Fatehpur Sikri or Fathpur
Sikri
[key], historic city, Uttar Pradesh state, N India. It was founded (1569)
by the Mughal emperor
Akbar 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.
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