Diwan-i-Khas Fatehpur Sikri

Diwan-i-Khas Fatehpur Sikri

Diwan-i-khas or Hall of Private Audience is situated in the northeast corner of the royal complex with a huge and richly carved pillar in the center. The central platform attached to the pillar was the seat of the emperor while the diagonal galleries are believed to be the seat of ministers and nobles that were entertained here. However, since the galleries were too narrow to accommodate all ministers of the court at once, some people think that this building was actually the storehouse for the gems and jewels of the royalty and emperor used to come here only to inspect his jewels. According to Abul Fazl, Akbar had three treasuries that were close to each other and one of them was used to store gems and jewels only. 

Since, this building is also close to Ankh Michauli or the treasury for gold and silver, it is quite probable that this place is used as a treasury for jewels. This square red sand stone building has four double-storeyed façades. Though, there is no superstructure or dome here, the four beautiful kiosks at each corner of the building that are octagonal in shape and have a circular dome with an inverted lotus on the top, providing a superlative altitude to the building. The main hall has a most elegant capital composed by joining 36 brackets arising from the pillar in three tiers, in a circular shape. Though, the building lacks much ornamentation yet the pillar in the center is certainly one of the masterpieces of Mughal architecture.

Astrologer's Seat

A small but elegant kiosk rising from a small extension of the platform of Ankh Michauli, the treasury, it is known as Astrologer's seat because it is believed that it used to be the seat of an Indian yogi, whom Akbar often consulted in his political matters. However, these legends seem to be mere rumors. The presence of this kiosk near the treasury suggests that it could have been the place where the emperor could sit occasionally to see the distribution of copper, silver and gold coins to the deserving people and his subordinate officers. This kiosk is 3 sq m in area and supported on four pillars. These pillars have octagonal tops and square base adorned with semi circular patterns.

The leaf designs grace the roof. The dome is square with interlocking tulip pattern and crowned by an inverted lotus. A usual stone eave and torana-shaped brackets surround the kiosk. These brackets are known as torana-shaped brackets because they were originally used to adorn doorways of Hindu temples known as toranas. These brackets were composed of two separate pieces of red sand stone that were later joined to give the complete structure. All these brackets are divide into eleven bands having beautiful carvings, especially the mouth of a pompous monster.