MIT Libraries homeDome

The mosque, known as the 'Glory of Fatehpur Sikri', stands on the western side of the religious and palatial complex of the city and, together with it, was built by Akbar to honor Shaikh Salim, the Chishti saint. It measures 89X20 meters, and was the largest mosque of the Mughal Empire in its time. The main entrance into its large courtyard is through the Buland Darwaza, an enormous monumental gate. A large pistaq, a type of high arched gate with Timurid origins, leads into the main prayer hall, which is finished in red sandstone and white inlay. Paint and gilt add to the intricate ornamentation. Flanking the main hall are large, pillared side wings. Source: Archnetexterior, exterior view to northwest, 1984