Buland Darwaza

Buland Darwaza ( _hi. बुलंद दरवाज़ा) meaning 'high' or 'great' gate in Persian, is a monument that can be found in Fatehpur Sikri which is located 43 km away from Agra, India. The construction of this city began in about 1569 and was completed in 1588. The architectural style of these buildings has Persian influence. The various buildings found here are- Jodha Bai palace, Birbal's palace, Panch Mahal etc. Buland Darwaza is one of them.

It is known as the "Gate of Magnificence". It was built by Akbar in 1602 to commemorate his conquest of Gujarat. The gateway is approached by 42 steps. The Buland Darwaza is 53.63m high and 35 meters wide. Buland Darwaza is the highest gateway in the world and an astounding example of the Mughal architecture. It is built of red sandstone and inlaying of white marble. Around the archway is a panel on which is written,in kufic script, "Jesus, Son of Mary (on whom be peace) said: The world is a bridge, pass over it, but build no houses upon it. He who hopes for a day, may hope for eternity; but the world endures but an hour. Spend it in prayer, for the rest is unseen."

The Buland Darwaza towers above the courtyard of the mosque. The Buland Darwaza is semi octagonal in plan and is topped by pillars and chhatris. Buland Darwaza echoes early Mughal design with simple ornamentation, carved verses from the Koran and towering arches. There are thirteen smaller domed kiosks on the roof, stylized battlement and small turrets and inlay work of white and black marble. On the outside a long flight of steps sweeps down the hill giving the gateway additional height. A Persian inscription on eastern archway of the Buland Darwaza records Akbar's conquest over Deccan in 1601 A.D.