sikri rose into prominence with the settlement of Shaikh
Salim Chisti . Probably Shaikh Salim Chisti settled at
Sikri during the reign of Bahlol Lodi. When Sultan
Sikandar
_____________________________________________
1, Fatehpur Sikri, p,3 .
2, Epigraphia Indica (Arabic and Persian Supplement),
1965, Pg50 &
3 fatehpur Sikrij A Source Bpok (ed). p.3 ;

8
Lodi founded the fort at Agra as Sarkar by merging nine
parganas of Sarkar Bayana; Sikri became the part of
Agra Sarkar as it was in Bayana earlier.
By the time of the foundation of the Mughal empire, Sikri
had already developed as an important town, Emperor
Babur visited Sikri on the eve of Khanwah battle which
was
fought in its vicinity . On account of the availability of the
abundant water at Sikri the place was selected as
the best watered camping ground for the imperial army
to encamp here . After his victory in the battle of
Khanwah, as a thanks giving act, Babur changed the
name of the town
from Sikri to Shukri (thanks giving). Afterwards Babur
ordered a garden, an octagonal platform and a few
buildings to be made at Sikri, and on his inspection he
found that
____________________________________________
1. Khwaja Niamatullah, Tarikh-i-Khan Jahani, Tr, by S.M,
Imamal-Din,Dacca, I960, p,190.
2. Abul Fazl, Akbar Nama, Vol.1, pp. 105-06;
Vol.II,pp.530,31
3. Babur, Babur Nama, tr, by A.S, Beveridge. New Delhi,
Reprint 1979, pp,548-49; Akbar Nama, Vol.1 , pp.
105,06;
2ayn Khan, Tabaaat-i-Baburi/ tr . by Syed Hasan Askari,
Delhi, 1982, p.181 ;
4.Fatehpur Sikri : A Source Book (ed)
5. Babur Nama,(tr.) . pp. 58l, 584, 588; Fatehpur Sikri: A

9
 The enclosed garden as well as other buildings were
not getting according to his approval and satisfaction ,
"the overseers were threatened and punished'.'
Thus at Sikri one garden, one octagonal platform in the
middle of the lake and one baoli (Step-well) were made
at his order. "It seems that it is the same place where
Babur renounced wine at the battle of khanwa and
ordered the construction of a well in 1526-27 A,D.
The Persian inscription on the stepped well is as follows
:
"At the orders of Zahirud-Din Muhammad Babur the
completion of this well in the year 1526-27 A,D.
at the time of the victorious return from the battle against
Rana Sanga".
Apart from the above mentioned baoli ,and a garden
(Charbagh) , we do not find any other structure of
Babur's period. Probably the structure of Babur's period,
if any
might have demolished later on when Sikri was
developed as
the capital city by Emperor Akbar,
_____________________________________________
1. Babur Nama (tr.) , pp. 615-16; Fatehpur Sikri; A
Source Book p . 20.
2. Babur Nama (tr.) , p.552; Fatehpur Sikri A Source
Book (ed.) pp. 24,25.

10
3. Epigraphia Indica - (Arabic and Persian Supplement)
1967,

Between 1530 and 1540, during,the reign of Emperor

Humayun there were not any architectural activities at
Sikri.
Sikri again came into prominence when Emperor Islam
Shah Sur (1542-52 A,D.) honoured Shaikh Salim Chisti
and constructed a Khanqah for him. The original
foundation of Khanqah is probably still intact . Sikri was
turned into a great city by Emperor
Akbar after the birth of his son Salim at Sikri.
Till the age of twentyeight years several children were
born to Enperor. Akbar but none of them
survived, and he was continuosly praying for the survival
of a son to dervishes and recluses. Emperor also prayed
to Shaikh Salim Chisti
_____________________________________________
1. Fatehpur Sikri ; A Source Book (ed.), p.3 .
2. Ibid pp. 21,22.
3. Jahangir, Tuzuk-i-Jahanqiri, td. by Syed Ahmad Khan,
Ghazeepur, "1863, p.1,

who was residing at Sikri and asked the Shaikh, "how

many
sons he would have? The Shaikh replied that the Giver
would bestow three sons on him. The Emperor promised

11
that I will make your kindness and friendship his
protector
and preserver; and the Shaikh responded by saying that
he
will give the child his own name". Thus one of the wives
who was pregnant was shifted to sikri near the Khanqah
of the Sheikh, where he had constructed a house for her
residence, and he himself remained sometimes at Agra
and sometimes at Sikri. It was here at Sikri that prince
Salim was
born "On Wednesday the 17th of the month of
Rabiulawwal of
the year 1569 A,D. when seven hours of the day had
passed the auspicious birth of prince Salim took place at
the abode of Shaikh Salim Chisti at Fatehpur".
After that Akbar start constructing capital city.
____________________________________________
1, Tuzuki-Jahangiri (ed,),p,2 ,
2. Mutakhabal-Tawarikh, Vol. II,(ed,) pp. 112-13;
3. Nizamuddin Ahmad, Tabaqat-i-Akbari, Vol© II and M,
Hidayat Hossin, Royal Asiatic Society of Bengal

