Fatehpur Sikri

Built entirely of red sandstone, this was the first planned city of the Mughals.

It was founded by Akbar to commemorate his victory over the Rajputs of Chittorgarh and Ranthambore, hence named as Fatehabad which over days came to be known as “Fatehpur Sikri”. Akbar revered the Sufi Saint Sheikh Salim Chishti as he had blessed him with a son who was named Salim after him. So to honor the Saint and be close to him he moved his capital from Agra to Sikri and ruled from here for a period of 13 years, from 1572 to 1585. So grew a city with massive Palaces and Monuments within the walls of Sikri

The buildings herein showcase a synthesis of various schools of architectural craftsmanship such as Gujarat and Bengal as it was built by the local craftsmen. Influences from Hindu and Jain architecture can be seen blended with Islamic elements. The building material used is the locally quarried red sandstone

Some of the more popular monuments include the Buland Darwaza, Jama Masjid, the Tomb of Salim Chisti, Diwan-i-Am, Diwan-i-Khas, Panch Mahal and Birbals House

However, due of unknown reasons (scarcity of water or a war ) the city was deserted and Akbar moved his capital to Lahore and subsequently to Agra