HOA V_FATHEHPUR SIKRI.pdf

Aishwarya S
Bhavya Shree
Harshitha S
Sanjana S
HOA - V
Fatehpur Sikri
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4CM19AT014
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Sem 5, Sec A
Batch 2019

● The city of Fatehpur Sikri lies approx.35 kms west of the city Agra in North
India. Agra was the capital of Mughal Empire in the early years until it was
moved to Delhi in in the early 1600s by the fifth emperor, Shah Jahan. It was
from Agra that the benevolent third emperor, Akbar, ruled and enlarged the
empire.
● Fatehpur Sikri occupies an important place in the history of this expansion of
Mughal Empire; between 1569 and 1585 Akbar resided here and treated it as a
joint capital with Agra while he engaged in the campaigns of Gujarat and South
India.
● Abandoned city in northern India founded by the Mughal emperor Akbar in 1571.
Fatehpur Sikri is a palace complex, built by the Mughal Emperor Jalal’ud-Din
Muhammad Akbar (reg.1556-1605), son of Humayun and grandson of Babur.
● The palace complex is situated on the ridge of a hill about 40 meters in height by
the side of an artificial lake. The city touches the easternmost tip of Rajasthan
and is located on the main route between Agra
● There were two main phases of construction for the complex: 1572 to 1575,
when the main buildings were raised and finished, and 1575 to 1585, when
passages and corridors where added to the existing buildings according to the
needs of the Emperor and his family
● The whole complex is spread in three plateaus on receding levels with respect
to the topography of the ridge. The mosque complex is located on the
uppermost level of the ridge, and consists of the Great Mosque (Jami Masjid,
with the tomb of Shaykh Salim Chisti incorporated into its courtyard), which
dominates the entire architectural composition by means of its size, and a small
palatial complex called the Nayabad quarter (including the Rang Mahal).
Source: Google earth
HOA 05 I I
Fatehpur Sikri
Geographical Location
Overall Map
Current Day
NORTH
Source: Fatehpur Sikri
by Rizvi, Saiyid Athar Abbas.

● The palace complex is laid out on the two lower platforms, covering
approximately 250 square meters
● The buildings of the complex can be grouped in two main zones. The middle
plateau is the most private, housing the residential buildings: the northern
palace (Birbal's Palace), the Shaqh-i Isbal (Jodh Bai’s Palace), the Sonahra
Makan (Miriam’s Palace), the guest house (hospitalia) and the stables (Shahi
Bazar and Mina Bazar).
● The lowest plateau is occupied by the public and semi-public areas of the
palace complex, comprising the public audience hall (Diwan-i 'Am), the
(attributed) private audience hall (Diwan-i Khass), the Ank Michauli and
Astrologer’s Seat, the Panj Mahal, the imperial apartments (Khwabgah), the
royal quarters (Daulat Khana), including the library (Kutubkhana), the state
archives (Daftar Khana), the Anup Talao pavilion and the storage house (Abdar
Khana).
● Most of the buildings of the public and semi-public area face east, while the
Khwabgah faces north.
Source: Ward maps
HOA 05 I Fatehpur Sikri
NORTH

Source: Delhi, A thousand years of building
HOA 05 I I
Fatehpur Sikri
HISTORY
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•Akbar had not yet consolidated his rule and built the large empire when he
shifted his base here in 1570 to embark on decisive campaign for
Rajasthan, Gujarat and further south.. (he was still a ruler not an emperor)
Thus Sikri was a base camp from where military campaigns (temporary,
wherever the king decides) could be launched in various directions.
•This location had military logic and presence of the saint whose blessing
was important for every action.
•The presence of institution like Ibadatkhana (a place for religious
discourse), Caravanserai (the traveler’s resting place), Ekastambha
(wrongly named as Diwan-i-Khas) and Anup Talao (pool) suggest that there
was a temporary camp.
•The emperor’s attention shifted to battles in Punjab and Kashmir, for which
Lahore was chosen as the more appropriate camp/ capital until he finally
returned to permanent capital at Agra. The death of Saint Salim Chisti may
have removed the last attraction for this location.
•At the same time, Mughals had not built any large-scaled urban
complexes. Babur, Humayun as well as Akbar spent most of their lives in
the battlefields.
•Their ancestors were nomadic and spent their lives in camps, hence even
the structures in the layout are named based on the camps that were built
before at the place.
AGRA FATEHPUR SIKRI
Agra to Fatehpur Sikri
LAHORE
FATEHPUR SIKRI
LAHORE
DELHI
Fatehpur Sikri to Lahore Lahore to Fatehpur Sikri to Delhi

•Fatehpur Sikri is the result of a unique period in history, and it is therefore important
to examine it through the social and political context of the era. In the early years of
his reign, Akbar, the founder of Fatehpur Sikri, followed Islam, the religion of his
forefathers. His father and grandfather had ruled India as foreigners in a foreign land.
•Later on, however, Akbar became more open to other religions, and changed his
policies. He married Hindu princesses, who were allowed to practice their religion. He
finally broke away from Islam, and formed his own doctrine of Din-i-ilahi, which
means ‘the religion of God.’
•Fatehpur Sikri reflects Akbar’s social ideology in its spatial order and architecture.
He made powerful social and political statements through architecture and spatial
design. The best craftsmen from different parts of India were invited to take part in
the building of Fatehpur Sikri. Most of the craftsmen were Hindus who were very
experienced in the design, construction, and execution of Hindu temples (Srivastava,
1964, p.184; Nath, 1987, p.179). These craftsmen were given the freedom to use
architectural expressions and elements from various religious institutions of India.
This was a unique secular approach which blended together the different religious
and cultural traditions of Akbar’s empire. During Akbar’s reign, the diverse religious
and ethnic groups coexisted peacefully. Fatehpur Sikri therefore expresses Emperor
Akbar’s vision of social harmony.

