Panch Mahal in Fatehpur Sikri

Fatehpur Sikri is a fascinating city, built as a token of victory or Fateh. It was built by Badshah Akbar as a token of gratitude in a small city called Sikri where the saint Shaikh Salim Chishti used to live, as he believed that due to his blessings, Akbar became father of three sons.

Panch Mahal is located towards the northeast side of Jodha Bai's palace in Fatehpur Sikri at around 39 km from Agra. When the residents of Persia came to India, they could not endure the tropical climate, so they worked on newer ways to defy the heat, especially during the harsh summer months.


Panch Mahal is splendid example of this concept which was built to escape from the heat of summers. This extraordinary building was also known as Badgir or wind tower, which was constructed to avoid or alleviate the heat using a very unique but popular architectural mechanism used by Persians in their architecture. It was built very close to janana quarters that are known as harem at that time. Initially, when it was constructed, it had direct connection with main royal chambers and Jodha Bai's Palace.

Architecture of Panch Mahal in Fatehpur Sikri

This extraordinary structure is completely columnar and consists of four floors of decreasing size that are created asymmetrically upon ground floor. The base of the structure contains 84 columns of pillars containing rows of eight pillars built from north to south direction and rows of six pillars arranged in east-west direction. Second floor was constructed with 56 pillars having row of six pillars towards north to south and row of four pillars towards east to west direction. It also has some uniquely carved pillars. Apex of these pillars contains beautiful carved shapes such as flower vase, rosette or arch pattern. This floor also consists of a chhaja projected outwards and a frieze that is carved beautifully.
The third floor consists of 20 pillars which are comparatively smaller in size. The rows are of five pillars from north to south and of three pillars from east to west. The northeast corner is supported with double pillars. The fourth floor is composed of 12 pillars in two rows. A beautiful jaalied balustrade lined the fourth floor. The topmost floor is adorned with beautiful square chhatri and a cupola. Having pillars in the whole building allow breeze to travel through them, thus creating a natural passage for air and ventilation and keeping the climate cool.

Originally the pillars had jaali between them. These were created to provide purdah or cover to ladies of the Mahal sitting on the top terraces while enjoying the breeze and watching view of Sikri forts and town. The pavilion of the Mahal gives a magnificent view of the fort that is towards its left. It was constructed by Akbar and took around 10 years.

Panch Mahal is built on the pattern of a Buddhist Temple and was basically a palace of pleasure for Emperor Akbar. He used it for relaxation and entertainment. There is a pool in front of Panch Mahal which is called the Anoop Talao. It is believed by historians that it was filled with water, prior to the construction of the bridge over it, and would have been the place where musical concerts and other entertainment programs were arranged.

How to Reach Panch Mahal in Fatehpur Sikri

The distance from Agra Cantt railway station to Panch Mahal is approx. 40 km. To reach here, one should head eastwards towards Station Road and take 1st left turn, drive for 200 meters then turn right, going through 1st roundabout. After another 200 meters drive, turn left towards SH 39, again take next turn to stay on SH39. Drive for 1.1 km while passing through Bharat petroleum on the left hand side. Next, turn left while staying on SH 39 and drive for 7.8 km, in between pass through Bliss Institute of Acupuncture, Yoga and Naturopathy on the left side. Turn right side on Agra-Jaipur Road and keep driving for 6.5 km. Afterwards, turn left on partial toll road and keep driving on this road for 18.2 km, crossing Midhakar Police Station on the left. Then continue on NH-11 for 2.1 km, turn slight left for 2.3 km and then turn right. After just 300 meters, you can see the beautiful Panch Mahal clearly in front of you.