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How did Fatehpur Sikri combine Hindu and Muslim architectural styles?

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Akbar A painting titled *Akbar Hunting* from a folio of *Akbarnama* (“History of Akbar”), late 16th century; in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City.

The architecture of Fatehpur Sikri is a hallmark of the Akbar period, defined by a synthesis of Islamic architecture and traditional Hindu elements. While the city features grand Islamic structures like the Jāmiʿ Masjid and the monumental Buland Darwaza, many of its palaces and residences incorporate distinctively Hindu design features.12

Specifically, buildings such as the palace of Jodha Bai and the residence of Birbal utilize niches and brackets that were adopted from Hindu religious and secular architecture. This integration of styles reflects the broader characteristics of Akbar-period architecture, which combined the strength of Mughal design with graceful, rich decorative work derived from local Indian traditions. By blending these diverse influences, the city stands as a significant achievement in the history of Mughal architecture.12