On the north-west side of the hill is a large lake, the source of water for the city. On
top of the ridge, what exists of the city built by Akbar consists of main citadel,
primarily meant to accommodate the residences of the Emperor and his close
aides, surrounded by three large, cloistered public spaces: mosque on the
south-west extreme, the Caravanserai (hostel for travelling tradesmen and their
caravans) located on the lower flat parts of the hill and approachable directly from
the ajmeer gate and lastly, the Mint or factory (karkhana) on the north-east, which
also happens to be the first large structure one encounters when approaching from
the Agra gate. Unlike the citadel - the main palace complex - these three buildings
are independent and self-contained architectural unit and can easily be understood
with respect to their own purpose and organization. The palace complex, on the
other hand, offers the greatest challenge in understanding its architectural and
urban qualities, the organization of its various components and the resultant spatial
order.
Source: FATEHPUR SIKRI AND
ITS MONUMENTS
By: R. Nath
Organisation
The city is unique in that it was built in its entirety within a short span
of less than twenty years by determined desire of one man, though it is
clear that it was not designed or planned as a single entity.
Archaeological and historical records show that the various buildings
were built in a least three phases and their uses too underwent
changes as the circumstances changed.

Source: www.meteoblue.com
Climate
The climate of Fatehpur Sikri is very much influenced and controlled by the local steppe weather.
The summer season exists from April to June and the lowest temperature might only be 25 degree
Celsius and it may go very high up to 46 degree Celsius. The rainy season or the monsoon is
experienced by the city in the months between June and September. But Fatehpur Sikri receives
some minor rainfall throughout the year. The heavy rain showers 726 mm of total precipitation to
the city annually. April is the driest month and August the heaviest.
The winter lasts for five months from November to March and the temperature might be as low as
2 degrees and always stays below the 23 degrees mark. This is said to be the best time to visit the
city. The average temperature of the city is 25.6 degree Celsius according to the Koppen and
Geiger Climate.
Average Rainfall: 762 mm
The "mean daily maximum" (solid red line) shows the maximum temperature of an average day for
every month for Fatehpur Sikri. Likewise, "mean daily minimum" (solid blue line) shows the
average minimum temperature. Hot days and cold nights (dashed red and blue lines) show the
average of the hottest day and coldest night of each month of the last 30 years. For vacation
planning, you can expect the mean temperatures, and be prepared for hotter and colder days.
Wind speeds are not displayed per default, but can be enabled at the bottom of the graph.
The precipitation chart is useful to plan for seasonal effects such as monsoon climate in India or
wet season in Africa. Monthly precipitations above 150mm are mostly wet, below 30mm mostly
dry.
The soil of this city comes from the Indo-Gangetic plains and consists mostly of the quaternary
sediments. The recent unconsolidated fluvial formations are a part of this soil and the soil contains
clay, sand and silt. This soil has a very fine texture.
Soil type
Source: www.meteoblue.com

• Division of the ridge area into several receding terraces much facilitated the work.
• Drainage thus meant collection of rain water for use the year round.
The rain water of the mosque complex was drained into several tanks and reservoirs.
• The central, square tank in front of the tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisthi is situated on the highest
level. It was also used for ablution.
• Rain water from the N-W quarter of the Jami Masjid and the area around the tomb was drained
into it.
• A stone masonry tank, measuring 8.68 m square side and 1.22 m in depth, it was originally
more than 6.10 m deep to contain water for the whole year.
•Lotus and fish kept it clean and suitable for ablution.
• A Birkha or underground vaulted reservoir of stone masonry was also made in the S-E quarter
of the courtyard of this masjid and rain water from this area was drained into it through
underground drains or channels.
•It was also a large reservoir capable of containing the water for the year.
•Water was drawn up by a rope and bucket working on a wheel, as in a well.
• It must be carefully noted that all these drains and reservoirs were planned in advance before
the actual construction of the building could take place.
• There is another Birkha outside the mosque, on the left side of Buland Darwazah situated in
the building known as Langar-Khanah.
•Jhalra is the most important storage tank.
• Entirely built of red sandstone, with arches and pillars, it is octagonal in plan.
• A broad flight of stairs descends below to the water level, giving it the form and utility of a
step-well.
•Originally, it was more than 12.19 m deep, which shows that a natural crevice or opening in the
rock was utilized to build it.
ITS MONUMENTS
By: R. Nath
Drainage System

