Fatehpur Sikri


Fatehpur Sikri

or

Fathpur Sikri

(both: fətəpo͞or` sĭk`rē), historic city (1991 pop. 25,446), Uttar Pradesh state, N India. It was founded (1569) by the MughalMughal
or Mogul
, Muslim empire in India, 1526–1857. The dynasty was founded by Babur, a Turkic chieftain who had his base in Afghanistan. Babur's invasion of India culminated in the battle of Panipat (1526) and the occupation of Delhi and Agra.
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 emperor AkbarAkbar
, 1542–1605, Mughal emperor of India (1556–1605); son of Humayun, grandson of Babur. He succeeded to the throne under a regent, Bairam Khan, who rendered loyal service in expanding and consolidating the Mughal domains before he was summarily dismissed (1560) by
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 to honor the Muslim saint Shaikh Salim Chishti, who had foretold the birth of Akbar's son and heir, Jahangir. The city was Akbar's capital until 1584. By 1605 it was largely deserted because of the inadequate water supply. A masterpiece of Muslim architecture, the city is unique in India as a nearly intact Mughal city. The Buland Darwaza [gate of victory], flanked by colossal statues of elephants, was the principal entrance. Carvings and murals cover many of the buildings. Among the most notable are the Jami Masjid (the Great Mosque); the ornate marble mausoleum of Salim Chishti; the palaces of Jodh Bai and Birbal; and the Panch Mahal, the royal audience hall.