Jodha Bai Mahal, Royal palace in Fatehpur Sikri, India.
Jodha Bai Mahal is a red sandstone palace in Fatehpur Sikri, India, defined by its rectangular layout with several inner courtyards. The walls display fine stonework, while traditional jharokha windows bring light and air into the rooms.
Mughal emperor Akbar ordered this structure built in 1569, the same year his heir was born within the compound. The residence was part of a larger imperial city that remained inhabited for only a few decades.
The name Jodha Bai Mahal, though commonly used by visitors and guides today, actually refers to a misattribution that has become part of local tradition. Inside the complex, you can see a small temple space where devotional imagery and wall paintings still show the religious practices that took place within these rooms.
The thick walls and high ceilings keep the interiors cool even during hot months. Window openings are arranged to allow cross-ventilation while offering protection from direct sunlight.
The eastern entrance area shows elements of Rajasthani architecture, with guard rooms on either side and distinctive triangular ceilings. This design differs notably from the rest of the compound and points to regional building traditions.
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