ITS MONUMENTS
By: R. Nath
Water Supply
Provision of sufficient water for drinking and other purposes was a basic need.
• Subterranean water was both brackish and scarce, and this too was not available
on the ridge.
• The planner had to take recourse to the traditional source of rain water which, as
at Gwalior, Ranthambhor and Chittorgadh could be skillfully collected and
preserved.
The water work on the Elephant Gate has survived intact.
• The original source of perennial water was the Sangin Baoli (stone masonry stepwell)
situated near the Hiran Minar, in the plain.
•It is a massive structure of red sandstone, octagonal in plan being 21.64 m in
diameter and 3.53 m high ; the shaft of the well is also octagonal measuring 7.01 m in
diameter.
• It has 4 chambers and 4 staircases 1.91 m wide, arranged symmetrically, leading
down to the water level.
• Cool, fresh and clean water was adequately supplied to all palatial mansions on the
ridge.
An efficient system of rehants, channels, storage well and tanks, conduits and
aqueducts was evolved to carry water from one place to another, from the lowest level
to the highest and a constant supply of water was maintained n the palaces and
hammams throughout the year.
• A rock-well, also with natural perennial source of water supplied water to Khass-
Hammam and other adjoining palaces on this side of the ridge, this was worked out in
a much smaller scale.

ITS MONUMENTS
By: R. Nath

The Palace Complex / The Imperial Complex
Source: www.pinterest.com

Source: www.archnet.cm
HOA 05 I I
Fatehpur Sikri
Palace complex
NORTH
The palace complex is laid out on the two lower platforms, covering approximately 250 square
meters. The buildings of the complex can be grouped in two main zones. The middle plateau
is the most private, housing the residential buildings: the northern palace (Birbal's Palace), the
Shaqh-i Isbal (Jodh Bai’s Palace), the Sonahra Makan (Miriam’s Palace), the guest house
(hospitalia) and the stables (Shahi Bazar and Mina Bazar).
The lowest plateau is occupied by the public and semi-public areas of the palace complex,
comprising the public audience hall (Diwan-i 'Am), the (attributed) private audience hall
(Diwan-i Khass), the Ank Michauli and Astrologer’s Seat, the Panj Mahal, the imperial
apartments (Khwabgah), the royal quarters (Daulat Khana), including the library (Kutubkhana),
the state archives (Daftar Khana), the Anup Talao pavilion and the storage house (Abdar
Khana). Most of the buildings of the public and semi-public area face east, while the
Khwabgah faces north.
There are two main approach routes to the palace complex, both following the natural
gradient. The first, from the west, passes along the artificial lake and the northwestern wall
of the Grand Caravanserai, arriving at the Elephant Gate (Hathiya Pol). Two miniatures
from 1590 identify the Elephant Gate, which is the largest and most elaborate of the city
gates, as the royal entry to the palace complex. After passing through the Elephant Gate,
two paths appear: one to the right of the gate passing above the Grand Caravanserai
before turning toward the northern wall of the Jami Masjid, and another the left of the gate
that stretches along the northern end of the ridge, leading to the northwest entrance of the
Diwan-i 'Am and, through a private door, to the Imperial Apartments.
The second approach to the palace complex from the east connected Sikri with the larger
town of Agra. A traveler would first traverse the Agra Gate, pass through the Chaqar Suq,
and then pass the Mint and the Treasury. This path terminates in an angular arrival court
to the northeast of the Diwan-i 'Am.
The Elephant and Agra Gate are two of the eight gates that pierce the six kilometer long
stone-wall (parkota) built by Akbar to fortify the city of Fatehpur Sikri. This parkota runs
along the three sides of the ridge - north, east and south - in an approximately rectangular
shape. The lake serves as a natural barrier to the west.
Elephant Gate (Hathiya Pol)

HOA 05 I I
Fatehpur Sikri
Diwan - i - Khas
The free-standing structure situated in the center of this courtyard has come to be
identified as the Diwan-i Khass. Other theories describe this structure as having been
used for religious discussions (Ibadat Khana) or as a "Jewel House," where the Emperor
would store and inspect his gemstones. The building’s plan is unique, and has attracted
many interpretations based on its symbolism.
Built in red sandstone, it is a square, symmetrical building measuring 13.18 meters/side
on the exterior. It stands on a paneled plinth, 0.75 meters high. From without it appears
double-storied; its four elevations are identical. On the ground floor, each elevation is
pierced along its central vertical axis by a doorway 2.21 meters wide. The doorways on
the north and south sides are flanked with large deeply recessed windows filled with a
perforated stone screen (jaali). On the east and west sides there is only one jaali, found
to the right side of the entrance. Evidence of socket holes in the lintels and thresholds of
the doorways indicate the former presence of stone doors.
A peripheral balcony with a jaali-filled stone balustrade, carried on heavy decorated
corbels, runs at the height of the first floor above ground level. Along this floor, three
exterior openings on each side are protected from above by a peripheral broad
projecting eave (chhajja). Over the chhajja runs a frieze carved with geometrical
patterns. The roof is crowned at each of its four corners with a chhatri, a columned
pavilion with cupola roofs crowned by a sheath of lotus petals (mahapadma) supporting
a characteristic kalash finial. Each chhatri is 1/3 of the total building height. The roof and
the peripheral balcony are accessed by two staircases built into the building walls at the
northwest and southeast corners.
Within, the building contains a single-story square hall measuring 8.74 meters/side. The
predominant element of its interior is a massive ornamental column, square at its base
and octagonal at the shaft, located in the center of the space. The column is
surmounted by a circular capital composed of three-tiered richly carved radiating
brackets, each one of which is composed of five separate pieces of stone. The top of
the capital forms a circular platform from which bridges run diagonally to the corners of
the room, joining a gallery, 0.75 meters wide, which runs along the interior walls at
approximately first floor above ground level.
NORTH
Souce : https://www.archnet.org/sites/2643
Diwan-i-Khas
OVERALL MAP

