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FATEHPUR SIKRI
The city of Fatehpur Sikri, 40 kms from agra, served as the capital of the Mughal
empire between 1570 and 1586. But as abruptly as it had been
built, it was abandoned. A popular legend is attached to the
city's conception. According to it, Emperor Akbar was without
a male heir, and therefore, made a pilgrimage to seek the
blessings of the powerful saint Sheikh Salim Chisti. His prayer
was fulfilled, and soon, a son was born to him. In honour
of the saint, Akbar named the prince Salim, and decided to
found a new city to celebrate his birth. And thus, the magnificent
Fatehpur Sikri, the new capital, came into being.
The city was intended to embody the noble ideals, and the
humanitarian bent of this dynamic emperor. Although a Muslim,
Akbar was famous for his incredible tolerance towards other
religions, and he is said to have indulged in a great deal
of study and discussion in this field, in his new capital.
He also created a new religion, Deen - e - Elahi which attempted
to fuse positive aspects of all the major religons into one
composite whole.
The finest monuments within this area are the Diwan - i -
Am, Diwan - i - Khas, Panch Mahal, Jama Masjid, Panch Mahal,
Buland Darwaza and the tomb of Saint Sheikh Salim Chisti.
The Agra Fort is a fitting tribute to the genius of the three
generations of emperors, who used it as their stronghold.
How to Get There
By air: Agra is on the popular regular tourist route Delhi/Agra/Khajuraho/Varanasi
and return. Flights connect Agra to Delhi, Khajuraho and Varanasi.
By rail: Agra lies on the Delhi to Mumbai broad - gauge
railway line. Express trains from Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta,
and Chennai halt at Agra.
By road: Agra is connected to
Delhi, Rajasthan and other cities of Uttar Pradesh by an excellent
bus service.
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