Search the Internet          Tips

Begum Sehba to visit Fatehpur Sikri Sunday

When Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf is busy holding talks with Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on Sunday, Begum Sehba will visit the Fatehpur Sikri, Akbar's 15th century city, which symbolises secularism.

The Begum is likely to spend around half-an-hour on Sunday morning and will be taken around the red sandstone minarets by archaeologist Mohammad K K, the same guide who will show the Taj later in the day to her and the president.

"The Ibadat Khana, where Akbar listened to leaders of all faiths at the Fatehpur Sikri, is a symbol of Indian secularism," said Mohammad, who has recently excavated some structures nearby which show that Akbar had also built a chapel for the Christian community.

Mohammad said his excavations had also unearthed a single vaulted chamber at the Diwan-e-Khas, which was used by Akbar to do the surya sahastrabdi, the Hindu worship of the sun, and the agni puja, the Hindu worship of fire.

Heavy security guards the nearly 40 km stretch from Agra to the walled city. The route contains nine gates, including the Buland Darwaza, where Begum Sehba is to visit the tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti, yet another masterpiece of marble-work in the country.

As last minute preparations are on for the Begum's visit, entry for the general public to the Fatehpur Sikri has been closed from Saturday afternoon.

The magnificent architecture of the city has been drawn from mosques, temples and churches, besides which there are carvings denoting even Jain, Parsi, Buddhist and Jewish cultures.

Akbar is also said to have built a school for girls from the royal family besides a five-floor Hawa Mahal in Buddhist architecture, which is entirely built on pillars and has no walls.

PTI

Indo-Pak Summit 2001: The Complete Coverage

Back to top

Tell us what you think of this report