Source: alamy.com
Wikipedia
Issuu.com
HOA 05 I I
Fatehpur Sikri
Diwan - i - Khas
At the four corners of the room, the gallery forms quadrangular spaces, supported by
corbelling in the same manner as the central column. The circular platform, the bridges,
and the interior peripheral gallery all have jaali-filled balustrades. In the northwest and
southeast corners of the hall above the gallery are storage niches formerly closed by
stone doors fastened by padlocks; their socket holes are still visible.
The hall has a curved roof divided into panels by flat projecting ribs. A stone pendant
hangs in the middle of the central panel. One theory holds that Akbar’s throne was
situated on the circular platform and the corners of the room at the gallery level were
assigned to four of his ministers. The dimensions of the inner gallery, as well as those of
the center and corner seats, tend to rule out the possibility that the building was used by
the Emperor and his ministers for affairs of state or religion. However, a manuscript of
Akbar’s memoirs, dated to 1604, depicts the Diwan-i Khass as a central domed pavilion
with chhatris at each corner. The interpretation that the Emperor sat on the central
platform as he inspected precious jewels is supported by the building’s location near the
Ankh Michauli (Treasury), and the fact that three distinct treasuries (for copper, gold &
silver, and gems & jewels) were located in the palace complex.
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Diwan-i-Khas
OVERALL MAP
column commanding the
space with extravagant scale
and structure
Centrally located column
giving multidirectionality to
the space

HOA 05 I I
Fatehpur Sikri
Diwan - i - Aam
The public audience hall (Diwan-i 'Amm) was the space appointed for various purposes
of public nature, including the first daily public appearance of the Emperor,
approximately three hours after sunrise. The Diwan-i 'Amm was also the site of court
ceremonies, the reception of guests, and the administration of justice, as well as major
festivals (i.e., Nawruz) and celebrations of military victories. In 1584, the wedding
ceremony of Akbar’s son took place in the Diwan-i 'Amm. Until 1582, when Akbar
abolished public prayers, the Diwan-i 'Amm was used extensively as a prayer space. To
this end, it contained a westward-oriented qibla. Also located along the west of the
Diwan-i 'Am was a royal pavilion where Akbar would sit, facing the worshippers.
The Diwan-i 'Amm was recorded to be in use by 1573 and is assumed to be one of the
first structures completed on the site. An oblong complex comprising a large
quadrangular space, 112.38 meters north-south and 55.20 meters east-west, it is
wrapped by a colonnaded passageway (dalan) composed of one hundred and eleven
bays. The dalan is interrupted only by the Emperor’s pavilion, in the middle of its
western side. Apart from the entrance on the east that leads to the Agra Gate, there are
two other accesses to the enclosure. The entrance on the south side connects the
Diwan-i 'Amm with the State Archive (Daftar Khana), and the entrance on the northwest
angle leads to the road from the villages of Sikri and Nagar.
On the west side is an exit leading to the semi-public spaces of the imperial complex,
specifically to the Private Audience Hall (Diwan-i Khass). A colonnade, now partially
destroyed, linked the Diwan-i 'Amm to the Diwan-i-Khass in such a way that Akbar could
pass from one building to another. The entry and exit points are asymmetrically
positioned with regard to the primary axes of the enclosure. The dalans, constructed
from red sandstone, are set on a raised plinth and are composed of square stone
columns with plain bases and slightly molded capitals. These are surmounted by simple
brackets supporting stone lintels and a continuous eave (chhajja). From the exterior of
the quadrangle, the dalans are enclosed by a rubble wall coated with cement. The
parapets over the dalans, which is decorated on the exterior with a continuous carved
frieze, are quite high (one source estimates that they are 1.82 meters tall) enabling the
roofs to be used as a private walkway by the royal women.The roof was accessed by a
staircase found along the south end of the quadrangle opposite from the Hujra Anup
Talao (pavilion).
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Diwan-i-aam
OVERALL MAP

