# Fatehpur Sikri

- **Country:** India
- **Coordinates:** 27.091000, 77.661000

Fatehpur Sikri is a historic town located in the Agra district of Uttar Pradesh, India, situated approximately 36 kilometers from the city of Agra. Founded in 1571 by the Mughal Emperor Akbar, it served as the capital of the Mughal Empire for a brief but significant period between 1571 and 1585. The city was eventually abandoned due to military campaigns in Punjab and was completely deserted by 1610. Its name derives from the earlier village of Sikri that occupied the site, which archaeological excavations reveal had housing, temples, and commercial centers dating back to the Shunga Empire and later controlled by Sikarwar Rajputs until the sixteenth century.

The site is renowned for its exceptional Mughal architectural style, representing a unique fusion of Persian, Islamic, and Indian design elements. Notable structures include the massive Buland Darwaza, a 54-meter-high gateway serving as the entrance to the Jama Masjid, which stands as a testament to the grandeur of Akbar's reign. The town's layout and buildings reflect the planning of a planned imperial city, showcasing intricate stonework and expansive courtyards. Due to its outstanding universal value, Fatehpur Sikri was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986 under cultural criteria, recognizing its importance in the history of urban planning and architecture.

Today, Fatehpur Sikri exists primarily as a well-preserved archaeological site and a major tourist destination rather than a functioning capital. While the modern town surrounding the complex has a population of over 32,000 residents who speak Hindi and Urdu, the historic core remains protected and managed by the Archaeological Survey of India. The condition of the red sandstone monuments is generally stable, allowing visitors to explore the palaces, courts, and mosques that once housed the imperial court. Its history as a short-lived capital offers a fascinating glimpse into the ambitions and eventual shifts of the Mughal dynasty, making it a critical site for understanding Indian heritage.

![Photo of Fatehpur Sikri](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b5/Fatehput_Sikiri_Buland_Darwaza_gate_2010.jpg)

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fatehpur_Sikri (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)