Buland Darwaza is a 15-storied high gateway that guards the Northeastern entrance of the city of Fatehpur Sikri. Historians have come to a consensus that this building was constructed in the year 1575. It was commissioned by Emperor Akbar to commemorate his victory over Khandesh and Ahmednagar in Gujarat and Deccan respectively.
The intimidating structure stands 43 meters or 140 feet on the pedestal
and a cool 54 feet above the ground. The gateway is approached by a
steep flight of 42 steps, which add height and majesty to the entire
structure. Buland Darwaza that is counted as one of the tallest gateways
in the world is almost entirely made out of the red-sandstone with a
generous dose of marble decoration on it. The blend of Hindu and Persian
architecture is very evident by the use of Quranic inscription on the
front and pillar and Cenotaph on the heights of the gateway. The
calligraphy work done on the inner façade of Buland Darwaza has
very less parallels in India.
Buland Darwaza has a very famous inscription written on it. This
inscription is actually a quote attributed to Jesus Christ, who is
revered equally by both Christians as well as Muslims. It says, "The
World is but a bridge, pass over but build no houses on it." that
is almost ironical for a city that was abandoned in less than 15 years
from the day it was constructed.