HOA 05 I I
Fatehpur Sikri
Diwan-i-aam
The Emperor’s pavilion is a small rectangular structure of red sandstone, measuring
9.27 by 6.65 meters, positioned symmetrically to the enclosure and projecting slightly
into the courtyard. It faces east towards the Diwan-i 'Amm and is raised at least 2
meters above from the courtyard level, an arrangement that blocks direct access. In
plan, it is a single chamber with stone walls 1.10 meters thick surrounded by a portico,
3.05 meters wide. The flat-roofed chamber itself rises above the porticos. In the center
of each side of the chamber is an opening. The opening on the west constituted the
exclusive royal access to the Daulat Khana courtyard and Akbar’s private quarters. The
eastern portico is a five-bay columned structure protected by a low stone jaali
balustrade. The portico is shaded by a stone-tile roof (khaprel) resting upon carved
brackets, above which runs the same carved parapet as the one over the dalans. The
eastern portico is divided by two exquisitely carved three-part trapezium screens, with
the Emperor’s seat in the center. There is no access from the Emperor’s seat to the
porticos on the south and north sides, except via the chamber itself. The western portico
only differs from the eastern in that it lacks the jaali-work balustrades. A flight of stairs
leads from its central bay to the Daulat Khana courtyard.
NORTH
IF REQUIRED
OVERALL MAP
Diwan - i - Aam
Source: commons.wikimedia.org

Source: commons.wikimedia.org
HOA 05 I I
Fatehpur Sikri
Birbal House
Birbal House
NORTH
Birbal’s Palace, also known as Northern Palace of the Haram Sara is an integral part of
the Imperial Harem in Fatehpur Sikri. Most scholars say that this building was the
residence of Akbar’s senior queens- Ruqayya Begum and Salima Sultan Begum. This
home of the renowned Birbal, the great wit at Akbar's court is a conjoining of two main
architectural traditions of India – Hindu and Muslim. Here there has been no attempt to
fuse these traditions; they are simply placed together in an elaborate medley. Varieties
of ornamental carvings are displayed both on the inside and outside of the Palace.
Though it is named so, chances are unlikely that this was used by this famous minister
of Akbar. This is one of the most beautiful buildings within the palace complex.
Birbal's House at Fatehpur Sikri.
“… An inscription in Devanagari … on the western entrance of the room on the ground
floor confirms that the building was built in 1572 … or 1582 … for the initiation ceremony
of Din- i - Ilahi, which indeed took place in 1582. It would therefore seem likely that
Akbar erected this building in order to carry out his own religious matters there, and in
particular those regarding the foundation of his new religion, destined to be practised at
the court alone.
In any case it cound not have belonged to Raja Birbal who, although dear to Akbar
and a follower of Din - i - ilahi, would never have n=been allowed to live alongside the
women of the harem - Akbar did not even allow his son Salim this liberty. … this could
have been the home of high rank, the queen Ruquayya Sultan Begam and Salima
Sultan Begam…”
Source: Islamic Architecture of the Indian
Subcontinent - Pg. 217
Bianca Maria Alfieri (Author)
OVERALL MAP

Source: openresearch-repository.anu.edu.au
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Fatehpur Sikri
Birbal House
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Birbal's house stands near the northwest corner of Jodhbai's palace. It is one of the
marvelous buildings of imperial Harem. It was built in 1571. It consists of fours-quare
rooms, each measuring 16'-10" (5.13m) square side, all interconnected through open
doorways and two oblong entrance porches on Northwest and Southeast corners. While
all the four rooms, have flat ceilings, porches have triangular chhappar ceiling with
pyramidal roof. The interior of the building is divided into three days by richly carved
pilasters. Shafts of these pilasters have been divided into three zones, which contain
three different kind of decoration like single border designs, arabesque geometrical
designs and stylized floral designs. Capitals of these pilaster bears lotus petals and
stalactite designs. The first floor has beautiful Jharokhas overlooking the court below
and a simple chajja. Each dome of the upper rooms rests on an octagonal drum, which
is also carved with a raised trefoil pattern. The domes are crowned by an inverted lotus
and kalash finials and also bear traces of tile work. Though the entire construction is
composed of lintels and beams, but beautifully carved brackets have been used to span
the spaces between the pillars and ornamental arches. These brackets are carved on
both faces with lotus and arabesque designs. Spandrels of the arches also bear
arabesque and floral design. Source: slideshare
Birbal House
OVERALL MAP

