Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Fatehpur Village In Rajasthan

Fatehpur is actually a historical capital city made out of twin village of Fatehpur and Sikri that are situated 45 odd kilometers from the city of Agra। The city is situated amidst barren ridge. Emperor Akbar established this city, to serve jointly with Agra, as the imperial capital of Mogul empire.

Fatehpur is actually a historical capital city made out of twin village of Fatehpur and Sikri that are situated 45 odd kilometers from the city of Agra. The city is situated amidst barren ridge. Emperor Akbar established this city, to serve jointly with Agra, as the imperial capital of Mogul empire. The story of this 4 centuries old city is no less interesting than the city itself.

The Muslim Nawabs established Fatehpur in 1451 and the Shekhawati Rajputs took it over in the 18th century. The opulence of the local merchants is so evident from the richly painted havelis of Poddars, Choudhuri and the Ganeriwalas families. The town is also a good base to visit nearby towns of Lakshmangarh and Mandawa.

Mahaveer Prasad Goenka haveli built is 1885 is believed to have some of the best frescos in perfect match of colour and design. The haveli maybe mostly locked and may take several visits to be able to see it.

Geori Shankar Haveli is a good example of mirrored mosaic ceiling. Haveli Nadine is a haveli purchased by a French artist Nadine Le Prince. It retains some good painting is shades predominantly in red and blue.

The artist is energetically restoring the painting and for the time being visitors is not allowed. The Choudaharia Haveli though in an extreme state of deteriorations has a rare departure of an erotic painting.

The most interesting monument in the city is the mighty Buland Darwaza that guards the entrance of the Gate. As you enter the gate, Jama Masjid falls to your left. The beautifully carved tomb of Khwaza Salim Chisti is situated in the middle of the big square courtyard. As you take the right gate, Sikri fort falls on your left and so are Panch Mahal and Jodha Bai Palace. Architecture of all these buildings has a subtle blend of Hindu and Islamic architectural designs. Fatehpur Sikri has all these and much more.

The Jagannath Singhania Haveli has some fine paintings of Radha and Krishna and shows some British men holding guns. The others havelis, which are notable are Harkishan Das Saraogi Haveli and Vishnunath Keria Haveli.

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