The Naubat Khana is one of the famous beautiful structures to come across in Fatehpur Sikri, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a city built by Akbar to serve as his capital. This spectacular structure is not something which you should miss out on your Agra Fatehpur Sikri sightseeing tour. It is also known as Naqqar Khana and is built in the traditional Mughal style of architecture. The elegance and sophistry which is commonly associated with Mugahl architecture is most visible in the archways of this structure.
It gets its name after the fact that it was here that the Naubat (a particular kind of drum which is played during ceremonies) was played during special occasions and ceremonies. According to the custom prevalent during those days, the Naubat would be played to announce the arrival of the emperor. There was also a general rule whereby, music was played at this structure five times a day at pre-fixed hours. This building, which consists of three stories, also has an Elephant Gate or Hathi Pol where the visitors had to dismount before proceeding any further.
Architecture
Naubat Khana is an outstanding red sandstone Mughal era structure which you should visit on your tour to Fatehpur Sikri. The building, which is three storied, consists of three arches which lend a look of elegance to it.
Interesting Facts
- Naubat Khana is where the Nubat, or the drum, would be played to announce the arrival of the Emperor.
Entry Fee
Naubat Khana is a part of Fatehpur Sikri complex, and you do not need any extra entry fee to visit it during your sightseeing tour from Agra. However, to visit Fatehpur Sikri itself, you will have to pay an entry fee. This is different for both domestic and international tourists. Those who are citizens of India, as well as those belonging to SAARC and BIMSTEC countries, will have to pay an entry fee of 35 INR. International tourists will have to pay an entry fee of 550 INR. Children who happen to be under 15 years of age will not be required to pay any extra entry fee.
Best Time to Visit
Naubat Khana is one of the foremost attractions of Fatehpur Sikri which you can explore during your trip from Agra. The best time to visit it largely depends on the kind of weather you are comfortable travelling in. During the summers, it gets quite hot, with the temperature fluctuating between 40°C to 45°C.
For many people, this heat can be quite uncomfortable and a major daunting factor as far as visiting it is concerned. It is during the winters that the weather is calm and pleasant, with the right conditions for sightseeing and exploration. Most of the tourists plan a visit to Agra and the nearby places during this time.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Naubat Khana is an outstanding structure built during the Mughal period and is a part of Fatehpur Sikri complex. Apart from this, here are other locations which you can check out and are located in close proximity.
- Taj Mahal
- Birbal's Palace
- Nubat Khana
- Mariam-uz-Zamani
- Ibadat Khana
- Jodha Bai's Palace
- Tomb of Akbar the Great
- Badshahi Darwaza
- Buland Darwaza
- Jama Masjid
- Panch Mahal