Feature by Aditi Kumaria Hingu
Buland Darwaza (“Strong Door or Gate of Magnificence”), was built in 1601 AD by the Mughal Emperor Akbar to commemorate his victory over Gujarat. It is the main entrance to the palace at Fatehpur Sikri, a town which is 43 kms from Agra.
The Buland Darwaza is made of red and buff sandstone and is decorated by white and black marble.
The total height of the structure is about 54 metres from the ground level.
It is a 15-storied high gateway acting as the southern entrance of the city of Fatehpur Sikri. The approach to the gate consists of 42 steps. It is semi octagonal in plan and has two smaller triple-storeyed wings on either side.
The Buland Darwaza is symmetrical and is topped by large free-standing kiosks, which are called the chhatris. It also has small minar-spires, and inlay work with white and black marble.
A Persian inscription on eastern archway of the Buland Darwaza records Akbar’s conquest over Uttar Pradesh and the victory in Gujarat in 1601.
An inscription on the central face of the Buland Darwaza describes Akbar’s religious openness.
Verses from the Holy Quran have been carved in along the top.
It took nearly 12 years to make this gateway. It is one of the highest gateways in the world and is one of the main highlights of the tourist circuit in Fatehpur Sikri.
