Fatehpur Sikri

About Fatehpur Sikri

Located in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, this city lies in the Agra district. This historical city was first named as Fatehabad, when the ancient Sikri was constructed nearby by Akbar, the great Mughal emperor during the beginning of 1570. Presently, this city with its royal palaces and varied other architectural constructions attract tourists from all over the country. This city has even been declared as one of the World Heritage Sites in India by U. N. E. S. C. O. (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) in the year 1986. Even known as the "City of Victory", Fatehpur Sikri is famous for Jama Masjid, which is among the biggest mosques in the nation.

Demographics of Fatehpur Sikri

Some of the present demographic details about this ancient city are given below:

• Total population: 28, 754
• Female population: 47 % of the total population
• Male population: 53 % of the total population
• Child population (Under the age group of 6 years): 19 %
• Literacy rate (Average): 46 %
• Female literacy: 34 %
• Male literacy: 57 %

Places of Visit in Fatehpur Sikri

This city of historical importance has got numerous buildings, which reflects the architectural craftsmanship of different parts of the Indian Republic. Most of such architectural constructions are featured with red sandstones, locally called Sikri sandstone. Following are some of the major tourist spots in and around this city:

Buland Darwaza: This gate, built after about 5 years from the completion of Jama Masjid, is set in the southern wall of the mosque. The specialty of this gate is that, from outside the gate is 54 m high but gradually makes a transition to a level of a human being, when it finally goes inside.

Diwan - i - Aam: This "Hall of Public Audience" is a multi-bayed pavilion like rectangular structure that has got a vast open space. This was the place where the historical rulers used to meet the general public.

Diwan - i - Khas: This square building called the "Hall of Private Audience" has got 4 chhatris on its roof. This place attracts tourists for the central pillar though, which has got an octagonal shaft and a square base that are carved with floral designs and geometric bands.

Jama Masjid: This huge mosque dating back to around A. D. 1571 to A. D. 1572 is featured with a row of chhatri positioned over the sanctuary. Among the 3 mihrabs, the central one is covered with a dome and is decorated with marbles of white color.

Salim Chishti's Tomb: Based within the courtyard of Jama Masjid, this tomb of Salim Chisti, one of the famous Sufi saints is encased in white colored marble.

To name a few more tourist places in Fatehpur Sikri are:

• Abul Fazal House
• Anup Talao
• Birbal's House
• Hathi Pol
• Hujra - i - Anup Talao
• Ibadat Khana
• Mariam - uz - Zamani's Palace
• Naubat Khana
• Pachisi Court
• Panch Mahal

Economic Resources in Fatehpur Sikri

In the ancient times, silk weaving used to be one of the major resources of economy in this city. Many people, who used to reside there, used to earn their livelihood from silk weaving. However, nowadays, the major source of income comes from the district of Agra, which has got varied resources of economy. Some of the major economical resources of the city are agriculture, handicraft, leather work, footwear business as well as iron foundries. However, tourism has got a major contribution to the economy of this old city of the country since it is visited by many tourists from across the nation.

Transportation in Fatehpur Sikri

Located at a distance of around 39 km from the famous city of Agra, this ancient city of north India is well connected to the other parts of the state as well as the country. The city can be reached by air, rail and even roadways.

By Air: Agra Airport, commonly called Kheria Airport, is the nearest airport, which serves this north Indian city. This airport is situated at a nearby distance of about 40 km from the city of Fatehpur Sikri.

By Rail: Fatehpur Sikri Railway Station, the nearest as well as the main railway station of this place is just 1 km from the heart of the city. Names of some of the trains serving the people of the city are mentioned below:

• Avadh Express
• Haldighati Pass
• Inter-city Express
• Shatabdi Express
• Taj Express

By Road: This city can even be reached by roadways from the neighboring areas. Apart from the luxury tourist buses and the rented taxies, many buses are plied regularly by U. P. S. R. T. C. (Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation). Regular air conditioned or express tourist buses are even available from the cities of Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Lucknow, Jhansi and Gwalior.

Last Updated on 31 January 2012