Fatehpur Sikri facts for kids

Fatehpur Sikri is a famous old city in Uttar Pradesh, India. It's also known as the "City of Victory." A powerful ruler named Emperor Akbar built this city in 1569. It was the capital city of the Mughal Empire from 1571 to 1585. After that, people left the city.

Akbar moved his capital from Agra to this new spot, about 37 kilometers away. He did this to honor a respected holy man, Sufi saint Salim Chishti, after winning important battles. Building this planned city with walls took about 15 years. It included many royal palaces, a harem (women's quarters), courts, a mosque, and other important buildings. Akbar first named the city Fatehabad, which means "victorious city." Later, it became known as Fatehpur Sikri. This is where many stories about Emperor Akbar and his famous nine wise courtiers, called the Navaratnas, come from. Fatehpur Sikri is one of the best examples of Mughal architecture that we can still see today.

Amazing Mughal Architecture

Fatehpur Sikri is famous for its beautiful buildings. These structures show off the amazing building style of the Mughal Empire. Many of these buildings are still standing and can be explored today.

Some of the most important buildings include:

• Buland Darwaza: This is a huge gateway, one of the tallest in the world. It was built to celebrate Akbar's victory in Gujarat.
• Jama Masjid: This is a large mosque, a place for prayer. It's one of the biggest mosques in India.
• Tomb of Salim Chishti: This beautiful tomb is inside the Jama Masjid complex. It holds the body of the Sufi saint Salim Chishti, whom Akbar honored.
• Diwan-i-Aam: This was the Hall of Public Audience. Here, the emperor would meet with ordinary people to hear their problems.
• Diwan-i-Khas: This was the Hall of Private Audience. Here, Akbar met with important officials and guests.
• Ibadat Khana: This was the House of Worship. Akbar used this place to discuss different religions with scholars.
• Mariam-uz-Zamani's Palace: This was the palace of Akbar's favorite queen, Mariam-uz-Zamani.
• Anup Talao: This is a beautiful pool with a platform in the middle. It was used for musical performances.
• Naubat Khana: This was the Drum House. Music was played here at certain times to announce the emperor's arrival or important events.
• Hiran Minar: This unique tower was built in memory of Akbar's favorite elephant.
• Birbal's House: This was the house of Birbal, one of Akbar's most trusted and witty advisors.
• Panch Mahal: This is a five-story palace with open pillars. It was likely used by the royal women to enjoy the breeze and views.

City Life and People

Fatehpur Sikri today is a town with a population of about 28,757 people. Most of the people are men (53%) and 47% are women. The city has a literacy rate of 46%, which means 46 out of every 100 people can read and write. This is lower than the average for India. More men can read and write (57%) than women (34%). About 59% of the people living in Fatehpur Sikri are under 6 years old.

Images for kids

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  Diwan-i-Khas

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  Panch Mahal

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  Detailed carvings

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  Birbal Bhavan

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  Astrologer's seat

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  Anup Talao

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  Kos Minar#793 at 12-mile on Agra-Fatehpur Sikri Road section of National Highway 21

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  General plan of Fatehpur Sikri city in 1917.

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  Jama Masjid, Fatehpur Sikri

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  Tomb of Salim Chishti in Jama Masjid courtyard, Fatehpur Sikri

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  Panch Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri

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  Hiran Minar, Fatehpur Sikri

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  Buland Darwaza

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  Buland Darwaza backside.

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  King's Gate

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  Palace of Akbar's favorite consort, Queen Mariam-uz-Zamani

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  Diwan-i-Khas

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  Mariam-uz-Zamani's kitchen

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  Akbar's Harem Complex

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  Panoramic view of Fatehpur Sikri Palace

See also

In Spanish: Fatehpur Sikri para niños