Fatehpur Sikri Tour

To Visit At This Place

                                                                 

 

A stunning monument that signifies courage and victory, the Buland Darwaza is a 17^th-century imperial gate located in Fatehpur Sikri, Agra. The word Buland means “Victorious”. This gate was constructed to commemorate the Mughal Emperor Akbar’s victory over the kingdom of Gujarat in 1573. Created in 1601, the Buland Darwaza lies about 43 km from the Indian city of Agra. 

Tales of Construction

The story behind the construction of the gateway and the entire town of Fatehpur Sikri is very engaging. Emperor Akbar was once desperate for an heir. For this, he went to a Sufi Saint called Salim Chishti, who blessed him with a child, predicting the birth of an heir in the same year. Salim Chishti lived in a small village called Sikri at the time. Akbar’s son, Salim, was born soon after as predicted by the saint. This inspired Akbar to convert this village into a shrine. As a result, Akbar ordered the construction of the grand Jama Masjid. As its southern gate, he constructed the Buland Darwaza and dedicated the entire structure to the Sufi Saint Salim Chishti. The gateway also honoured Mughal valour. The Emperor later frequented this masjid in times of despair and hosted many religious and philosophical discussions in Fatehpur Sikri. He had to abandon the city because of water shortage in the late 1500s, but later Mughal emperors derived great pleasures by staying in the place. 

Design and Build

As a part of the iconic town of Fatehpur Sikri, Buland Darwaza is a UNESCO world heritage site. It acts as the southern guard, a grand entrance to the city, and is known to be one of the highest gateways in the world. The entire build of this gateway showcases the excellence of Mughal architecture. When you visit the Buland Darwaza, you will be left in awe of the detailed carvings on the marble structure. The construction of the gateway will mesmerize you, what with its high walls and shining domes.  

The actual material of construction is red and buff sandstone. However, you will witness marble detailing throughout the gateway. One of the most attractive features of Mughal architecture is the sharp attention to symmetry. The Buland Darwaza, like countless other essential monuments of Fatehpur Sikri, is perfectly symmetrical. Several free-standing kiosks, also known as chattris in the regional language, stand tall atop the structure. The buckler battlements and minar spires of the structure are well decorated by extensive marble inlay work. Both white and black marbles are used in the inlay work and also on the ornamental motifs of the gateway. The supporting foundation of the gateway adds height to the structure, providing it with a majestic outlook. When counted (including the steps), the total height of the Duwaza is roughly 54 m from the ground level. The actual gate is plain as compared to other detailed structures in the semi-octagonal monument. This gate also has about 42 steps. The two small turrets that surround the gateway are almost as mesmerizing as the main entrance. They project in different directions from the orientation of the central gate. They, too, have signature Mughal domes and Persian carvings all over them. The central arch provides an excellent view of the Jama Masjid located right inside the gateway. The expansive courtyard of the masjid is highlighted by the gate’s marbled niches and curved arches. 

You will notice about three flat buff stones incorporated into the open gate, which is 15 stories high and has two three-storied little wings on both sides. These find a place even in the construction of the Badshahi Darwaza. The gateway has been beautifully decorated with rosette structures that dot the central arch and the neighbouring projections. Stunning white marble frames the sandstone decorations brilliantly. These regal decorations appear small when seen from below, but are protruding enough to be visible. The three openings of the central arch are carefully bordered by several gorgeous decorative panels, a trademark of the Mughal brilliance when it came to art and architecture. Some of the intricate motifs on the walls depict an excellent combination of Hindu-Persian styles that the architects of the era followed.

Inscriptions and Other Details

Another fact that will interest you about this monument is the religious teaching that has been carved onto it. As a reminder of the philosophy of most Abrahamic religions, the gateway has inscriptions that remind people of the teachings of Isa or Jesus. The roofs also have several teachings from the Holy Quran carved onto it in a Naskh Script. Most walls of the gateway narrate tales of Akbar’s victory over the kingdom of Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh. If you love the Mughal history of India, these Persian inscriptions will also give you an insight into Akbar’s religious bent as a ruler. Several of them signify Akbar’s desires and initiatives for religious freedom in his kingdom. The combined styles of Hindu and Muslim architecture further signify Akbar’s love for the inter-minglig of different religions. Legends dictate that a disciple of Sheikh Salim Chishti etched these onto the roof. To the left of the central archway, also known as the Horseshoe gate, lies a deep well. In 12 short years, the architects truly managed to build a unique monument that reflected religion, culture, art and history at once. 

