Other than Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri is another important historical place here. Situated around 33 kms from Agra, it is on the border of U.P., next to Bharatpur in Rajasthan. The site for Fatehpur was first discovered by Babar, but it was his descendant Akbar who built the fort here. At one point, he had contemplated to shift the capital here, but the water problem thwarted his plans. Folklore has it that Akbar was desperate for a son and had visited Ajmer dargah for blessings. There, he had a dream that he should visit Saleemuddin Chishti at Fatehpur, which he did (reportedly on foot). His queen, Jodhabai was blessed with a son, and Akbar named him after the saint – Saleem. Since then, the dargah is known for fulfilling all wishes and prayers.

The fort’s Bulund Darwaza is stated to be the biggest gate in Asia, and admittedly it is quite an awesome sight. The dargah, in white marble, is pure and serene. And yes, there is also the closed gate leading to a tunnel that supposedly links Agra with Red Fort in Delhi. Mughal-E-Azam was reportedly shot here, probably the last time the tunnel gates were ever opened.

Otherwise, there have been several films/songs shot on the premises, including Yateem, Lal Pathar and the most famous of all – Pardes (Do dil mil rahe and the climax qawaali).

Fatehpur is still the property of Saleemuddin Chishti’s descendants, and hence has free entrance. The neighboring (and more clean and well maintained) Sikri , however, is with ASI and there is a nominal entry charge of INR 20 (for Indian nationals).

(Clockwise, from top left) 1. Bulund Darwaza- It was tough fitting it on the camera phone’s miniscule lens. Still I think I managed well. 2. The ‘Mughal E Azam’ tunnel-as the local guides there will describe. Supposedly it links to Delhi’s Red Fort 3. The ‘Dargah’ at Fatehpur – Very serene!

Photographs: Deepak Jeswal, Kislay
Taken on : Nokia 3230
Dated : 28.01.07

More on Fatehpur : The Mughal Gallery , Fatehpur , Tourism-Fatehpur/Sikri

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