12
 CHAPTER-II

MAIN BUILDINGS INSIDE THE FORT

Fatehpur Sikri is an exclusively Akbari city . It was

erected in honour of the Shaikh Salim Chisti , who
had predicted the birth of his sons to the childless
Emperor and as such the place was considered an
auspicious one.
A masonary fort was erected and two elephants carved
in stone at one of it s gate ( Hath i Pol ) inspired
astonishment.Inside the fort several royal buildings were
constructed and outside the fort ,the nobles also
constructed a large number of their houses (havelis) and
at lower level the commoners constructed their houses.
"In the neighbourhood is a tank , twelve kos in
circumference ,
and on it’s embankment his Majesty constructed a
spacious courtyard , a minar, and a place for the game
of Chaugan.
Elephant fights were also exhibited . In the vicinity is a
quarry of red stone where columns and slabs of any
dimensions can be excavated under his Majesty's
patronage carpets and fine stuffs are woven a numerous
handicraftsmen have full occupation.

13
The most ambitious architectural project of Akbar's reign
was the creation of an entirely new capital city at
Fatehpur Sikri . ^
The whole complex of buildings in
the newly founded city was completed in a short period
of about ten years. The city of Fatehpur Sikri was
enclosed by a fortified bastioned wall, covering a
rectangular area
which is almost two miles long and one mile broad.
The city wall contains a number of entrance gates
leading to different directions such as on the eastern
side had Darwaza, Akbarabadi Darwaza, Bir/Suraj
Darwaza. Chandan Darwaza and Gwalior Darwaza, in
the western side
Terha Darwaza and Ajmeri Darwaza besides the main
Delhi Darwaza, Delhi, Akbarabadi (Agra), Gwalior and
Ajmer gates are called on the basis of the roads leading
to
these cities. The pattern of the construction of these
gates is similar except Akbarabadi or Agra gate . All
these gates have been flanked by semi-circular bastions
on either sides and at the top loopholed in two tier
effect as in the wall also .
___________________________________________
1.Fatehpur Sikri, Source Book, p,2 ,
2. Perey Brown, Indian Architecture.p.94,
3. E.W.Smith, The Moghul Architecture of Fatehpur Sikri
Part-Ill, pT597

14
General description of the inner buildings of the
forts

NAUBAT KHANA OR Naqqar KHANA

This structure was also known as Chahar sug literally
meaning a '•market place** and probably a market was
held around it .
But in my opinion it is Naubat Khana where drums were
beaten to announce the arrival of the Emperor as it is
situated outside Diwan-i-Am which was a place of
common
audience hall . The capitals and pedestals and the shaft
/as well
as brackets are roughly carved. The carving is simple
and the designs of the carving do not suggest any
specific regional influence,

15
2. DIWAN-I-AM (BARGAH-i-AM)
This building is referred in the contemporary persian
sources with different names i.e., Darbar,
Darbari Padshahi, DawlatKhana etc.. It is situated to the
east of residential palaces and South-west of Karkhana
in the front side of the royal fort. It was a public court
where Emperor dispensed justice on all matters before
his subjects. It is consisted of a rectangular open
quadrangle, flanked by cloisters on al l the four sides.
The cloisters are slightly above the ground level. The
total cloister is consisted of one hundred and eleven
bays surrounding

16
the open courtyard. The height of the platform of cloister
is not uniform. It is possible that this might
have been purposely made to allot the place to the
mansabdars on the basis of their ranks. The platfoim
of the western cloisters was the highest followed by the
north and the southern cloisters and eastern cloisters
are of lesser height from the ground level. There are four
gates

_____________________________________________
1, S,A.A. Rizvi and Vincent John Adams Flynn, Fatehpur
Sikri, forwarded by A.L, Basham, Bombay, I975,pp. 18,

17
The only noticeable decoration is found in the perforated
screens of red sand stone on both the sides of
the Emperor's seat with floral and geometrical designs
(arabesque) in the form of intricate designs. The carving
of these screens is finest in technique and probably
borrowed from Gujarat.
The entire building of Diwan~i-Am is in the traditional
Indian style with cloisters as main structural part of the
building. However roof of the place of Emperor's seat
has been made according to Bengal architecture.

