Fatehpur Sikri: A Reflection of Mughal Syncretic Statecraft

The paper examines Fatehpur Sikri, an ancient city that was temporarily used as a capital by Emperor Akbar during the 16th century. It discusses the city’s monumental architecture, design, and integration of Persian, Islamic, and Hindu styles of architecture. He constructed it to commemorate the birth of his son, Salim, and it gained recognition for its religious association with the Sufi saint Salim Chishti. The research discusses popular landmarks such as the Ibadat Khana, Diwan-i-Khas, and the Salim Chishti mausoleum, discussing their distinct designs and significance. Though the city was deserted shortly after its construction, it stays a testament to his progressive leadership and regard for other religions. The paper underlines in which ways religious tolerance, Sufi Spiritualism, and political legitimacy, converged in the built landscape. Overall, the research concludes that for all its brief period as a capital city, the city left an enduring mark on India’s cultural and architectural heritage as its architecture is one of the finest of Mughal art. It is the symbol of political authority with syncretic architecture and influence from amalgamation of diverse cultures.