Fatehpur Sikri is called a ghost town as it was built and then abandoned shortly after due to many problems. One of the earliest monuments built in the complex is the Rang Mahal Fatehpur Sikri. While the state of the palace today is nothing like it used to be, it still provides a great history lesson of how things were in the past. A monument that got lost among the other more popular palaces in the Fatehpur Sikri compound, the Rang Mahal has a charm that even time cannot fade. It still has the magnificence and touch of opulence that attracts thousands of tourists every day to Fatehpur Sikri.
About Rang Mahal Fatehpur Sikri
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Rang Mahal translates to colourful palace and it was indeed one of the most beautiful palaces in the Fatehpur Sikri site. The Rang Mahal Fatehpur Sikri today has lost its structure but not its charm. It is one of the minor monuments in the area along with Hathi Pole, Hiran Minar, Kabutar Khana, Karawan Sarai, and Sangin Burj. It is situated on the west side of the Jama Masjid which is a mosque. People often ignore the Rang Mahal because it has not been preserved like the other monuments, but it is still a part of the rich history of the place.
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History Of Rang Mahal Fatehpur Sikri
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The Rang Mahal is believed to be one of the oldest buildings to be constructed on the Fatehpur Sikri site. It is believed that Emperor Akbar built it in 1569 when Sheikh Salim ad-Din Chisti, the town’s saint, advised him to do so. The saint also predicted that the emperor would have three sons. The palace was built for his wife on the insistence of the saint and the emperor later brought his pregnant wife to the palace so she could stay there. Rang Mahal is the place where their son was born, and he was called Prince Salim. He was also called Jahangir.
Architecture Of Rang Mahal Fatehpur Sikri
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Today, it is difficult to understand the architecture as not much is left of Rang Mahal Fatehpur Sikri. Like the other complex structures, the Rang Mahal is made of red sandstone. Historians have thrown some light on the structure of the monument. They said there were five inner courts including the one in the centre. The entrance was on the North side, with three openings on the east court. The inner room, which is closed, is the one that has survived ruin. A double-storey façade overlooks the court, which is located below it.
The fascinating aspect of the Rang Mahal is the lack of a dome, reminiscent of most other structures. The brackets are one of the highlights of the place as they are shaped in a horse-head manner. This type of design is unique and adds to the beauty of the entire palace. You can also find numerous intricately designed motifs that showcase the bygone era of the Mughals. They were believed to be used for the first time in the Rang Mahal of Fatehpur Sikri, making it a marvel and one-of-a-kind artwork. Even though the building is not at its prime, it is still considered among the finest residential architecture beauties.
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Things To Do
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Take a guided tour: You can find guided tours that explain all the details of Fatehpur Sikri and the significance of every palace and structure in it. A knowledgeable guide helps understand all the minute details of the various monuments in the complex. You can ask questions and delve into the history of the monument. This is an immersive experience that you should not miss.
Walk around and take your time: The optimal way to understand the ghost town and the Rang Mahal is to take your time and walk around. History should not be rushed, and it is best to stroll around to check out all the intricate details of the monuments that are still left. You will not be visiting the buildings repeatedly, so it is good to take your time when you do visit it!
Take photographs: It is worth photographing what is left of the monument, especially during sunrise and sunset, when you will enjoy the best views. Even though Rang Mahal Fatehpur Sikri is not as amazing as it once was, you can still capture some photos of the remaining parts of the palace. Make sure you take your best camera to catch some stunning shots!
Buy souvenirs: The souvenir shop at Fatehpur Sikri sells souvenirs for your friends, colleagues, and loved ones back home. Make sure you take something for yourself, too, to remember your incredible trip to Agra and its famous Fatehpur Sikri tour. The shop near the fort sells jewellery, handicraft items, and much more.
Tips For Visiting Rang Mahal Fatehpur Sikri
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- Take off your shoes when you visit the mosques in Fatehpur Sikri because they are religious places. You should also wear modest clothing.
- You cannot carry food or snacks inside the complex, so make sure you have none of those items. You can carry water bottles.
- It is easier to buy your ticket for a trip to Fatehpur Sikri online and you can get a discount but you can also buy it at the counters at the complex.
- Do not litter anywhere in the monument. ASI protects it, and you should ensure it is kept clean and tidy.
- If you know nothing about the Mughal empire and want to delve deep into its history, it is best to hire a licensed guide from the tourism and ASI counters.
- You should wear sunscreen when visiting during the daytime as it can get very hot in the afternoon. Also, cover your head and wear sunglasses to protect yourself from the heat.
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A trip to Uttar Pradesh must include the second most famous tourist destination in Agra, Fatehpur Sikri! Do not forget to visit the Rang Mahal Fatehpur Sikri which will take you to the past and in the life of the Mughal emperor. The entire tour will be enlightening and fun so go along with your family and have a historically blissful time.
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Cover Image credit : By Anupamg for Wikimedia Commons.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rang Mahal Fatehpur Sikri
How much time is needed to tour Rang Mahal?
You need at least half an hour to fully look at the splendour of the Rang Mahal. As you will probably be touring the entire Fatehpur Sikri site, it is best to set aside 3 to 4 hours to do so.
Are tour guides available?
The UP Tourism has fixed the charges of the tour guides. A half-day tour of Fatehpur Sikri will cost you INR 550 if you are an Indian national and INR 1500 if you are a foreigner.
What are the timings of Rang Mahal?
Rang Mahal Fatehpur Sikri and the other monuments in the complex can be visited anytime from sunrise to sunset. It is best to complete the tour in the morning when there is not much rush.
How to reach Rang Mahal?
You can come by bus, auto, or taxi to Fatehpur Sikri from Agra directly. The distance from Agra to Rang Mahal Fatehpur Sikri is 34 km.
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