A Tale of a Lost City: The Resurrection of Mughal Capital City Fatehpur Sikri in The Enchantress of the Florence

Literature can resurrect forgotten spaces and reanimate the past within contemporary imagination, as demonstrated by Salman Rushdie's The Enchantress of Florence. This study reveals how Rushdie creatively reconstructs Fatehpur Sikri, the lost Mughal capital founded by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century, blending historical accuracy with magical realism. Through a close reading of selected passages, the research highlights Rushdie's portrayal of Akbar's policies of religious tolerance, the artistic flourishing of his court, and the syncretic ethos of Hindustan. The novel constructs a parallel between Mughal India and Renaissance Florence, expanding historical perspectives beyond geographical boundaries. By merging history and imagination, The Enchantress of Florence serves as a powerful narrative tool for reviving abandoned cities and offering readers a glimpse into ancient times.

Riaz, A., Shad, G., & Jan, D. (2025). A Tale of a Lost City: The Resurrection of Mughal Capital City Fatehpur Sikri in The Enchantress of the Florence. ACADEMIA International Journal for Social Sciences, 4(3), 6415–6421. https://doi.org/10.63056/academia.4.3.2025.1687