Dear LG Community,
I’m excited to start another series on a topic I’m passionate about : Heritage of India. This series is based on my recent heritage tour of Agra.
The 2nd part of this series takes us through the majestic Buland Darwaza and the divine dargah of Sheikh Salim Chishti.
Buland Darwaza :
The Buland Darwaza, highest gateway in the world, was built by Akbar in 1573 after his conquest of Gujarat. Made of red sandstone, it stands majestically as an entrance to the Jama Masjid at Fatehpuri Sikri. It is symmetrical and is topped by large free-standing kiosks, which are the chhatris. It is 40 meters high and 51 meters from the ground. The total height of the structure is about 54 meters from the ground level. The approach to the gate consists of 42 steps.
Inscription : Interestingly, on the main gateway, an Islamic inscription written in Persian reads “Isa” (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary) said: “The world is a Bridge, pass over it, but build no houses upon it. He who hopes for a day may hope for eternity, but the World endures but an hour. Spend it in prayer for the rest is unseen.”
Dargah of Sheikh Salim Chishti :
It enshrines the burial place of the Chishti Sufi saint Salim Chisti (1478 – 1572), a descendant of Baba Farid. It was constructed between 1580 - 1581 by Akbar and is completely made of marble. It is considered to be one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture in India. Akbar used to rever Salim Chishti as he foretold the birth of his eldest son Jahangir. Along with the Jama Masjid and the old city of Fatehpur Sikri, the tomb was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1986.
N.B
- This place was extremely crowded when I visited as there was a popular local fair going on which attracted a lot of locals as many options to eat and shop were available. Hence, I could only click a limited number of photos where the crowds were comparitively fewer.
- This trip was organized by a heritage group, where fellow history enthusiasts gathered and 2 noted historians shared valuable historical stories related to these monuments. Sharing a group picture we took at the Fatehpur Sikri Fort complex.
Accessibility :
Tickets can be purchased online or through the ticket counter in the entrance
How to reach Agra :
- By Road : Agra is well-connected by road, notably via the Yamuna Expressway from Delhi, which offers a smooth and quick journey. You can travel by private car, taxi, or numerous bus services from surrounding cities.
- By Air: Agra has its own airport, Kheria Airport (AGR), which is primarily a military base but offers limited commercial flights, mainly connecting to Delhi. Many travelers opt to fly to Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) and then travel to Agra by road.
Recommended Stay Options :
Cover Image created using GeminiAI.
Link to previous part of Agra Heritage Series :
