Part of: Uttar Pradesh Gk set 19

The royal city at Fatehpur Sikri, situated 26 miles west of Agra, Uttar Pradesh, was built under the orders of the great Mughal Emperor .....

Category: Uttar Pradesh Gk

Hint: Consider the time period and the historical context of the Mughal Empire.

Correct Answer: A) Akbar

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Bank PO, CLAT, MAT

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

Fatehpur Sikri is a historical city located in the Agra district of Uttar Pradesh, India. It was built during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Akbar, who ruled from 1556 to 1605. The city was constructed in 1571 and served as the capital of the Mughal Empire for a brief period, from 1571 to 1585. Akbar chose the site for Fatehpur Sikri to honor the Sufi saint Salim Chishti, who had predicted the birth of Akbar's son, Prince Salim (later Emperor Jahangir).

The construction of Fatehpur Sikri was a significant architectural and cultural achievement. The city is known for its unique blend of architectural styles, including Persian, Hindu, and Jain influences. The most notable structures in Fatehpur Sikri include the Buland Darwaza, the Jama Masjid, the Tomb of Salim Chishti, and the Panch Mahal. The city was designed to be a grand imperial capital, with palaces, mosques, and other buildings that reflected the wealth and power of the Mughal Empire.

Despite its grandeur, Fatehpur Sikri was abandoned by Akbar in 1585 due to a lack of water supply and the need to move the capital closer to the Deccan Plateau to manage military campaigns. The city was left to decay and was eventually abandoned, becoming a historical site that attracts tourists and historians interested in the Mughal period of Indian history.

Understanding the historical context of Fatehpur Sikri is crucial for comprehending the architectural and cultural significance of the site. Akbar's reign was a period of great cultural and artistic achievement, and Fatehpur Sikri stands as a testament to the Mughal Empire's architectural prowess and the emperor's patronage of the arts. The city's construction and subsequent abandonment provide insight into the political and logistical challenges faced by the Mughal rulers.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is correct. Akbar, the third Mughal Emperor, commissioned the construction of Fatehpur Sikri in 1571. The city was built to honor the Sufi saint Salim Chishti and served as the capital of the Mughal Empire from 1571 to 1585.
  • Option B: This option is incorrect. Babar, the founder of the Mughal Empire, ruled from 1526 to 1530. Fatehpur Sikri was built long after his reign, during the time of Akbar.
  • Option C: This option is incorrect. Shah Jahan, who ruled from 1628 to 1658, is known for constructing the Taj Mahal, not Fatehpur Sikri. The construction of Fatehpur Sikri predates his reign by several decades.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect. Aurangzeb, the last of the great Mughal emperors, ruled from 1658 to 1707. Fatehpur Sikri was already abandoned by the time Aurangzeb came to power, as the capital had been moved to Delhi during the reign of Akbar's son, Jahangir.

Mnemonic: A for Akbar, A for Architecture

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