Hiran Minar

Birbal was a Hindu courtier of Akbar, who ended up becoming one of Akbar's closest and most trusted military advisors. The stone carvings and interior of the palace where Birbal lived are magnificent.

The funny name of the palace (samosa referring to the pyramidal shaped dumplings in Indian cuisine) is because it does, in fact, resemble a samosa! It is clean and well maintained, though be wary of the guides in the palace, who can be pushy and touty.

Literally translating to "Five Palace", the five-storey building stands out from the rest of the complex with its almost Buddhist pagoda-like influences in its architectural design.

Striking architecturally, a central pillar dominates the hall which is thought to represent religious syncretism that Akbar sought. An audience platform where the emperor sat crowns the pillar with bridges leading to the four corners of the room leading to open galleries around the upper floor.

A hall where Emperor Akbar invited religious scholars of a variety of religions to discuss and debate.

Salim Chishti was a Sufi saint, dearly respected by Emperor Akbar. In fact, the emperor held Salim in such great esteem that he named his son Salim (who would later be known as the Mughal emperor Jahangir) in honour of the saint. The mausoleum built for Salim Chishti in 1580 and 1581 is considered to be one of the greatest examples of Mughal architecture.