‘Buland Darwaza’ famously known as the ‘Gate of Magnificence’ at Fatehpur Sikri(Agra), was built in 16th century by the great mughal emperor Akbar. He built the Buland Darwaza to commemorate his victory over Gujarat and it is also believed to be one of the highest gateway of the world. It is constructed of red and buff sandstone, and decorated by carving and inlaying of white and black marble. There is a huge door that leads to buland darwaza which is all covered up with horseshoes of different sizes. They are believed to have been stuck on the door for luck by simple devoted peasants to seek the blessings, of Sufi Saint Sheikh Salim Chishti. The Buland Darwaza marks the entrance to the mosque Jama Masjid. It is semi octagonal in shape and is topped by pillars and chhatris representing early mughal architectural design, with simple ornamentation consisting of carved verses from the Quran. On the outside a long flight of steps sweeps down the hill giving the gateway additional height. Mughal ruler Akbar’s principle of religious tolerance is manifested from another inscription which is reflected on the gateway’s central face. It is an Islamic inscription engraved in Persian language that interprets the advice of Jesus Christ to his followers. Another inscription comprising of verses of the Holy Quran is found at the gateway that was drawn by Khwaja Hussain Chishti, a disciple of the Saint Sheikh Salim Chishti. It is carved in Naskh, a distinct calligraphic style of the Arabic alphabet.
Qadeem 