DIWAN-i-KHAS
Diwab-i-khas is situated to the South-West to
Diwan-i-Aam in the inner circle . It is a square chamber
with its side measuring 13-17 metres ? externally and
8.74 metres internally in a double storeyed effect from
outside. A huge column, decorated with floral and
geometrical designs of red sand stone stands in the
centre of the chamber and 70.9 cm wide beams rests on
it from the
corners of the chamber. The column is of single shaft of
stone fitted to a separate base about 20 cm above the
base .
The shaft of the pillar is square at lower level, octagonal
in the centre and sixteen sided at the top,
which is profusely carved. This column is surmounted by
multiple (36) brackets fixed in circular arrangement .
supporting the circular balcony. This balcony is joined by
small bridges (galleries) which come out from each

18
corner of the square. Probably the circular balcony kept

_____________________________________________
1. E.W. Smith, The Moghul Architecture of Fatehpur
Sikri ,
Part I, p,22; Percy Brown-Indian Architecture , Vol. 11,

4. PANCH MAHAL (HAWA MAHAL

It is to the south-west of Diwan-i-Khas and is a five
storeyed structure . Ground floor measure ls 21.59 mts,
while the enclosing wall 32 feet high. ln length there are
10 pillars and breadth there are 9 pilars except in
north-eastern corner the two pillars are not present .
The pillars are at a distance of 223 cm from each other.

19
On the ground floor there are three rows of two pillars
and these pairs of pillars are at a distance of 5 cms.
The point where these double rows of pillars meet are
four pillars at the point where there are four pillars
in the first row of the eastern row, a thick wall starts from
the east towards the northern structures
and from this point two single pillar are present in the
wall instead of two pillars or double pillars. These pairs
of pillars are in the first row from the east, third row from
the north and western side. Thus on the ground floor are
88 pillars instead of 84 pillars as E,W, Smith gives
in his book. First storey has 56 pillars and these are just
above the pillars of the ground floor and first two
rows from the north and west have been left in the first
storey. Second storey has 24 pillars above the pillars
of the first storey; and the first row from the north and
first and second rows from the west of the first storey
has been left in the second storey. The third storey has
12 pillars and here the first and second row from the
north and first row from west has been left.
Finally the fourth storey or the top most storey has a
cupola on
the four pillars (on the middle pillars of third storey).

20
_____________________________________________
1. E.W. Smith. The Moghul Architecture of Fatehpur
Sikri,

5. ASTROLOGER'S SEAT
In the western side of Diwan-.i-.khas is a small square
Kiosk which is mentioned as astrologers seat.
It is raised on a platform, about 2,72 mts above the level
of the pachisi court. The structure is square in
2.75 m. plan and each side measuring • At each corner
of the

21
Structure a square pillar is made, ultimately changing
the structure in the form of a large Kiosk. All the
pillars are of similar design where the lower half of the
shaft is square and the upper half is octagonal,The
division of the shaft into lower and upper half has been
made with floral motifs. The peculiar architectural
feature of this structur e is the front and side view of the
kiosk.
On each side we find the struts moulding emerging from
the middle of the upper half of each pillar
and the two meeting in the middle of the beam. These
struts are carved beautifultly out of two pieces of stone

22
6. THE ANKH MICHAULI ( THE TREASURY)
It' s name Ankh Michauli is the local name given by the
people and as such , has been mentioned by ,E.W,
Smith in his report . The building may be either treasury
or for some other specific purpose of the court .
The building consists of three rooms, a central oblong
one 5.1 0 mts by 7 mts. They are also
divided up into panels by flat ribs and enriched by flower
pattern . The roof is fla t made with beams and above
the lime mortar plaster covers,

7. THE HOSPITAL :
Like the earlier building this structure near the treasury
building is also known as hospital according to

23
local tradition , which seems to be wrong. The presence
of a hospital inside the fort premises does not suit
according to the Mughal court custom and traditions,
It is attached to the western wall of the treasury, and
stands on the northern side of the quadrangle. It was
gable roofed and divided by stone partitions into twelve
separate rooms, three or four of which still exists, each
of which measures into
4.25 mts by 2,88 mts. On the south side was a spacious
verandah 3.40 mts in width covered by flat roof
supported on stone lintels over square stone piers.
There
was another wing on the west of the quadrangle on
which side are the toilets and recreation grounds.

24
8.KHWABGAH (SAHN-i-KHAS) :
This complex has been mentioned by Abul Fazl as
Daulat Khana-i-khana’ s complex which also contains a
tank
known as Anup Talao . This complex is in entire south
side overlooking the court . It is a complex of several
buildings, halls, cloisters (varandahajs), terraces,
pavilions and curtained passages all built in the red
sand stone .
The Main building of the Khwabagh ha s four distinct
sections on the ground floor. In one of it's hall in the
southern side two storeyed effect is given by double
ceiling on the pillars
The different portions of the structure has been
mentioned with different hypothetical names such as
girl' s school or Madarsa, library or Kutubkhana. office or
Daftar Khana and the central hall as Khwabgah. The so
called Turkish Sultana's palace is also part of Khwagah.
These buildings have been profusely decorated with
mural paintings. The inlay carving is also of very
superior in nature .

