Greatest of all the
Mughal Emperors who ruled India, Akbar ascended to the throne in
1556 at the tender age of 14 years. Apparent reason of ascending
throne was the sudden demise of his father Humayun.
Akbar turned his attention towards building a
magnificent Imperial capital at Agra as soon as he consolidated his
power. Instant result of his interest was impressive Agra Fort,
which was a great asset militarily as well as it served as the royal
residence.
In due course of time Akbar decided to shift his
capital to nearby. There is a difference of opinion among historians
about this decision of Akbar. According to the legends Akbar used to
visit the hamlet of Sikri to take the blessings of the great Sufi
saint Salim Chisti in order to have an heir to his throne.
Akbar's visitations were fruitful, for he was
blessed with three sons. He built the new city according to the
instructions of Salim Chisti whose mausoleum is a part of Fatehpur
Sikri.
Another set of historians say that he built the
new city at Fatehpur Sikri as it was falling on the highway towards
South India from North India. From this place he was able to control
all parts of the country and move in any direction without much
trouble. The new city was set on a hilltop that made it reasonably
safe from future attacks.
The new city, built on a ridge, grew into a
magnificent township larger than contemporary London. Akbar did not
stayed in this magnificent city for long and reasons for deserting
Fatehpur Sikri are as much mysterious as was its construction.
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