Welcome again guys! Let's peek into the other important structures and monuments of the Fatehpur Sikri.
But before we enter the majestic world, let's look at a FEW PRECAUTIONS to be taken when you visit this place.
· Take local auto to visit nearby places as chatting with the local people will give you the best idea about the place. Also, they take you from the galiyas which makes the whole experience exciting.
· Always research a bit before you travel to a new place.
· Look for registered travel guide. They charge according to the government rate.
· Beware of the people outside the famous monuments as they try to loot you with certain things.
After the beautiful Jama Masjid (https://www.inkedstreets.com/post/peek-into-the-mughal-era-with-majjnu-awara-fatehpur-sikri-part-1) now it was my turn to enter Akbar's kingdom. This is the place where Akbar had meetings with the public and major decisions were taken. When I entered, the first I noticed was a map of the beautiful complex divided into private, public and semi- public areas.
The first courtyard in the complex was “Deewan-i-aam”- The Hall of public audience. This was the place where Akbar would hear the fariyaad of the general public and did justice; also the major festivals were celebrated by the Emperor and the public together. This space is beautifully maintained now with lush green lawns and lower beds.
From “Deewan-i-aam” I entered “Deewan-i-Khaas” – The Hall of private audiences. This is where Emperor Akbar had discussions with people about the faith belonging to different religions. Akbar initially had discussions with the Sunnis only but later he was attracted to the multi religions of that time in India and started listening to their discourses too.
The structure is square- shaped; featuring four chhatris and the carved colossal central pillar makes it extremely beautiful showcasing Persian style of Architecture and beautiful carvings.
Moving on to the most important part of Fatehpur Sikri, it was the "Aankh-Michauli" - The Treasury. It is composed with three rooms and was used to treasure the gold and silver coins. As per a popular myth, told by the guide, Akbar used to play Aankh- Michauli or hide and seek with his harems here.
Then comes the beautiful "Pachisi court". This court divided the Daulatkhana and Deewan-i-Khaas. In Pachisi court was a giant stone board of the game “Chausar”. Jodha Bai, Akbar's favorite wife loved spending time here with Akbar. The vibe you get from this court is magical. You can sense history through the stories.
On my right hand side was the beautiful "Panchmahal". The Panchmahal was my favorite part of the whole complex. It is told that Akbar enjoyed beautiful evenings, the full-moon nights and the cool breeze sitting in the top of the Mahal. Also, Akbar witnessed the Eid ka Chand, Karwachauth Ki Chand etc. with his wives from the top of the Mahal. The Panch Mahal is a five storey structure, each storey being smaller than the one upon which it stands and the crowning one being just a kiosk supported on four slender columns. The columns are richly carved and provide interesting varieties of design and ornamentation.
It is really amusing how history is left behind in books through art, paintings, architecture etc. While I returned back from the complex I took a 2 km walk from the exit to the place where my Auto bhaiya was waiting. It couldn't be more satisfying walking from the ruins exploring each bit of it where every element, every stone, every leaf of the trees and every smile of all the people around had something to convey about this majestic place. It seems we're just a mere ignorant human in this symbolic world with captivating history.
One thing that I came to know was Fatehpur Sikri was also the capital city of the Mughal Empire for 10 years. But it was abandoned by Akbar who himself founded and developed the city. The failure of the water supply is said to be the reason for its abandonment.
Also, the trip would roughly cost you around ₹1200/- for a whole day experience starting from food, travel and the tickets.
Thanks for reading this! Coming up next with my travel stories from Agra. :)
CHEERS! :D
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