Fatehpur Sikri is a magnificent fortified ancient city, 25
miles (40km) west of Agra, was the short-lived capital of the Mughal empire
between 1572 and 1585, during the reign of Emperor Akbar. Earlier, Akbar had
visited the village of Sikri to consult the Sufi saint Shaikh Salim Chishti,
who predicted the birth of an heir to the Mughal throne. When the prophecy came
true, Akbar built his new capital here, including a stunning mosque, still in
use today.