Buland Darwaza Agra popularly known as the 'Gate of Magnificence' was built by the Great Mughal Emperor Akbar to commemorate his victory over Gujrat. He built it in the sixteenth century as a gateway to his newly built city of Fatehpur Sikri. Situated on the hilltop it is one of the largest gateways in the world. It is the greatest Indian architecture monument of the entire Akbar's regin. Buland Darwaza is an outstanding example of the Mughal architecture.
The semi octagonal structure of Buland Darwaza is forty meters high and is approached by 42 steps. It is 40.84 m high and was built on a platform that was 13.52 m high. On the top it is dominted by the magnificent pillars and chhatris. The grand recessed central arch forms the most attractive part of the monument. The arch resembles the pattern of the Jami Masjid. Calligraphic inscriptions from the Quran makes this stupendous monument a truly impressive sight. It is built in red sandstone and is beautifully outlayered by the white and black marble. The inscription throws light on the Akbars religious broad mind.
Architectur and Amazing Fact of Buland Darwaza:
Buland Darwaza Architecture was designed and constructed by the great Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1601 AD. It is made of beige, red sandstone, and decorated by enchanting carvings and inlaying of white and black marbles. The Buland Darwaza is a fifteen-storied high gateway which acts as the southern entrance of the Fatehpur Sikri city.
It is higher than the courtyard of the Jama Masjid. Buland Darwaza is symmetrical and topped by huge free-standing kiosks which are known as the Chhatris. This place consists of the top center, stylized buckler battlements, terrace edge gallery kiosks on the roof, and small Minar-spires.
The total height of this structure is about 55 meters from the ground level. It can be reached by climbing 42 steps from the ground level and small turrets cover the gateway on all sides.
This Darwaza was made up of full of the mix Persian and Hindu style of architecture. This Darwaza was so tall that it took 12 years to create and construct. This magnificent structure was built to celebrate Akbar’s decisive victory over Gujarat.
If the visitors take a look at the pillars of the Buland Darwaza, the elegance and style of this majestic structure come to light. These enormous pillars are decorated with the finest carvings and inscriptions are taken from the Holy Quran.
Apart from it, the central face of this gigantic monument bears an inscription which throws light on Akbar’s broad-mindedness and tolerance. This inscription is engraved in Persian and elaborately describes the advice of Jesus Christ to his followers.
So, it is simply a very beautiful sight come to across and remind the people about its fine advancements which are made in the field of art and architecture during the Mughal Empire. There is one more inscription on the eastern gateway that comprises of verses from the Holy Quran.
Best time to visit
The best to visit the site is during the winter season, that is from November to March. The summers are very hot, with the heat hovering around intolerable levels. The Buland Darwaza opens from 8 a.m.in the morning to 7 p.m. in the evening. The place is open on all days. The entry fee is Rs. 10 for Indians and the citizens of the SAARC nations, and Rs. 750 for foreign tourists. The ticket also includes entry to Fatehpur Sikri.
