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Diwan E Khas

  • 4.5

    Location: 3MX8+4CG, Dadupura, Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh 283110, India

    Estimated Visiting Time: 1 to 2 hours

    Website not available

    Diwan E Khas (also known as the Hall of Private Audiences) is a grand hall built by Emperor Akbar to entertain his special guests. It’s the same place where dignitaries, intellectuals, and spiritual leaders held meetings with the emperor. This place shows the richness of the emperors too. 

    It was built largely in the ‘Persian style’ of architecture. A carved central column dominates the interiors, while the four pillars, which open themselves at the top, are adorned with exquisite sculptures as well as precious stones. One of the pillars is even attached to a central platform, which is where the emperor would eventually sit. The ‘diagonal galleries’ surrounding it are reported to have been occupied by the ministers and the nobles.  The galleries were too narrow and were sometimes unable to accommodate all the ministers of the court at once. According to some historians, the Diwan E Khas was probably where the gems, jewels, and other precious possessions of the royal household would be stored. They even believe that the emperor used to make occasional visits to it. However, despite the fact that there is a lack of much ‘ornamentation’ in the structure, it is undoubtedly one of the main tourist attractions of Fatehpur Sikri.

    Attraction

    The Diwan E Khas is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful things to see in Fatehpur Sikri. That is why it ends up attracting a lot of tourists every year.

    Diwan E Khas - Attraction, History and Its Unique architecture

    It is believed that the Diwan E Khas was once used for gold, jewels, or other precious items. One of the interesting facts about this place is it was built by the Mughals and is one of the masterpieces of ‘Persian styles of architecture’. However, this was the place where Akbar held his religious discussions.

    Currently, the place is famous for its rich history and unique architecture. History lovers and architectural enthusiasts find it attractive to visit.

    History

    The Diwan E Khas building style developed in India under the patronage of the ‘Mughal emperor Akbar’ (reigned 1556–1605). The architecture of the Akbar period is characterized by a strength that is elegant as well as graceful by its rich decorative work, which eventually reflects various traditional Hindu elements.

    The capital town of Fatehpur Sikri has one of the most notable achievements of Islamic architecture in India. The town, which was deserted only a couple of years after it was built, is a big complex of palaces and lesser residences and religious as well as official buildings. The Hall of Private Audience or the Diwan E Khas is arresting in its interior arrangement that has a single massive column encircled by brackets supporting a ‘stone throne platform’, from which radiate four railed balconies.

    Inside/Outside Views

    Diwan E Khas is a rectangular ‘two-story-high’ building along with a flat roof. One of its distinguishing features is the presence of four ‘chhatris’ on four corners of the roof, making it look elegant and graceful.

    Diwan E Khas - Attraction, History and Its Unique architectureCarved in eye-conic red sandstone, Akbar’s Diwan-e-Khas boasts a unique blend of both Islamic and Hindu architecture. It can be addressed as a fusion of the artistic elements from both architectural elements. It offers a glimpse into the fascinating royal court as well.

    The place is so magnificent that it’s easy to lose oneself in the geometric and floral designs carved into the stone, Inside the main hall of the building. An intricately-carved pillar also occupies the central position. You can still feel a distinct aura of power and authority in the hall.

    Opening Hours

    Note: Diwan-E-Khas is open from sunrise to sunset.

    Monday            6:00 am – 6:00 pm

    Tuesday            6:00 am – 6:00 pm

    Wednesday       6:00 am – 6:00 pm

    Thursday          6:00 am – 6:00 pm

    Friday               6:00 am – 6:00 pm

    Saturday           6:00 am – 6:00 pm

    Sunday             6:00 am – 6:00 pm

    Entry & Others Fees

    Complex entry fee

    You will have to pay an entry fee, which varies for both domestic and international tourists. While citizens of India and those belonging to countries of SAARC and BIMSTEC have to pay an entry fee of 50 INR, the entry for international tourists is 610 INR. However, children under 15 years of age are not required to pay any entry fee. In short:

    ·        50 per person for Indians

    ·        50 per person for citizens of SAARC and BIMSTEC countries

    ·        610 per person for other foreign nationals

    How to Reach

    Fatehpur Sikri Diwan E Khas is only 36 km away from Agra city Centre. Its distance from Idgah bus stand and Agra Cantt railway station is 35 km only. The  Fatehpur Sikri railway station is the closest to the fort (3 km away). It is 34 km away from Agra airport. But the nearest international airport is in Delhi (215 km away).

    By Air: The nearest domestic airport is Agra Airport. That is nearly 35 km away from the site. The nearest international airport is ‘Indira Gandhi International Airport’. From there, visitors can opt for local transports like cab rentals in Agra or take a bus to Fatehpur Sikri.

    By Rail: The nearest railway station is ‘Fatehpur Sikri Railway Station’, which is well-connected to major cities in India. From the station local transports are available to reach the site. ‘Diwan E Khas’ is at a distance of only 1 km from Fatehpur Sikri Railway Station.

    By Road: For those who prefer to travel by road, there are good road connections to Fatehpur Sikri from all the major cities in India. Visitors can take a road trip to the site. The distance from Delhi to Fatehpur Sikri is nearly 210 km, and it takes around 4 hours to reach the site by road. People from neighboring cities can also travel by road.

    Tips for Travellers

    Diwan E Khas, a part of Fatehpur Sikri, is located in the state of Uttar PradeshDuring summers, it can get very hot here, with temperatures fluctuating between ‘41°C to 45°C’. This can be a daunting factor for many people wanting to visit it during this time. But during the winter, it is a completely opposite story. The weather is cool and pleasant, with the average temperature being 12°C. This is considered the best time to enjoy sightseeing and exploration.

    FAQ

    Que-01: Is this place safe to visit?

    Ans: yes, it is.

    Que-02: Is photography allowed inside the place?

    Ans: yes, it is.

    We wish you a safe journey!

    Happy Travelling!

    We wish you all the best for your journey. Happy Travel!!!

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