Diwan I Khas Agra

There were times when the Mughal emperor Akbar entertained the common masses, while others were reserved for the royals. The Diwan-i-Khas, or the Hall of Private Audience, was built for such occasions. During your trip to Fatehpur Sikri, you will find his majestic structure located in the north corner of the Pachisi courtyard. It is marked by a carved pillar in the center.

Akbar, by way of his secular outlook, was a man far ahead of this time. He was interested in knowing about other religions than Islam and invited scholars belonging to different faiths to hold religious discussions. This is the place where he would do that. Upon visiting it, you are certainly intrigued by its wonderful architecture, which is most popular for its four chhatris (umbrella-like structures) and intricately carved central pillars.

It is commonly believed that the scholars, who would debate with Akbar, would stand at the ends of the four "bridges" that were connected by the center. If all this sounds quite interesting, wait till you come across this marvelous structure during your tour to Fatehpur Sikri from Agra.

History of Diwan-i-Khas

Built as a form of homage to the memory of the great Sufi saint, Sheikh Salim Chisti, who, it is said, blessed the emperor with an heir to the Mughal throne in India, who was to be later known as Jahangir, Fatehpur Sikri was built in 1571 and stood as the capital of the Mughal empire till the year 1585. Once, the bustling capital city of the great Mughals, Fatehpur Sikri was abandoned due to what, today is guessed by historians to be a severe water shortage.

Listed in the prestigious list of World Heritage sites as put down by UNESCO, Fatehpur Sikri is today one of the greatest pride of Indian culture. Arguably, one of the most prestigious monuments in Fatehpur Sikri, the Diwan-I-Khas in Fatehpur Sikri offers an excellent glimpse of life in the Mughal court in Fatehpur Sikri.

Architecture of Diwan-i-Khas

The Diwan-i-Khas, or the Hall of Private Audience, was built largely in the Persian style of architecture. A carved central column dominates the interiors, while the four pillars, which open themselves at the top, are adorned with exquisite sculptures and precious stones.

One of these pillars is attached to the central platform, which is where the emperor would sit. The diagonal galleries surrounding it are believed to have been occupied by ministers and nobles. At times, though, the galleries were too narrow and were unable to accommodate all the ministers of the court at once. According to some people, the Diwan-i-Khas is where the gems, jewels, and other precious possessions of the royal household would be stored, with the emperor making occasional visits to it.

Even though there is a lack of ornamentation in the structure, it is undoubtedly one of the main tourist attractions of Fatehpur Sikri.