Fatehpur Sikhri
40
kms from Agra, the city of Fatehpur Sikri served as the capital of the
Mughal empire between 1570 and 1586. But as abruptly as it had been built,
it was abandoned. A popular legend is attached to the city's conception.
According to it, Emperor Akbar was without a male heir, and therefore,
made a pilgrimage to seek the blessings of the powerful saint Sheikh Salim
Chisti. His prayer was fulfilled, and soon, a son was born to him. In
honour of the saint, Akbar named the prince Salim, and decided to found a
new city to celebrate his birth. And thus, the magnificent Fatehpur Sikri,
the new capital, came into being.
The city was intended to embody the noble ideals, and the humanitarian bent of this dynamic emperor. Although a Muslim, Akbar was famous for his incredible tolerance towards other religions, and he is said to have indulged in a great deal of study and discussion in this field, in his new capital. He also created a new religion, Deen - e - Elahi which attempted to fuse positive aspects of all the major religons into one composite whole.
The finest monuments within this area are the Diwan - i - Am, Diwan - i - Khas, Panch Mahal, Jama Masjid, Panch Mahal, Buland Darwaza and the tomb of Saint Sheikh Salim Chisti.