Jami Masjid At Fatehpur Sikri

Jami Masjid At Fatehpur Sikri

1. The Jami Masjid at Fatehpur Sikri was built by Akbar in A.D. 1571.
   
2. It covers a rectangular area measuring 542’ X 438’, with a large courtyard, originally entered by gateways on the north, south and east. Of these, only the eastern or King’s Gateway has remained unaltered by subsequent additions.
   
3. It is one of the largest mosques in the country.
   
4. The mosque follows the conventional plan form with a central courtyard surrounded by cloisters on 3 sides and the sanctuary on the western side.
   
5. The sanctuary façade consists of a large rectangular fronton in the centre containing a spacious alcove, with a pillared arcade on each side to form the wings.
   
6. Above and behind this central feature rises a large dome over the central nave and smaller domes over the wings. 
   
7. A range of pillared kiosks all along the entire parapet breaks the skyline.
   
8. The nave is a square hall entered through three doorways in the alcoved fronton which contains the principal mihrab on its western wall and is covered by the main dome.
   
9. The aisles are accessed through archways from the nave and correspond to the arcaded wings of the façade. In the centre of each of the aisles is a small chapel, covered by one of the two smaller domes.
   
10. There is an admirable combination of beams and arches, the two structural systems in a well maintained balance.