Jodha Bai’s Kitchen, Fatehpur Sikri, UP, India.
One among the plenty of monuments located at this World Heritage Site, is a exquisitely carved structure is popularly referred as Jodha Bai’s kitchen.
Probably it might be part of the Seraglio or Royal Mughal Harem which is distinctive by its location as situated opposite to the Jodha Bai’s Palace. It appears that, it was having the connecting corridors and galleries which are damaged. Initially it was built with sloping roof later it was replaced by the flat roof which is supported by plain rectangular stone pillars,lintels,beams and covered by stone slabs. Wall is of random rubble stone masonry and interior plaster traces are available. It’s having the provision of door, windows and screened vent.
Exterior surface is superb and finely carved with floral and geometric motifs. A band of earrings are carved horizontally above the door level on the walls. In zigzag pattern like mat, the lotus figures are also engraved.
Front is having a stone hanging which is supported by L shape stone brackets then thick stone wide lintels with flower vine carved on inner surface and edge with the fringes, over which the stone hanging are placed and strengthened by constructing parapet on the stone hanging ends.
This monument is spectacular because of its magnificent exterior which is decorated with fine carvings. It’s a major tourists attraction especially for the art lovers.
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