For fifteen years during the reign of Emeror Akbar, Fatehpur Sikri was the capital of the Mughal empire. Today it is a ghost city, populated by wannabe guides and the tourists they prey upon. Since most of the prey arrive in tour groups, we few independent visitors were besieged. In fact we almost missed some of the prime buildings as we weaved this way and that, trying to evade the guides.
Once free of pursuit, though, we really enjoyed Fatehpur Sikri. The fact is that, despite what fiction the guides may spew, little is known about the function of the wonderfully preserved buildings, leaving us free to invent our own stories; and we are really good at inventing stories.
Inside the "Jewel House"
We were traveling to Bharatpur and Keoladeo Ghana National Park where we will spend the next few days. It’s officially back in Rajasthan but we will keep the photos in the “Delhi and the North” gallery.