25
9.HAREM SERA
This complex contains the principal Harem Sera known
as so called Jodhbai' s palace , Sonahar a Makan
or Mariam's house ; Mahal-i-Ilahi or so called Biitoal's
house . The whole complex was originally enclosed by a
curtain wall or stone Saraparda on all sides to keep the
Marem Sera inaccessible and intact .
PRINCIPAL HAREM SERA OR SO CALLED JODH
BAI'S HOUSE;
It was originally a five courtyardpalace . But
unfortunately at present we find only one palace with
single inner court . The gate in the northern side is in
the form of an arched gate with one guard room on its
each side . Inside the entrance gat e an inner porch is

26
constructed which lead stone the interior court . On all
the sides of the open courtyard separate chambers have
been constructed . In the north-eastern side a cloister
with three openings and second storey is made with
staircase s in the sides. On other side also three
opening cloisters in the centre are made. Thus it is a
double storeyed building having suit on all sides.

KHAS MAHAL OR SO CALLED MARIAM*S HOUSE

It is situated to the north-east direction of principal
.haremasera. The building is multichambered

27
and single storeyed. In the southern side three rooms in
the east-west axis has been made in front
of the middle, main central hall , which is surrounded on
all its three sides by open wide cloisters. The
interior of the rooms are decorated with mural paintings
depicting contemporary scenes. The colours are deep
blue , red predominated with gold therefore , giving it the
name of Sunhara Makan. In the upper interior wall of the
northern side a portrait of an European
lady has been depicted which probably's gave it the
second name of Mariam's house (Mary's House). The
pyramidal domed roofs of the chamber are identical to
the roofs
of Harem sera building.

28
MAHAL-I-ILAHI OR SO CALLED BIRBAL'S HOUSE
It is another separate structure of the Harem-i-Sera
probably known as Birbal's house. It is situated in the
north-west corner of the royal complex. It is comprised
of four rooms and double storeyed. The whole building
has been constructed with red sandstone.

29
 CHAPTER-III
BUILDING OUTSIDE THE
FORT
A) RELIGIOUS BUILDINGS;

1 . MASJID-I-SANGTARASH OR STONE CUTTERS

MOSQUE
This building is the first structure constructed at Sikri
prior to the construction of the royal complex
of public and private buildings . This building is situated
in the western side of the Jama Masjid' scompound.
The whole structure of the mosque has been
constructed
with red sandstone and is composed of an open
courtyard
measuring 23.4 0 x 16.8 5 mts and the main prayer hall
on the western side of the courtyard . The hall' s
measurement are 16.8 5 mts x 6.8 5 mts. On the side of
the courtyard and the facade of the hall contains wide
drooping eaves supported by serpentine brackets . The
hall is oblong in nature and divided into two
conpartments basically in the trabeate style i,e , pillar
and beam pattern . This is the first building where
Rajputana and Gujarat influence is visible ( Main
discussion in the next chapter) .

30
2. JAMA MASJID :
This mosque is situated on the western side of the royal
complex of fort palaces and in between an
entrance gate is provided in the eastern side. According
to the ground plan the mosque is consisted of deep
western liwan, covered by three domes and in front a
grand pistaq or portal in the screen. In front of the liwan
an open courtyard surrounded by cloisters on all the four
sides with entrance gate in the centre of each side.
The southern gate however is taller and larger in
dimensions known as Buland'Darwaza.
The flat roofs of the side halls are supported on pillars
after the trabeate style, the shafts are first

31
Square in section at the very top . Although neither the
decoration of these columns nor the form of the capitals
follow any earlier Indian model. However, they are
clearly
within the Hindu tradition .
This deliberate introduction
of Hindu elements of design into this great MOSQUE is
an
example of the catholicity of Akbar's eclectic mind.

