Can you justify a trip to India without visiting its spectacular and historic palaces and monuments? Maybe – but it would be a shame, if not an outright waste, to leave without seeing Fatehpur Sikri, the ancient city that once claimed the title ‘capital of the Mughal empire’.
Fatehpur Sikri is known as the ‘City of Victory’, although this title feels somewhat ironic, given that it only survived for 10 years as the capital before being abandoned entirely. Left untouched for 400 years, it now serves as a standing – albeit eerie – testament to some of the Mughal Empire’s most impressive and stunning architecture. This was not a dynasty that was shy of showcasing its wealth.
Built in 1571, the red sandstone city was designed as a religious compound by the Emperor Akbar, in honour of Sufi saint Shaikh Salim Chishti, who predicted the birth of his son. Two more heirs followed. Filled with palaces, temples and mosques, the city is an enduring testament to the emperor’s architectural prowess – a mesh of Islamic and Hindu influences and styles, fed by Akbar’s love of culture, literature and art.
Wander through and experience the full history of this ghost city.