Overview
- Features: Main entrance to the Jama Masjid
- Opening Times: Dawn to dusk, daily
- Best Time to Visit: Early weekday mornings
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours (incl Jama Masjid)
- Travelled By: Bus
- Cost: Free
- Address: Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Type: Gateway
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Summary
The main entrance into the Jama Masjid is through the Buland Darwaza located at the top of a flight of stone steps at the south side. It was built to commemorate Akbar’s military victory in Gujarat in 1573. Just as the grand open mosque towers of the Jama Masjid served as a model for several Mughal mosques, the huge 54-m (177-ft) gateway of the Buland Darwaza later inspired other lofty gateways in India.
Buland Darwaza Fatehpur Sikri
Built in 1571 by Mughal emperor Akbar in his capital city of Fatehpur Sikri, the Jama Masjid is one of the largest mosques in India. This is the sacred section of Fatehpur Sikri and this beautiful and immense mosque is still in use today. There are two entrances into this mosque – the Buland Darwaza (Victory Gate) and the Badshahi Gate (King’s Gate).
The main entrance into the mosque is through the Buland Darwaza located at the top of a flight of stone steps at the south side. It was built to commemorate Akbar’s military victory in Gujarat in 1573. Just as the grand open mosque towers of the Jama Masjid served as a model for several Mughal mosques, the huge 54-m (177-ft) gateway of the Buland Darwaza later inspired other lofty gateways in India.
The Buland Darwaza dominates the south wall but it is a bit out of place here. The high gate is approached from the outside by a flight of steps which adds to its grandeur. The decoration shows Hindu influence, but is severe and restrained, emphasising the lines of its arches with plain surfaces. On the right side of the gateway is an inscription of a verse from the Qur’an:
Said Jesus Son of Mary (on whom be peace): The world is but a bridge; pass over it but build no houses on it. He who hopes for an hour, hopes for Eternity. The world is an hour. Spend it in prayer, for the rest is unseen.
Today, the Buland Darwaza is the main entrance used by visitors to the Jama Masjid; however, the entrance used by Akbar was the Badshahi Darwaza to the east which also connects to the palace complex. The steep steps of this royal gateway led Akbar to a view of the sacred mosque directly across the courtyard upon his entry.
