#indianheritage
Fatehpur Sikri is a startling reminder that history and its caretakers did not shy from enjoying the riches they so precariously accumulated.
In 1571, Akbar shifted his capital to Sikri. What may have been the reason behind the sudden change of capital to #Sikri remains unanswered to date, but one of the popular legends revolves around the story of a Sufi Saint Salim Chishti, who lived in Sikri. He foretold Akbar that he would be blessed with three sons if he builds a resting place for him and his followers.
In 1573, he (Akbar) built a big #JamaMasjid around the khanqah of Salim Chishti. He built the Buland Darwaza towards it’s north gate in 1602 which commemorated his victory or ‘fateh’ in the Gujarat campaign. The city later came to be known as Fatehpur Sikri with the increase of colloquial influence.
#Palatial construction began in 1572 and progressed rapidly. The palace complex spanning approximately 250 square metres, was built on two lower platforms and a higher platform, surrounded by a six-kilometre-long walled city with the fourth side facing an artificial lake.
However in 1585, Akbar moved onto the north-western frontiers of his empire and shifted his capital to Lahore and then back to Agra. By 1610, the city of Fatehpur Sikri was completely abandoned.
In 1806, as English occupancy increased around the imperial city of Agra and Fatehpur Sikri was converted into an administrative centre. The Marquess of Hastings started reparations of the complex in 1815 and by 1900s the population of the city markedly decreased to just 7000 inhabitants.
Today #FatehpurSikri is a #UNESCO World Heritage site which was once the first planned city by Mughals in the northern part of India. It was much larger and more popular than London at the time according to Ralph Fitch, a 16th century English traveller. Fatehpur Sikri’s structure and layout influenced the design and construction of Shahjahanabad or old Delhi.
Written by: @a.h.e.e.d
Edited by: @_ishitaraj_
Pictures by: @parvezkhan
Repost from @thewonderofhindusta
#mughal #mughalhistory #mughalempire #fatehpursikri #akbar #indianhistory #salimchisti #olddelhi #indianheritage #mughalcapital #lahore #incredibl
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