Akbar (Part-I)

Akbar annexed Gujarat in 1572-73 A.D. and named an earlier established city as Fatehpur Sikri. A class of historian believes that Akbar erected Buland Darwaza of Sikri as victory tower to commemorate his victory over Gujarat while Pursey Brown related its construction with the victory in South (1601).

Mughal emperor Akbar had built the Buland Durwaj and the Jama Masjid at Fatehpur Sikri.

Akbar was the Mughal emperor who introduced educational reforms in the curriculum of learning, especially at the primary level. Certain important subjects like arithmetic, logic mensuration, geometry, astronomy, physiognomy, accountancy, public administration and agriculture were included in the course of study at his command. Though he received no formal education, he patronized men of learning.

A village named Sikri was located around 37 Km away from Agra, the famous Sufi Sage Shaikh Salim Chishti resided here. Akbar used to visit Sikri frequently for his blessings. The finest monuments constructed by Akbar is found in Fatehpur Sikri-Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i-Khas, Treasury, Panch Mahal, Khas Mahal, Kothi of Turki Sultana, Jodha Bai Mahal, Kothi of Mariyam, Birbal Ki Kothi, etc. are major complexes of Sikri. Pursey Brown stated Sikri as "Pearl of Architectute" due to its elegance.

Akbar constructed various buildings at his new capital Fatehpur Sikri. Panch Mahal was a five-storey building and built on the pattern of a Buddhist monastery. This monument style is inspired by multi-storey buildings of Nalanda.

Panch Mahal's construction started under the regime of Emperor Akbar. Panch means five and the place has been named panch mahal because of its five storeys. Panch Mahal architecture resembles that of the Buddhist monasteries. The ground floor has 84 pillars that support the entire structure.

Panch Mahal's construction started under the regime of Emperor Akbar. Panch means five and the place has been named panch mahal because of its five storeys. Panch Mahal architecture resembles that of the Buddhist monasteries. The ground floor has 84 pillars that support the entire structure.

Agra Fort is the earliest example of Akbari style. This fort was built by Akbar. This monument was erected in the guidance of the chief architect of Akbar, Kasim Khan. Akbar had built more than 500 buildings in the fort by red sandstones. Jahangir Mahal is located inside of the Agra Fort. This palace was constructed for Shahzada Salim by Akbar. Jahangir Palace is one of the top examples of Mughal architecture with intricate Hindu and Islamic motifs. The architecture of Jahangir palace is inspired by the palace of Man Singh of Gwalior.

The tomb of Akbar is located at Sikandara, in a small village founded by Sikandar Lodi. Akbar named this place Bahistabad. It is situated on the outskirts of the Agra city. He commenced its construction plan but it was completed by his son Jahangir in 1613 A.D. This mammoth tomb has five story building. The speciality of the cenotaph is its domeless square apex.

Red Fort of Delhi was not constructed during the period of Akbar. It was built in the period of Shah Jahan. It is famous as Red Fort as it is constructed with red sandstone. Its construction was completed in 1648 A.D. while Agra Fort, Allahabad Fort, and Lahore Fort were built in the reign of Akbar.