Mughal Architecture in Fatehpur Sikri

The most extensive architectural project undertaken by the Mughal emperor Akbar — the mosques, tombs and other buildings at Fatehpur Sikri — represents a range of imperial Mughal architecture. While later rulers (particularly Shah Jahan) will oversee further experiments, it is during Akbar’s reign that most of the distinctive features of the Mughal style, generally regarded as the peak of Islamic architecture in South Asia, are standardised. 

The tall arched entranceways, large halls and vaulted ceilings are direct Persian and Central Asian influences, while the octagonal plan of a main structure and its adjacent charbagh (or four-part garden with water features) echo the earlier Delhi Sultanate architecture, which in turn often took cues from Persian designs. Other features, namely the bulbous dome and the use of red sandstone, judiciously applied pietra dura, and a very selective use of white marble are distinctly Mughal. The style’s influence on South Asian architecture will be seen in subsequent mosques, tombs and temples in the form of scalloped arches, chhatris (pavilions with open archways and domed roofs), slender columns and white marble tombs.