Birbal Bhavan, Fatehpur Sikri

It is said that when you step into the premises of the ‘Fatehpur Sikri in Uttar Pradesh,’ you are automatically elected to a time of the past. The roads will automatically take you past the days of the mighty Mughals, a time which can be addressed as the brilliant era of the historical backdrop of India. However, (amongst the most critical monuments in Fatehpur Sikri), the Birbal Bhavan can be said to be a standout today amongst the most important tourism destinations in Fatehpur Sikri.

Located near the jodha bai palace, Birbal Bhavan is said to have housed one of His ministers, hence the name. Its attraction is the double dome. Inside, you can see intricate carvings on the walls. The architecture is indeed amazing and photogenic. The construction quality is praiseworthy, too, ending up attracting tourists.

Attraction

Birbal, one of the nine jewels of Akbar’s court, used to live in this Bhavan. Though it was originally made for Akbar’s queen, the house was later given to Birbal. The Bhavan is spectacular from the inside. The carvings are aesthetic, and like other places, it is made of red sandstones, which gives an amazing view. Birbal Bhawan is known for its intricate design and double-domed construction.

History

The Birbal Bhavan is the residence of Raja Birbal, Emperor Akbar’s Hindu Prime Minister and one of the most trusted persons. Birbal was one of the ‘Nine Jewels’ or ‘Navaratna‘ in Akbar’s court. The Bhavan was built in 1571 and is believed to be part of the Imperial’ Harem’, which housed Akbar’s senior queens, Ruqayya Begum and Salima Begum.

People say no other landmark in Fatehpur Sikri can even assume acknowledgment for this ‘respect’ as the Birbal Bhawan, Fatehpur Sikri. The Birbal Bhawan can be evaluated as a standout amongst the most critical holiday destinations of Fatehpur Sikri.

Inside/Outside Views

That treasure chest in Fatehpur Sikri, Birbal Bhavan, is probably the most amazing gem due to the unbelievably elaborate sculptural decoration of its surfaces. We bet you have rarely seen anything like this in years of travel.

The building is named after Raja Birbal (1528-1586). He was a public official in the highest position at the court of Shah Akbar. This is to be expected after seeing this sumptuous tower and its very location within the imperial palace [a privilege unique among all the courtiers]. But apart from this, little of the genesis is known of the building itself (of the context in which its architecture is located and its extraordinary decoration).

However, apart from the ubiquitous carvings, the architectural elements that stand out from the outside are known as the “jharokhas” on the first floor (that is, protruding loggia windows), which can also be called the ‘Indian version of the Western Bay windows.’ The domes resting on an octagonal drum also attract the attention of visitors.

How to Reach

By Air: The nearest airport is Agra Airport or Kheria Airport in Agra to reach Fatehpur Sikri, located at a distance of almost 40 km. One can easily get a taxi from the airport to the destination.

By Train: The nearest railway station from Fatehpur Sikri is Agra Cantt, which is located in Agra. It is about 40 kilometers away from the city. Fatehpur Sikri Station comes before the Agra Cantt station, and the trains are thus well-linked with most of the cities of India. As it is well-connected to other major cities, reaching here is quite easy via train. From the railway station, you can take a taxi to Birbal Bhavan.

By Road: People can also avail of bus services or cabs from neighboring towns to reach the site.

Tips for Travellers

When you arrive in the area of Birbal Bhavan, please don’t consider it to be one of the mere buildings in Fatehpur Sikri that can be seen absent-mindedly. Enter in it and stroll through the interior. Some moments of pure delight are waiting for you.

The entire Palace is Constructed in Red. To understand it in detail, kindly explore it with the help of a guide.

The fastest way to get to Tāj Mahal from Fatehpur Sīkri is by taxi, which takes around 47 min and costs around ₹850 – ₹1,100.

Agra Airport or ‘Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Airport’ (IATA: AGR, ICAO: VIAG), also known as ‘Kheria Airport’, is a domestic airport. It is also an Indian Air Force base serving the city of Agra in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India.

FAQ