3 . TOMB OF SHAIKH SALIM CHISTI

The tomb building is situated in the northern side
of the courtyard of the Jama Masjid. The plan i s simple
Square chamber measuring 14.60 mts on each side and
surrounded by a gallery of 1.80 mts width which is
enclosed

32
by lattice work. The whole structure is made with white
marbles
It stands on a marble platform 91.4 cm high. On the
south side is a portico 3.42 mts by 3.04 mts which
is approached by a broad flight of white mariole steps
from the pavement in front of the shrine . On the
northeast and west sides of the grave chamber are
windows. The
grave stands in the centre of the chamber, the
sarcophagus. The cenotaph chamber rises above the
verandahs which are 3.81 mts in height. It is surmounted
by a red sandstone dome, veneered on the outside with
a greyish marble,
originally coated with cement. The dome is carried on
a sixteen sided cradle supported on a drum of arched
pendentives thrown across their per angles of the room.
The sides of the drum supporting
the cupolas are decorated but the underside of the
cupolas itself is unadorned. It' s nakedness however is
completely hidden by a rich cloth covering suspended
from
the pendatives, over the wooden canopy above Shaikh
Salims
cenotaph in the cenere of the chamber,
The exterior of the entrance is wholly of white marble
and entirely fills the centre of the three bays into which
the exterior of wall of the cenotaph chamber is divided.
The jambs are plain , but the architraves and

33
spandrils are beautifully ornamented in colour with
similar designs to those upon the inner spandrils.
Over the lintel of the door is an exquiste fanlight of
pierced white maitole. The architraves are
richly decorated in colouring. The outer doorway leading
from the porch into the gallery or perambulatory round
the cenotaph chamber is veneered with lattice . The
meeting rail is half octagonal in section, and the sides
are carved with the chevron pattern , broken at intervals
by carved stops with small iron spikes projecting from
struts supporting moulded brackets
receiving the ends of a marble plate running parallel to
the walls of the tomb to which the underside of a deeply
projected drip stone is notched.

34
OTHER MISLLANEOUS BUILDINGS
Besides the main buildings of the fort complex and outer
religious buildings, a large number of
other buildings of miscellaneous nature were
constructed around the fort and Jama Masjid complex.
Generally these buildings constitute the residences of
the
nobles, servant quarters, inns for the travellers, factories
(Karkhanas) and public baths (hamaras) and
also a watching tower (minaret). The houses of the
nobles and quarters of the servants are almost in ruins.
However some of the intact buildings are;
1. Prince's Nursery
2. Karkhana (mint house)
3. Servant quarters / barracks
4. Inns/ Carvan Serai
5. Minaret (Hiran Minar)

1.PRINCE'S NURSERY :
On the north-eastern side of Jama Masjid complex is a
single building which is probably the house where
Salim's mother stayed before his birth . The buildings
outer dimension is 20.62.mts long 12.07 mts wide with a
platform in front of it , which is about 65 cm above the
ground level

35
KARKHANA (MINT HOUSE )
The Karkhana is a rectangular building situated to the
north-east of Diwan-i-Am with two entrances in
the Southern side. The wall of this building are 1 mt.
thick and its length and breadth including the thickness
of the wall are 104.87 mts and 98.92 mts respectively.
The quadrangle of the Karkhana measures 75.35 mts
long and 69.40 mts wide which is surrounded by
cloisters on all sides covered with shallow domes. The
cloisters
are 13.76 mts wide. Northern and Southern cloisters
have thirteen arches while eastern and western cloisters
have twelve such arches. The cloisters are constructed
by four rows of piers and pillar combination which are
1.50 mt in height.

36
3) BARRACKS
Passing through the Elephant Gate and followed by
another gate , to the north of Birbal's palace two
structures stand, which are in trabeat e form with
slanting theatched type of roof. These are probably the
barracks and guard houses, which are suggested by
their
location and architecture . The structure with its front
to the south has three openings in the south. The
northern side is built inside the outerwall of the fort .
This structure is based on two rows with six rectangular
pillars in each row made of red sand stone. Beams are
based on moulded base and to raise the height of
northern side another rectangular pillar is made above
the beam.
Slanting roof is supported by slanting ribs of red sand
stone based on northern pillars and southern pillars.
Taking from east, western pillars are at a distance of 183
cms and the distance between southern and northern
pillars is 351 cm. The length of the base of the pillars
is 75 cm, breadth 3 5 cm. Length of shaft is 168 .

CARVAN SERAI
The structure of Carvan Serai is situated near Hiran
Minar, The structure is in a form of four terraces.
The different terraces have been made due to the
sloping
nature of the rocky place where it is made. The formal
gateway is in the centre of north-western side . Inside

37
the entrance gate is an alcove probably the seat of the
person who was incharge of the serai . In the centre an
open couxt yard is surrounded by rooms on all th e four
sides which were used for residential purposes. In fron
of the rooms varandah with projected eaves (Chhajja) is
made, .

HIRAN MINAR
It is situated close to carvan serai . It stands on platform
of red sandstone 21.88 mts. by 21,82 mts and
2.98 mts. in height . On th e middle of this platform is
another platform which is octagonal 1.15 mts height and
The capital above the tower is in four stages, projecting
one beyond the other, crowned by a prominent
abacus. The soffits of the abacus is carved with a
continuous chain, the links of which are of an irregular

38
octagon shape filled with raised geometrical devices.
The
front is chiselled with slightly sunk leafage and over this
is a mouldings enriched with carved ornament. A
jali balustrade surmounts the whole.
The sides of the octagonal base of the tower are oblong,
surmounted by a carved cresting in buff and red
coloured stone.

