FATEHPUR SIKRI

town, southwestern Uttar Pradesh state, northern India. The town lies about 23 miles (37 km) west of Agra. It was founded in 1569 by the great Mughal emperor Akbar as his capital. In that year Akbar had visited the Muslim hermit Chishti, who was residing in the village of Sikri. Chishti correctly foretold that Akbar's wish for an heir would be gratified with the birth of a son, who was born in Sikri that very year (he would later rule as the emperor Jahangir). The grateful Akbar decided that the site of Sikri was auspicious, and he decided to make it his capital. He personally directed the building of the Jami' Masjid (Great Mosque; 1571), with an ornate tomb for Chishti. The mosque's southern entrance, the colossal gateway Buland Darwaza (Victory Gate), is one of India's greatest architectural works. This monumental gateway is constructed out of red sandstone and is attractively carved. Fatehpur Sikri contains other early Mughal structures, exhibiting both Muslim and Hindu architectural influences. They include the palace of Akbar's wife (Jodha Bai), a private audience hall, and houses. The Mughal capital was moved to Delhi in 1586 because of Fatehpur Sikri's inadequate water supply. Fatehpur Sikri is now maintained as a historic site. Pop. (1981) 17,908.