Panch Mahal
The Panch Mahal is a rectangular colonnaded structure open on all sides and built from local red sandstone.
It is positioned to act as a "transition" building between the semi-public spaces that surround the Daulat
Khana courtyard and the more private spaces of the Royal Harem. Its function is unknown: some
assumptions hold that it served as a pleasure resort for the Emperor or that it was used exclusively by the
ladies and children of the court. For others, its interconnection with the imperial apartments (the Khwabgah
complex) as well as the relation of the building’s main façade to the public court and its eastern orientation
suggest that it might have been used for the Emperor’s daily ritual of Jharokha-Darsana, where Akbar
displayed himself to the public assembled in the Pachisi court to worship him and receive his blessings.
As its name implies, the building is comprised of five levels, with the ground floor measuring 22.05 meters
north–south by 17.65 meters east–west, and the upper floors decreasing in their horizontal dimensions as
they rise, forming an asymmetrical pyramid stacked over the southeast corner. The final, fifth level is a
domed chhatri. The total height of the structure equals the total length of its ground floor; however, the
building appears vertically dominant, perhaps due to its being raised on a plinth approximately .75 meters
above the level of the public court. With the exception of the chhatri dome, the building is a trabeated
structure. On the east elevation, double and quadruple series of columns facilitate the transfer of load. The
emphasis is visual as well as structural: the east elevation is the building’s principal elevation, overlooking
the Pachisi Court.
The Panch Mahal has many entrances: it can be entered on the ground floor via a door from the courtyard of
the Sonahra Makan to the south, via a small private entrance in the direction of the building with a central
column, via a private entrance at its southeast corner to the Mahal-i Khass, and through an L-shaped
passageway. One branch of this passageway connects the Panch Mahal with the Khwabgah; the other runs
along the south side of the building and accesses the garden behind it. A staircase at the building’s
southwest corner connects the ground level with the first floor terrace. A modern staircase, also on the
southwest corner, leads to the upper floors.
The ground floor is laid out in 8 aisles running east-west and 6 running north-south, with a total of 84
columns. Given Akbar’s syncretic approach, it may not be coincidence that the number 84 is regarded as
highly auspicious by Hindus. Double columns appear in the outer row along the east elevation; they are also
used in the interior rows that align (in plan) with the location of the upper floor. The ground-floor columns are
octagonal in section, with the exception of four circular ones. Originally, stone screens were installed
between the columns to form a series of small cubicles. Two fragments of these screens are still extant, one
near the private entrance and the other at the northeast corner. Evidence of others is still visible in the form
of markings on the floor pavement. Several ceiling bays are roughly decorated (white upon a red ground)
and many of the stone beams carrying the first floor are carved. The ground floor has a carved jaali
balustrade, and no projecting chhajja.
Souce :https://www.archnet.org/sites/2643
Panch Mahal

The first floor above ground level is 6 aisles deep east-west and 4 aisles deep north-south, with a total
of 56 columns. On this floor the external columns are doubled not only along the east elevation, but
along the west and north as well. The corner columns form four-fold arrangements: the columns are
round and each one of them bears a unique design. This floor is the most ornate and details in its
carvings. A deep chhajja projects from the ceiling of the first floor outwards.
The second floor above ground continues to recede to the southeast, with 4 aisles east-west and 2
aisles north-south. As with the first floor, it has double columns on the eastern external side and a
projecting chhajja with a carved frieze. The third floor contains 12 columns, doubled and bracketed
along the exteriors. Instead of a projecting chhajja, it has a characteristic jaali balustrade. On its fourth
floor above ground, the building is crowned by a square chhatri with a cupola roof. The pavilion is
aligned with the second and third rows of columns of the floors below.
The Panch Mahal underwent a series of restorations between 1869-1927, interventions which
significantly altered its appearance. No exact records were kept, but it is possible that the stone jaali
screens that once divided the ground floor into cubicles, as well as the screens that fit between the
columns on the upper floors, were removed at this time. The Panj Mahal may have been conceived of
as a version of the Persian bagdir, or wind tower, intended to mediate the high temperatures of the
Agra plains.
Panch Mahal

The palace can be approached via the colonnaded wall that divides the zenana area from the Anup Talao court, or by departing
from the path that runs from the Jami Masjid through forecourt of the Daftar Khana. The haram sara is a double-storied structure
composed of rooms arranged around a big open-air courtyard. Rectangular in plan, it measures 211.34 meters east to west and
196.5 meters north to south. An adjunct structure housing baths and latrines projects to the south, and a balcony connected to a
viaduct projects to the north.
From the exterior, the palace appears massive; apart from the entry and its guard-towers, the only apertures in the elevations are
jharokhas (projecting balconies), two of which flank each of the palace's four corners on the first storey above ground level. Each
jharokha, rectangular in plan, is composed of four corner columns, two of which are engaged and flank the window. The columns
carry bracket capitals and lintels that further support a projecting chhajja. A broad carved frieze runs above the chhajja.
Jodhbai's Palace,
Jodhbai's Palace
It was built in the memory of the famous Sufi Saint Salim Chisti. However, the most beautiful monument in Fatehpur
Sikri is the Royal Palace of Queen Jodha Bai. She was the Raput queen of Emperor Akbar. The Jodha Bai Palace was
built for the queen as she was the most beloved and the mother of the Emperor’s heir. You will find a staunch
amalgamation of contrasting Rajput & Mughal architectures in the structure of this palace.
The jharokha balcony is supported on four brackets with a jaali balustrade. Each exterior corner of the palace above the
jharokha windows is further protected by a chhajja, which is in turn surmounted by a square base supporting an octagonal
drum and a shallow dome. Both the base and the drum are decorated with cut and colored plasterwork. The exterior
enclosing walls - constructed of red and yellow sandstone blocks - are plain but for a continuous intermediary frieze with
decorative carvings, which indicates the ceiling level of the rooms on the ground floor within, and decorative merlons along
the parapet interrupted only by the corner chhajjas.
The palace is can only be accessed via a single monumental gateway in the center of its eastern wall. This gateway is a
double-storied structure, symmetrical along its vertical axis, projecting 2.28 meters from the eastern elevation. In plan, its
east face of the gate is 13.26 meters long; the walls angling northeast and southeast to join the east elevation are each 3.20
meters long in plan.
The entrance opening is in the center of the gateway, 3.31 meters high and 2.28 meters wide and flanked by engaged columns
that support stone brackets and a massive lintel. This bracket-and-lintel configuration is further framed by a blind arch
decorated with a fringe of radiating lotus bands. Over the entrance arch is a band of five small arches; the four outer arches are
blind and the central one is fitted with a stone screen. At ground level, the entrance is flanked on either side by a small
decorative arched iwan, or large niche. Above the iwans and to either side of the band of five arches are two jharokha windows
supported on brackets. A parapet carved in a merlon pattern runs along the top of the gateway, the angled walls, and upon
reaching the east elevation, it descends vertically until the approximate midpoint of the elevation, whereupon it changes
direction to run horizontally along the elevation as the intermediary frieze referred to above. Resting on the roof of the gateway
and vertically aligned with the jharokhas are two chhatris, each with four columns and a dome and finial. The gateway is further
protected by a small detached stone guardhouse roofed with a gabled roof to the southeast.
Passing through the gateway, one follows a "Z"-shaped path without a direct view into the inner courtyard. The entrance vestibule is
divided into six bays by columns that support the roof via lintels resting on brackets. Between the wall piers are characteristic torana
niches framed by small columns standing on projecting brackets.