39
 CHAPTER IV

WEST INDIAN ( RAJPUTANA AND GUJARAT)

ARCHITECTURAL
INFLUENCE. ON THE BUILDINGS OF FATEHPUR
SIKRI

The building projects of Fatehpur Sikri suggest that the

work was a combined effort of a large
number of stone cutters ,masons and artisans of the
different regions of India ; Owing to its size and the
Speed with which the buildings were constructed , a
considerable number of artisans had to be employed
and
the local guilds of craftsmen proving insufficient , large
number were recruited from other parts of Emperor’s
dominions. Thus these provincial groups of the artisans
brought with them the regional architectural features,
Emperor Akbar recruited local artisan s of the local
'Jamuna.Chambal region* as well as from Malwa
Gujarat and Rajputana , and other regions as Abul Fazl
mentions
in the Ain»i»Akbari with regard to the construction of
Agra fort , "His majesty has built a fort of red sandstone
( a t Agra ) the like of which travellers have not recorded,
It contains more than five hundred buildings of
masenary
___________________________________________

40
1, Percy Brown, Indian Apghitecture (Buddhist and
Hindu period ; , p,94 ,
2,R,Nath, Architecture of Fatehpur Sikri . pp.12,17

after the beautiful designs of Bengal and Gujarat which

masterly sculptors and cunning artists have fashioned
as architectural models". However, Abul Fazl did not
make above type of the statement regarding the
buildings of Fatehpur Sikri. But the study of the buildings
suggest that in some of the buildings, the role of Gujarati
and
Rajputana artisans played vital and dominant role . The
artisans from Kalwa-Gujarat and Rajputana region were
as expert in working in wood as in stone and could
easily transfer the wooden forms in the stone as is
visible in the red sandstone buildings of Fatehpur Sikri .
Gujarati architectural features which developed in the
l5th century buildings at Ahmadabad are actually
borrowed from the 11th and 12th century A,D. Jain
architecture of
Rajputana i.e . Dilwara group of temples, Nagda temple
and vaishnav teple , kirad in Mewar 11. A.D.
The above style of structural form of pillars, brackets,
struts, beams and ceilings was probably introdued for
the first time in Surya temple, Modhera near Baroda,
_____________________________________________
1.Ain-i-.Akbari. Vol.11, pp. 179-80;

41
The carving and structure form of
pillars, struts and capitals of Surya temple almost seems
to be the prototype of Dilwara temples mainly. As Surya
temple at Modhera (Baroda) and Dilwara temples
(Mt.Abu) are of the same period and of similar type of
the carving
and structural forms it seems that the artisans were
conunon to them. Thus these are Jain architectural
features
of Rajputana and Gujarat which were appreciated and
adopted by the Sultans of Gujarat later on in their
buildings during the I5th century.
Along the Dilwara group of temples, Vinal temple is
intact and provides us all the details. The exterior of the
temple has no special architectural character but the
interior is full of the characteristic features. The central
feature is a columned hall covering an octagonal space
or nave produced by an arcade of eight pillars. The
arcade is of great interest as its shape and carving has
been applied in the similar pattern in the Surya temple at
Moahera (Baroda),
_____________________________________________
1.Indian Architectare (Buddhist & Hindu Period ), p»119;
James fergussoin # History of Indian and Eastern
Architicture p. 527,
2, Indian Architecture (Buddhists Hindu Period), p.121.

The Islamic heritage of Gujarat was based mainly on the

preceeding fifteen centuries of rule by Hindu kings in

42
which Hinduism Jainism and Buddhism flourished in
different architectural structures. In 1411 A,D,,
Alroadabad was founded by Sultan Ahmad Shah, which
became the capital of Gujarat, The buildings of the city
are different in nature (mosques and tombs) from the
earlier buildings, yet they are identical in carving
decoration as well in formation of structural parts with
Jain temples. The earliest Islamic buildings of Gujarat
were found before the foundation of Ahmadabad. These
buildings are mainly mosques constructed with the old
material of
demolished Hindu and Jain temples with certain
improvisations, as has happened all over India in the
initial .
phase of Islamic (Turkish)Conquests. The islami
mosque at Bharoch (1322 A.D.) and Cambay (1325
A.D,) illustrate the style of the architecture. The Jami
Masjid at Bharoch
is entirely in the trabeate style based on beam, bracket
and pillar style with an open prayer hall, its roof
supported by richly carved pillars, derieved from Hindu
and jain temple architecture. The Jama masjid at
Cambay is Toore Islamic in appearance and in
technique of construction. The facade of the prayer hall
shows three well proportioned arched openings, the
central one is taller while the side ones are smaller.
However, the
hall is made in trabeate style with bracket, beam and
pillar style. The courtyard has two water tanks

