Jama Masjid Fatehpur Sikri

The Mughals can be credited with having built some of the grandest structures in the history of India. Their architectural brilliance is reflected in the amazing monuments, palaces and other structures that are scattered across much of North India today. During your sightseeing tour from Agra when you visit Fatehpur Sikri, you will come across Jama Masjid. Its size, dimensions and aesthetics, each part of it will remind you of the advancements made in the field of art and architecture under the rule of the Mughals.

What makes Jama Masjid in Fatehpur Sikri stand out from other mosques built during that period is the fact that it is the most beautiful and largest mosque in the world. The mosque complex is so enormous in size that the Buland Darwaza (which commemorates the victory of Akbar over Gujarat) and the Tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti are part of it. The mosque elegantly amalgamates all the finest elements of Iranian and Indian schools of architecture. It is an impressive sight to come across undoubtedly.

Architecture

The Jama Masjid is one of the most spectacular structures that you will ever come across. The entire mosque complex is built in the shape of a quadrangle, with the mosque itself standing on the western side. The Buland Darwaza is located on the south, Badshahi Darwaza stands on the east while the tombs of Sheikh Salim and Islam Khan along with the ablution tank stand in the inner courtyard. The mosque is characterised by a single dome, two colonnaded halls on either side and two square chambers which are topped with a dome.

It is widely believed by art historians that the Jama Masjid, one of the most famous tourist attractions in Fatehpur Sikri, reflects a transition phase in Islamic art. The best elements to be found in the Indian school of architecture have been blended with that of the Persian school. A particularly beautiful feature of the mosque are the elegant mihrabs (a niche in the wall of the mosque) which are to be found in the main chamber and two smaller rooms.

Interesting Facts

• Jama Masjid is also known as Jami Masjid.
• It is one of the largest mosques in India.
• Akbar, the Mughal emperor, built this magnificent monument in 1571 A.D.

Entry Fee

You don't have to pay any entry fee while entering the Jama Masjid mosque complex during your sightseeing tour from Agra to Fatehpur Sikri. To visit the latter, however, you will have to pay an entry fee, which varies for both domestic and international tourists. While the citizens of India as well as those of SAARC and BIMSTEC will have to pay 35 INR, the entry fee for international tourists is 550 INR. There is no entry fee for children under 15 years of age.