Jodhbai's Palace,
The inner courtyard measures 54.9 meters by 49.32 meters. Its central sunken area, 46.95 by 41.85 meters, is accessed
via a single step running along all four sides. In its center stands a small square tank. Around the inner court are
double-storied residential quarters at the corners and formal "suites" in the centers of each side, excepting the east, which
contains the entrance gateway. Along the north and southern walls, the suites are nearly identical. The rooms on the south
are two deep, comprising a colonnaded arcade and an inner chamber. Corridors on either side of the chamber lead to
hammams in the rear and the latrines (located in the wing that projects from the palace to the south). On the north, there is
no corridor, but stairways that access the upper-level terrace. Of a completely different character, the western suite
comprises a large colonnaded hall with torana niches and a raised central platform. Oriented to face east, it may have
been a temple. This space was adorned with exquisitely carved pillars, brackets, and other characteristically Hindu
architectural elements.
On the upper story, one finds a square domed room at each corner, two colonnaded pavilions (above the eastern and the
western sides) and two rectangular pavilions with a characteristic khaprel ceiling over the southern and northern suites.
The khaprel ceilings over the northern and southern pavilions are overlaid with distinct blue tiles (19.05 by 8.90 cm each).
This ceiling is essentially a gabled roof, with stone panels as infill between stone ribs running down from a stone ridge
beam.
On the north side is an extension of the upper storey commonly referred to as the Hawa Mahal. Screened on all sides by
jaalis that ensured privacy and helped keep the interior cool, this space extended further north in the form of a viaduct,
8.23 meters tall and supported on arches. Originally entirely screened, this viaduct ran from the haram sara to the Hathi
Pol (Elephant Gate), and beyond to the Hiran Minar, a watchtower to the northwest of the Hathi Pol. Another, destroyed
viaduct ran from the haram sara to the Daulat Khana, crossing the courtyard south of the Sonahra Makan to join the
colonnades running west along the Anup Talao court. Through it, the Emperor had easy and private access from his
khwabgah to every palace in the haram sara.

The Anup Talao, or "peerless pool," was completed in 1576 on a wide platform (chabutara) to the
north of the Khwabgah (imperial apartments) in the Mahal-i Khass courtyard. The Mahal-i Khass
measures 64.3 by 46.73 meters, and is located to the south of the Pachisi Court. Enclosed by a
complex of halls, pavilions, and wide covered colonnaded passageways (dalans), the Mahal-i
Khass was formerly entirely screened off from the Pachisi Court. At the south of the Mahal-i Khass
are the imperial apartments (Daulat Khana), and on its northeast corner is the Anup Talao pavilion
(the pavilion of the Turkish Sultana).
Abul Fadl, Akbar’s court historian, records a 1578 order to fill the Anup Talao with copper, silver
and gold coins; these were later distributed by the Emperor himself. Akbar’s son Jahangir confirms
the event, although he refers to the pool as the "Kapur Talao." The Anup Talao is a red sandstone
masonry tank, square in plan and bilaterally symmetrical. A square island platform stands in its
centre. Stone bridges, 0.61 meters wide and supported by stone columns with bracket capitals,
span 10.06 meters from the center of each side of the platform to the side of the tank. Another
name for the Anup Talao, the "Char-Chamad," refers to these four bridges.
Anup Talao
The tank served to cool the air near the Khwabgah. It formed part of a system of mini-tanks and
canals built on the eastern platform of the Khwabgah. The tank measures 29.26 meters per side
and is 3.66 meters deep. The island platform (9.14 m2) is flanked by a jaali balustrade, and has
a raised seat (chabutra, 3.66 m2) in its center. A 1905 photograph showing the presence of a
corner pillar confirms the original placement of a pavilion (barahdari) over this chabutra. The
island platform is supported on columns with exquisitely carved relief capitals, designed to be
seen above the water, that form a corridor encircling a closed central volume below the water.
This volume might contain a chamber, formerly accessible by a stair from the pavilion atop the
platform. A second puzzling stone masonry structure stands in the northeastern quadrant of the
tank, closed on all sides except for a slanted vent in its roof.
Two consecutive series of six broad stairs step down from the sides of the tank to the original
water level (0.96 meters, or just below the twelfth step). The tank was originally filled via one
water channel from the waterworks near the Elephant Gate to the west: the water was carried via
a stone duct north of Birbal’s Place, Miriam’s Garden, and the Kothi. A second channel came
from the eastern waterworks. Overflow was diverted to the tank found north of the building with a
central column (Ekastambha-Prasada), to keep the level of water in the Anup Talao constant.
Anup Talao

