FATEHPUR SIKRI... SHEIKH SALIM CHRISTI'S TOMB...

my last blog

was about the lights of DIWALI.

i actually escaped jaipur, because of the noise & pollution.

went to FATEHPUR SIKRI 

for 2 nights. 

FATEHPUR SIKRI is situated 37 klm west of AGRA. 

it was a small village named SIKRI, dwelt by stone cutters and was under the RAJPUT chiefs up to the 14th century.

it is also famous for the dwelling place of a 

SUFI saint,

SHEIKH SALEEM CHRISTI.

the city was founded in 1569 A.D.  by

AKBAR

and later on some magnificent palaces, court yards and great battle mented high walls were constructed. 

but unfortunately, this NEW CAPITAL, which reached the zenith of its glory, was soon deserted due to the lack of drinking water with in 50 years of its construction.

the deserted MUGHAL CAPITAL was enclosed by 50 foot high battle walls built of RED SAND STONE on three sides, and on the fourth, with an artificial lake. 

the length of the walls is about 9 km.

with 7 BIG GATES. 

most of the palaces and buildings of FATEHPUR SIKRI 

are made of red sand stone, & are of HINDU style of architecture. 

usually the tourists enter through AGRA GATE,

which is in the east. 

walking in from AGRA GATE. 

past well tendered lawns and flowering COCKSCOMB flowers. 

DIWAN - E- KHAS BUILDING.

this is a single storied building,having in its centre a lofty chamber, consisting of an octagonal beautifully carved column. it is surrounded by a thick capital of brackets. 

exterior corner column. 

the octagonal carved column.

KING AKBAR 

would sit in the centre of this column, and his noble governors would enter and sit on the bridges, 

and they would discuss important matters.

a beautifully carved  JALI SCREEN.

KING AKBAR 

sat on this seat,

when he was directing the games of 

LUDO & CHESS.

apparently he used BEAUTIFUL YOUNG GIRLS 

for his porns.

a beautifully carved red sand stone column.

STAR OF DAVID

carved ceiling. 

MARIAM'S PALACE.

the home of 1 of AKBAR'S 3 wives. 

this was called the 

GOLDEN PALACE.

because it was decorated in golden colours. 

in the photo below , you will see holes in the carving. 

that is where originally there was 

SAPPHIRES,

RUBIES

EMERALDS 

inlaid in the carving. 

over time, these precious stones were stolen. 

it would have been a wonderful room to fall asleep in.

there were many niches in the wall, where oil lamps burned all night. 

part of the palace grounds. 

the ASTROLOGER'S SEAT. 

in the centre of the pool.

it is10 foot square. 

this is where AKBAR spent a lot of time. he was influenced by HINDUISM and he  used to consult HINDU - MUSLIM astrologers, for regulating his marches against the enemy states. 

reflections in the pool.

look what remains of a painting,

ELEPHANTS in battle, 

this is the remains of an interior painted ceiling .

part of covered verandah.

the HORSE STABLES. 

for over 100 horses. 

on left of photo, see the spaces in the walls, that is where the feed was put, 

then at the base, you can see where the horses were tired to the disc shaped red sand stone. 

this building was U shaped. 

this exterior space, was where the MERCHANTS, 

selling fine silks and precious jewels would come, so that AKBAR'S 3 wives could make their choices. 

the tomb of 

SHEIKH SALIM CHRISTI.

this is a beautiful WHITE MARBLE edifice near the JAMA MASJID.

it was built by AKBAR .

it is 48 feet sq. 

the cenotaph of this saint is surrounded by a beautiful marble screen in floral designs. 

the walls are painted with flowers and foliage. there is a SHEESHAM WOOD canopy above the cenotaph.

the inscription of the door which indicated the date of death of the saint to 1571 A.D. 

it is famous place of pilgrimage for all the communities of india and people believe that the desires of an individual are fulfilled as one commits to lie a thread in the marble jali screen around the cenotaph. 

you can see from this photo, how this tomb sits within the walls of the palace.

this is JUST SOME of the many tombs of women, children and infants. 

no names are inscribed on the tombs. 

the start of a long line, to enter the tomb. 

SUFI singers, sitting and playing music.

you will notice that all heads have to be covered to enter the tomb.

whether it be a prayer cap, dupatta or handkerchief. 

one of the HIGH GATES leading from the tomb. 

covered in horse shoes. 

there was a variety of sizes and designs. 

BULAND DARWAZA or VICTORY GATE.

this gate constructed in 1602 A.D. by AKBAR. 

to commemorate his victory over SOUTH INDIA.

it is said to be the 2nd HIGHEST GATE WAY IN ASIA. 

it is 176 feet high.

looking up into the dome of this gate.

this area leads to VICTORY GATE. 

this space is filled with people selling cheap trinkets. 

i enjoyed my little sojourn from DIWALI.