Fatehpur Sikri

Space, the most important aspect of architecture, finds an outstanding manifestation in the sixteenth century Royal Complex at Fatehpur Sikri. Spatial articulation, simple organization of building elements, singularity of construction materials and consequent technology, come together to create an outstanding building complex at the Sikri hilltop. These are the many facets to the greatness of Fatehpur Sikri's architecture. The middle of the sixteenth century highlighted the coming together of elements and architectural attributes with disparate generic backgrounds. Eclecticism was the celebrated spirit, and Renaissance in Europe had already set the mood for it. Transgressing physical borders, this eclecticism was to also become an important aspect of architectural style and expression of the Royal Complex at Sikri. Hence, if the spatial configuration remains undeniably the most remarkable aspect of this ensemble, its eclectic outlook is another feature of great marvel, expressed as greatly as anywhere else in the world, during this period. Many books have been written on Fatehpur Sikri with various thrust areas. This book attempts to focus on architecture where the setting is engaged deeply with site planning; where the spatial order is highly geometric but not typically Mughal; and where the layers of building process are explored for a medieval intent.