While here, you can learn about the place’s history while clicking some fantastic pictures. Do not forget to walk in and around the gateway to explore it thoroughly.

Places to Explore in Fatehpur Sikri

Apart from the Buland Darwaza, there are several other places that you should spend time exploring while you are at Fatehpur Sikri.

Jama Masjid

Guarded by the brilliant Buland Darwaza lies the Jama Masjid. If you want to offer prayers to the divine or need to learn about the starting point of Fatehpur Sikri’s construction, do not miss out on spending some time at this mosque. It is just like a typical Indian mosque but features inlays of white and black marbles on a sandstone structure.

Tomb of Salim Chishti

The grave of the great saint Salim Chishti is a holy spot located inside the Fatehpur Sikri complex. This tomb is a white marble structure decorated extensively with Nacre inlays in several places. It has brackets, carved Jalis and sloping eaves. It features geometric patterns and a grand entrance from its southern side. If you are a connoisseur of art and architecture, this spot is a must-see for you.

Diwan-i-am

According to historical documents, Akbar used this space to meet with the general public and discuss their daily problems. It is a multi bayed structure that features an open hall. You must visit this space to catch a glimpse of the politics of the Mughal era. 

Diwan-i-Khas

The word ‘khaas’ means special. This place was used by the Emperor to listen to a private audience, usually comprising of ministers and advisors. Akbar used this space to formulate essential policies and strategies. It has about thirty-six serpentine brackets. All of these carved brackets support a circular platform where the ruler sat during a discussion. You can come here to delve into some of Akbar’s most effective policy decisions and his strategic mindset. The beautiful design of this place also makes for the perfect photography spot.

Tantalize your Taste Buds

Since the Buland Darwaza is a popular tourist spot, you will find many small and big restaurants around the place. If you are looking for a fine-dining experience, you can frequent one of the many 5-star restaurants and resorts located in Agra. Do not forget to taste local Mughal delicacies like Lamb kebabs, Bhalla, Tandoori Chicken, and Bedai. Also, try sweets such as Petha to get an authentic taste of Agra’s unique cuisine. You can also try ginger tea or masala chai along with local street foods like pakoras.

Shopaholic’s Paradise

The markets around Fatehpur Sikri offer several unique, locally crafted items. Your inner shopaholic can indulge in things such as leather goods, sweets, wood and marble handicrafts, souvenirs, silk products, glassware, ornamental boxes, rugs and Beaded jewellery. You can also take home small replicas of the Buland Darwaza that are sold in many local shops.

Festivals in Fatehpur Sikri

The massive complex of Fatehpur Sikri plays host to several celebrations such as Eid ul Adha and Eid ul Fitr. Cultural and historical fairs are also frequently organized at this place. A famous annual fair that you can frequent is the Sheetla fair. During festivals, the vibrant lighting of the site will please your soul. 

Reaching Fatehpur Sikri

• If you are travelling using a train, you can get off either at the Agra Cantt station or the Fatehpur Sikri Railway Station. Both these stations are well connected with other significant railways stations of India.
• For travel by flights, you can board a plane going to the Kheria Airport and take a cab from there to reach Fatehpur Sikri.
• For travel by road, you can either choose a bus service or drive a rental to Fatehpur Sikri, which is well connected to Agra. You can also take a cab from Agra or the surrounding cities to get to this tourist spot. 

Cameras and Mobile Phones

Cameras and mobile phones are allowed inside different monuments of Fatehpur Sikri. You might face restrictions while entering the Jama Masjid. Check with the authorities for regulations and storage facilities.

Buland Darwaza is, indeed, a hidden treasure in the picturesque city of Fatehpur Sikri. As a tourist, you are sure to be rendered speechless by its beauty and majesty as you traverse through the expansive courtyards and corridors of the place. Go to the Buland Darwaza and also cross through Fatehpur Sikri to immerse yourself in an ocean of history, architecture and culture.

To Visit At This Place