Later, the drains of the tank were blocked by debris, and the water level rose. Various incidents of
drowning were reported in the Anup Talao. At one point, the tank was filled with debris, rubble
stone, mortar, and mud up to the level of the sixth step, and a new layer of stone slabs laid down.
More recently, this intervention was reversed, and the original level of the tank restored.
The masonry work of the Anup Talao, including its stone railings, was restored under Lord Cruzon
(1859-1925) in the early twentieth century.
Anup Talao

Souce: Tracy and Dale
HOA 05 I I
Fatehpur Sikri
The Scared Complex
1.Buland Darwaza
2.Jamat Khana
3.Zanana Ranza
4.Tomb of Sheik Salim Chishti
5.Jama Masjid Mosque

Souce: Architexturez.net
en.wikipedia.org
HOA 05 I I
Fatehpur Sikri
BULAND DARWAZA (1602)
•Buland Darwaza or the "Door of Victory", by Akbar to commemorate his victory over
Gujarat.
•It is the main and the southern entrance to the Jama Masjid at Fatehpur Sikri, Agra.
*The construction is inspired by Timurid architecture.
*Buland Darwaza is around 51m high.i.e around 15 storey high gateway
*There’s a flight of steps in front
*It is semi-octagonal in plan with two smaller triple-storeyed wings on either side. It has
three kiosks (chhatris) on its top surrounded by thirteen smaller domed kiosks.
*The principal arch stands in the centre of three projecting sides and topped by a dome.
*The central arch is broken into three tiers with rows of smaller arches and flat brackets
*.There are flower-like designs made up of white marble at the apex of the arch.
•Materials: Red and buff sandstone, decorated by white and black marble.
NORTH
OVERALL MAP

JAMMA MASJID (1571-1574)
•Akbar commissioned the Jama Masjid as part of his new capital city of Fatehpur Sikri.
•The mosque was in honour of the Sufi Shaikh Salim Chishti, Akbar's spiritual advisor
• One of the largest and ornately finished mosques.
• Completed in 1571 under the supervision of Sheikh Salim
• Located on the western side of this quadrangle.
• It covers a rectangular area measuring 542’ X 438’,
• Marks a transition phase in Islamic art, by its incorporation of indigenous architectural
elements.
• The main audience hall (iwan) of the building is rather simple and contains a central
arch which is framed with the panels containing geometrical designs.
• The iwan contains three arched openings which are also framed by panels and is
crowned with five chhatris.
•The central mihrab is ornamented with inlaid mosaics of stone and glazed tiles.
• The whole interior of the iwan has been painted in stylized floral designs.
• Dado panels also bear beautiful floral designs and are bordered with other patterns.
• Elements such as the spandrels of the arch and soffits are also profusely decorated
with painted designs.
• The walls and frieze of the mosque are carved with Persian and Arabic inscription
containing quranic verses.
• The dome is not supported on squinches but on beautifully designed corbelled
pendentives.
OVERALL MAP
Souce: Architexturez.net
I
NORTH

Source:https://penguin.co.in/everything-you-need-to-k
now-about-the-dargah-of-salim-chishti/
HOA 05 I I
Fatehpur Sikri
TOMB OF SALIM CHISHTI
•Salim Chishti was a Sufi mystic from nearby stone quarry town of Sikri who prophesied
the birth of Akbar's first son.
•Out of gratitude, Akbar built his capital near the Sufi mystic.
•Finest examples of marble work in India.
•This mausoleum was completed in the year 1580-81. It is a small (14 meters square)
delicate structure set upon a slightly larger plinth, with the porch entrance facing south.
•It faces the Buland Darwaja.
•Originally this was the place where Sheikh Salim Chishti carried out his religious
discourses.
•The marble work is so fine and detailed like ivory work. The interior is covered with
marble screens, and there is a pillared ivory enclosure where the saint is buried,
covered with pearl inlay.
•The tomb is located in the centre of the main hall, which has a single semi-circular
dome.
• The plinth is ornamented with mosaic of black and yellow marble arranged in
geometric patterns.
•The door to the main chamber is intricately carved with arabesque pattern and bears
inscriptions from the Koran.The carved and painted tomb chamber has a white marble
floor, which is inland with multicolored stones.
NORTH
OVERALL MAP

HOA V_FATHEHPUR SIKRI.pdf

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