Buland Darwaza is the highest gateway in India.
Buland Darwaza was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1601 A.D. at
Fatehpur Sikri to commemorate his victory over Gujarat. Buland Darwaza
is 53.63m high and 35 meters wide. The structure is approached by 42
steps.
Buland Darwaza is made of red and buff sandstone, decorated by carving
and inlaying of white and black marble. The Buland Darwaza is semi
octagonal in plan and is topped by pillars and chhatris. It is adorned
with calligraphic inscriptions from the Quran. There are thirteen
smaller domed kiosks on the roof, stylized battlement and small turrets
and inlay work of white and black marble. An inscription on the central
face of the Buland Darwaza displays Akbar's religious broad mindedness.
It is attributed to Jesus Christ and reads, "The World is but a
bridge, pass over but build no houses on it." A Persian inscription
on eastern arch way of the Buland Darwaza records Akbar's conquest over
Deccan in 1601 A.D.
