Panch Mahal



Panch Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh

Information on Panch Mahal (Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh) - History & Architecture


The Panch Mahal is situated in Fatehpur Sikri which is considered to be an essential part of Uttar Pradesh. It is said that it took 15 years by Akbar in the abandonment of the entire new city- "Fatehpur Sikri". Even today one can witness various heritages of the past here. The Panch Mahal mainly has a blend of the Indo-Islamic style of Architecture. It is also known as "Badgir" which actually means "wind catcher tower". The palace is a five storey and is situated close to the Zenana quarters or the Harem which made the palace to be an immense pleasure provider.

Panch Mahal Architecture

The architectural splendor of Panch Mahal is so beautiful, that the five storyed structure is world famous for its splendid architecture that signifies the importance of the Buddhist during that era.

The Architecture of the Panch Mahal resembles the Buddhist architecture. By this we can analyze the degree of impact by the Buddhists over the Kings of that era. It is constructed in such a way that is resembles to look like a Buddhist temple. There are about 84 pillars on the ground floor which support this structure. The palace mainly has five floors which are in the decreasing order, when observed from the ground floor. If you have a keen look at the palace there are many pillars which support the palace to stand firmly with the multi stores on it. The terrace of the Palace is very beautiful and is bordered with exquisite screens.

However, there were previously many antiquely designed screens present in between the pillars but with the miseries of time they sought of got disappeared. The architecture is done in a way to help the palace being airy and breezy enough. It was made in such a way so as to beat the summers of Agra.

The uppermost dome of the Panch Mahal seems to appear like a crown of the entire palace and has got only four columns to it. Thereby, the pavilion at the top gives an amazing view of the fort which is present on the left side.

Panch Mahal History

The history of the Panch Mahal goes back to the era of Akbar the great, as it was built by Akbar himself. Some say that the Panch Mahal was a amusement palace of Akbar. However, the palace also acted as the medium to solve the problems of the people of the Kingdom. While some people came to the palace to seek the blessings of their very own King. It is also believed that the Mahal was used by Akbar's queen to enjoy the confined view of the Pool while some is of the opinion that it used to serve Akbar for relaxation and to get respite from the scorching heat of Agra.

Panch Mahal Tourism Importance

The Panch Mahal has over the changing times become a favorite spot of every tourist who visits Agra. It has got that grand look which every tourist expects from a palace to have. It is very airy and has a view that will make you speechless. The architecture is such that it amazes not only the tourists but also the architects of today. It is regarded as one of the important monuments which have been made by the Moghals during their rule in India. However, the Panch Mahal is regarded as an important attraction of Fatehpur Sikri.

So, to discover the glories of the golden era of India do make it a point of visiting this majestic palace in Fatehpur Sikri.