Dīvān-e Khāṣṣ
Quick Summary
The Dīvān-i Khāṣṣ, or Hall of Private Audience, is a notable building within Fatehpur Sikri, India. This structure, commissioned by the Mughal emperor Akbar the Great and completed around 1585, is part of a larger fort city built entirely of red sandstone. Fatehpur Sikri served as Akbar's capital from approximately 1571 to 1585.123
The Dīvān-i Khāṣṣ is distinguished by its unique interior arrangement, featuring a single, massive column with supporting brackets that hold a stone throne platform. From this platform, four balconies radiate outwards. The architecture of Fatehpur Sikri, including the Dīvān-i Khāṣṣ, reflects a blend of Persian, Gujarati, and Rajasthani styles, showcasing Akbar's tolerance for diverse cultures and religious beliefs. The town itself was later abandoned, becoming a ghost town, but is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.123
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