Hiran Minar, A Monumental Ode to Royal Splendor at Fatehpur Sikri

Hiran Minar the iconic feature in Fatehpur Sikri is the ‘Hiran Minar’ (which, in popular legend) is a tower embedded with elephant tusks. According to some of the legends, Mughal Emperor Akbar would sit on its top as elephant fights would take place below. Well, according to another version, the emperor would watch the ‘polo matches’ being played in the Chaughāngāh (refers to Polo-Ground) stretching beside the lake. However, at present, this tower stands forlorn between the ‘Hāthīpol’ (the Elephant Gate) and the bed (dry) of the lake, which had now turned to fields.

Attraction

The city of Fatehpur Sikri was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar (r.1556-1605) from 1571 to 1585. The famous Hiran Minar or Elephant Tower, is a circular tower covered with a few stone projections in the form of elephant tusks. Guides as well as popular stories will tell you that Hiran Minar was erected as a memorial to the Emperor Akbar’s favorite elephant named Hiran. However, according to some historians, it was probably used as a starting point for subsequent mileposts.

History

The Hiran Minar is a monument constructed during the era of Mughal Emperor Akbar in Fatehpur Sikri. According to legend, it was even built in memory of Akbar’s favorite elephant. The name of the elephant was Hiran. It served as the lighthouse for travelers as well. The place is designed in a unique style with its exterior consisting of many tusk-like spikes.

While history suggests that it was used as a pigeon and lighthouse, it’s also believed that Akbar built it in memory of an elephant. Akbars love for his favorite animal has become immortal. Apart from those, people also say that the Hiran Minar was connected to other palaces in the complex. And the emperor and his queens used to come to the tower to watch wrestling games. Hiran Minar, A Monumental Ode to Royal Splendor at Fatehpur Sikri

Inside/Outside Views

Hiran Minar is located in the open plains that looks like a field. The tower is entered through a flat-topped door bordered by sand stone panel and flanked by closed arched panels. There are 53 steps leading to the top inside the tower. One can get the birds eye view of the whole Fatehpur Sikri from the top of the tower. The view from the top is undoubtedly breathtaking. People visiting this place love to take pictures at the top.

The tower is octagonal up to the height of 3.91m but is circular to the rest of the height. The tower stands over an octagonal platform, which in turn stands on a square one. However, the lower square platform is 21.96m sq. and the octagonal platform is 1.2m high. Both are edged by a small cornice. Another double flight of 9 steps has been provided on the northern and eastern side with a height of 3.05m. Hiran Minar Fatehpur Sikri

How to Reach

By Air: The nearest domestic airport is Agra Airport, which is about 35 km away from the site. The nearest international airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport. From the airport, visitors can opt for local transport 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. Local transports are available to reach the site because from the station, the Hiran Minar is only 4 km.

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. You 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

If you are visiting Fatehpur Sikri for the first time, we suggest exploring the place. You can see the Buland Darwaza gate, the Jama Masjid mosque, the marble Tomb of Salim Chishti, the Diwan-E-Khas’ and Diwan E Aam hall rooms, Jodha Bais Palace (a mix of Hindu and Mughal styles), the 5-story Panch Birbal Bhavan, Caravan Serai and many more. Try to go early in the morning as it will be less crowded and quieter. Winter is considered the best season to visit Fatehpur Sikri. This season, which stretches from November to March, is absolutely pleasant and cool. Temperatures from 24°C in the day to 5°C at night sometimes get even chillier.