Mariam-uz-Zamani Palace Fatehpur Sikri

You must have heard of Jodha Bai, the Rajput princess who was married to the Mughal Emperor Akbar. She was also famously known by her other name, Mariam-uz-Zamani. Apart from these two names, she was known by many other names like Heer Kunwari, Hira Kunwari and Harka Bai. The Mariam-uz-Zamani Palace is one of the most impressive structures in the entire Fatehpur Sikri. It also arouses a lot of curiosity with its architecture which reflects the Mandu, Gwalior, Mandu elements, along with the traditional Islamic designs.

Jodha Bai was the first Rajput wife of Akbar, and came to be called Mariam-uz-Zamani after she gave birth to Jahangir. She was also the longest serving Mughal empress who was a Hindu. Her marriage to Akbar was one of the most important episodes in Indian history, because it symbolized Akbar's tolerance for other religions, which also led him to create inclusive policies.

While visiting the Mariam-uz-Zamani Palace for the first time on your sightseeing tour from Agra to Fatehpur Sikri, you are immediately impressed by its size and aesthetics. It is indeed a brilliant combination of the two. The intricate carvings and floral motifs catch your attention immediately.

Architecture

Mariam-uz-Zamani Palace, also known as Jodha Bai's Palace, is one of the largest palaces in the entire Fatehpur Sikri complex. The eastern side of the structure is marked by a splendid gateway, accompanied by several guard rooms with triangular ceilings. An interesting feature of this magnificent structure built under the reign of Akbar is the presence of Hindu motifs. Some of the motifs which you will come across during your visit to Fatehpur Sikri are parrots, elephants, srivatsa mark, ghant mala and swans. Most of these will be found in the interiors. The building's super structure deserves a special mention in itself, as it comprises of chhaparkhats with eight pillars, chhatris and semicircular domes.

Interesting Facts

• Mariam-uz-Zamani Palace is also known as Jodha Bai Palace.
• It is believed that Jodha Bai was a smart businesswoman too, who ran an international trade in spices and silk.
• Her palace was the largest and most important part of the Imperial Harem.
• You can also see the kitchen of Jodha Bai inside the palace.

Entry Fee

You do not need any separate entry fee for visiting Mariam-uz-Zamani Palace, as it is a part of the enormous Fatehpur Sikri Complex. To visit the latter however, you will be required to pay an entry fee. This varies for both domestic and international tourists. The citizens of India, as well as those belonging to the countries of SAARC and BIMSTEC, will have to pay an entry fee of 35 INR. For international tourists, the entry fee is 550 INR.  Children who are under 15 years of age will not have to pay any entry fee.