43
underneath it a typically Gujarati feature. In front of the
screen in the open courtyard is a four pillared parition
covered with a dome on the left side. The pavilion pillars
contain carved serpentine struts emerging out on the
upper half of the pillars to support the beam have been
borrowed from the Jain temple architecture. The
so-called astrologer's seat at Fatehpur Sikri is its copy
except the change in the form of structs and the shape
of the
Dome it is totally ,style Similarly, the buildings of
Fatehpur Sikri may
be compared with other Gujarati buildings to illustrate
the influence of Rajputana & Gujarati architectural
features. However, prior to it the survey of some of the
important buildings of Ahmdabad is essential as these
buildings belong to 15th century and the buildings of
Fatehpur Sikri derived direct impact from these
buildings. The earliest mosque in Ahmadabad is Ahmad
Shahi mosque built in 1414 A,D, in the south west
corner of the fort.
It seems that it was the private mosque for the worship
of Sultan only. The mosque is a copy of the earlier
described Cambay mosque on smaller scale. It is
consisted of a arched prayer hall screen of three arches
with central
bay raised above the level of the remainder, but the
internal arrangement is completely in trabeat style with
elaborate and taller pillars. In these pillars two tier effect

44
is provided by adding capital in the middle of two shafts
i,e . upper and lower and thus the height of
the ceiling is sufficiently increased.On the side corners
of the central arched entrace massive
turrets with circular platform at the top supported by two
tier brackets are again borrowed from early Gujarat
feature. The domes of the mosque are also prototypes
of
Dilwara temple (Vimal Shah's temple) as they have
been
constructed with concentric rings (coijaelled domes )
and not on accurate style.The other mosque Halbat
Khan’s mosque and Shakar Khan's mosque are
plane.but corbelled domes continues. The mosque of
Saiyed Alam is important due to central arch's corners
turrets or buttress which contain semi-circular platforms
supported
by heavy coitoelled brackets, which later on developed
in the Gujarat type of minarets. The Gujarat style of
architecture achieved perfection at the time of Sultan
Mahraud 'Begra* who founded the cities of Junagarh,
Chanpaner and Mahmudabad; besides the construction
of
a number of buildings at Sarkhej and Ahmadabad,
During this period the minarets were fully developed and
tonto architecture was also established and the earliest
evidence is found in the tomb and mosque of Saiyyid
Usman at Usmanpur (Ahmadabad) probably belonging
to 1460 A,D.,Subsequently during the reign of Sultan

45
Mahmud Shah, great architectural advancement took
place in the construction of tombs and mosques at
Sarkhej, The great complex known as Shah Alam
(mosque & tomb) began in 1475 A,D. after the death of
Saint Shah Alam, Later Mahmud Shah also constructed
his own tomb as well as his wife's (Bibi Rajbai) tomb
near the tomb of Shaikh Ahmad Khattu. Both the tombs
are of Gujarati style where single chamber is covered by
a domed roof but the chamber is surrounded by a
gallery which is enclosed by stone-perforated screens
and covered by a combination of flat and
domed roof. Another interesting building is Mahmud's
palace at Sarkhej, which is entirely constructed in
trabeate style. The palace is two storeyed and mainly
constructed with pillars, except the central and side
arched entrances, rest of the entrances are in architrave
form The upper storeyed also contains oriel balconies
supported by heavy and bold two tier brackets. The
facade of the palace towards the side of the tank with
staircase, is very.

During this period minorets were also developed in the

mosque architecture i.e , mosque of Mhafiz Khan at
Ahmadabad (one minaret at each corner of the screen).
During the period of Muzaffar Shah II, we
again find further development in the architecture. The
complex containing the tomb and mosque of Shah
Alam was probably constructed around 1532.

46
GUJARATI IMPACT ON THE BUILDINGS OF
FATEHPUR SIKRI:
The survey of the buildings and comparative study
suggest that the buildings of Fatehpur Sikri assimilated
Gujrati architectural features along with the
existing north Indian features.
Thus the above mentioned buildings suggest the
complete assimilation of Gujarati architectural
features in the buildings of Fatehpur Sikri, The
fusion is so perfect that a new style of architecture has
been developed, which never took place
in the earlier period. Thus the architecture of
Fatehpur Sikri also illustrate not only catholicity
of the Emperor but also his genuine and conscious
urge to combine the regional features of his dominion in
the imperial buildings.
_____________________________________________
1, Mughal Architecture, Vol,II, p.217,

Conclusion
In conclusion, Fatehpur Sikri stands as a testament to
the grandeur of the Mughal Empire and its visionary
emperor, Akbar. Founded in 1569 and serving as the
capital for a brief period, this “City of Victory” is a
harmonious blend of Persian, Hindu, and Islamic
architectural styles, exemplified by the majestic Buland
Darwaza and the serene Jodha Bai’s Palace1

47
Historical Context: Fatehpur Sikri’s historical significance
is deeply rooted in its foundation by Emperor Akbar,
following a prophecy that led to the birth of his heir. The
city’s design reflects Akbar’s secular vision and
administrative genius, with structures like the
Diwan-i-Khas showcasing the fusion of diverse cultural
influences.

