Buland Darwaza

Buland Darwaza was built as a victory symbol over the Gujarat and also referred as "Gate of Magnificence" is a high gateway built by Mughal Emperor Akbar in 16th Century A.D. Buland Darwaza symbolizes the architectural prowess of the Mughals. The Buland Darwaza leads to the complex which has the Jama Masjid and the Tomb of Sufi Saint Salim Chisti.

Buland Darwaza is an architecturally rich structure and made of red and buff sandstone and decorated with white and black marble. It's a great monument to witness the architecture of Mughal period and admire the civil engineers of ancient times.

Buland Darwaza is a part of Fatehpur Sikri Fort. The Fatehpur Sikri was the Mughal empire capital for around 12-15 years (around 1570-1585), when Mughal Emperor Akbar shifted his capital from Agra to Fatehpur. But later due to the shortage of water, he had to shift the capital back to the Agra.

History
In the year 1573, the Emperor Akbar built this huge monument to commemorate his victory over Khandesh (or Gujarat, as it is now known). It was built by Muhammad of Ghazani. It took almost 12 years to complete the structure. Fatehpur Sikri was an important place during the time of Akbar, and Agra was the capital. Fatehpur Sikri has many other important monuments, but this one towers above all. The structure is the most beautiful one that has been built with great dedication and passion.

Architecture
The name Buland Darwaza comes from the Persian language, which means "mighty gate". The monument is an imposing construction and stands almost 43 feet tall on a majestic pedestal and is 54 feet above the ground. One has to climb 42 steps in order to reach the gate.

The architecture has a great influence of Persian and Hindu styles. There are inscriptions from the Holy Quran that can be seen on the pillars at the front. The calligraphy is quite unique and was a favourite motif of the Mughal Emperors. The gateway has one famous inscription that says, 'The work is a bridge, just pass over but, never build houses'. The whole structure comprises two aspects, one is the frontal, the main aspect, having the portal look, and the posterior one, that comprises a much plainer portion that is in the mosque courtyard. There are three planes on the central face, and smaller ones on each side.
The monument is made of red sandstone, white and black marble, and is semi-octagonal in design. It has pillars along with chhatri on the top.

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.

Agra Tourism

The Taj Mahal Agra, the most romantic city in India, is famous for the marble edifice 'Taj Mahal' hued in the eternal beauty that is immortal. This beautiful marble monument, located on a bank of the Yamuna River in Agra India, has inspired poets and lovers throughout the world. You can see the gorgeous Taj Mahal on tours to Agra. Agra was the capital of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and his attractive Queen Mumtaz Mahal. After she passed away in 1631, Shah Jahan created a mausoleum that is now known as a symbol of undying love. During your tours to Agra, a visit to the Agra Fort and the Fatehpur Sikri, the red sandstone city made by Emperor Akbar is an absolute must. Agra is one of the most important historic cities of India. Agra tours will give enough opportunity to know about the history and culture of Agra.

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