Architectural Features: The city’s architecture is

characterized by the extensive use of red sandstone,
intricate carvings, and detailed craftsmanship. Notable
features include the Panch Mahal, a five-storied palatial
structure, and the Jama Masjid, one of the largest
mosques in India, which together create a skyline of
monumental beauty and innovation..

Attracting More Tourists: To attract more tourists,

enhancing visitor experience through interactive guides,
augmented reality tours, and cultural festivals can be
effective. Additionally, promoting Fatehpur Sikri’s unique
history and architecture through global marketing
campaigns can increase its visibility on the international
stage.

Preservation Reforms: Preservation efforts should focus

on maintaining the structural integrity of the monuments,
preventing further decay, and ensuring the protection of
the site’s delicate carvings. Collaborations with
international conservation bodies and the

48
implementation of an integrated management plan can
aid in the sustainable preservation of this UNESCO
World Heritage Site.
Fatehpur Sikri is not just a relic of the past but a living
narrative of India’s rich history. With thoughtful
preservation and innovative tourist engagement
strategies, it can continue to enchant visitors for
generations to come.

Bibliography

PERSIAN AND TRANSLATED WORKS:

1.1 AKBARNAMA by Abdul Fazl , ed by Abdul
Rahimi,
Blbliotheca Indica , Asiatic Society of Bengal,
Calcutta , 1877; tr by H, Beveridge , (3 Volumes),
Delhi ( 1902-1939 reprint 1989-1993).
1.2 AIN-I-AKBARI by Abdul fazl,ed by Naval Kishore
,
Lucknow 1882; Vol,I, tr by H, Blochman, ed,
by S,L, Goomer, Delhi , 1965; Vol, II & III , tr .
by H,S. Jarrett revised 3rd ed, , New Delhi , 1978.

49
1.3 BADSHAHNAMA by Abdul Hamid Lahori,ed by K,
Ahmad and M.A. Rahim, Calcutt a 1867.
1.4 MUNTAKHAB-AL-TAWARIKH by Abdul Qadir
Badaoni,
Vol.11 , ed. by Maulvi Ahmad Ali and Captain W.M,
Lees, Bibliotheca Indica , Asiatic Society of
Bengal, Calcutta , 1865; tr by Wolesley Haig,
Calcutta , 1925, reprint Delhi , 1973; Vol,II I
ed, by Maulvi Ahmad Ali , Bibliotheca Indica , ASB,
Calcutta , 1869.
1•5 SHAH JAHAN NAMA by Inayat khan tr. By
A.R.fuller in 1990

MODERN WORKS

2 .1 EPIGRAPHIA INDICA, ARABIC AND PERSIAN

SUPPLEMENT
( in Continuation of the series Epigraphia Indo -
Moslemica ) 1965 , ed . b y Z.A. Desai , Calcutta ,
1966 .
2. 2 EPIGRAPHIA INDICA, ARABIC AND PERSIAN
SUPPLEMENT, 1913-20 , New Delhi , 1987 .

OTHER WORKS

3.3 Asher, CatherineB, , THE NEW CAMBRIDGE

HISTORY OF INDIA, I (IV) , Cambridge , 1992 ,
3.4 Brand , Michae l and Lowry, Glenn D, ,
FATEHPUR SIKRI :

50
A SOURCE BOOK (ed.) , Cambridge , 1985 .
3.5 Brand , Michael and Lowry, Glenn D. ,
FATEHPUR SIKRI (ed) Selected Papers from the
International Symposium on Fatehpur Sikri ,
October ,17-19 , 1985 , at Harvard
Univ.,Cambridge , 1987 .
3. 6 Brown, Percy , INDIAN ARCHITECTURE
(Buddhist and Hindu Period) , Bombay, I956
(Reprint) .
3.7 Brown, Percy , INDIAN ARCHITECTURE (Islamic
Period) , Bombay, 1956 ,
3.8 Burgees, J. ARCHITCTURE GUJRAT (Bharoch .
Cambay, Champanir and Mahmudabad), Delhi , I971.

51