You were taken by your school to visit a place of historical interest. This Informal Letter was asked in ICSE 2012 board exam. You can find Previous Year Informal Letter Writing asked in ICSE board exams.
Informal Letter Writing ICSE 2012
3, Anand Vihar,
Agra – 224001.
2nd March 2012
Dear Amit,
I hope this letter finds you in the best of health and spirits. It is now over a week since you fell ill. How is your health now? Do not worry about studies, for nothing much happened last week. Last Sunday our class teacher took us for an outing to Fatehpur Sikri, a town perched atop a rocky ridge just 37 kilometres from Agra. The one and a half – hour drive in our school bus was very entertaining, as we sang and danced to the amusement of our teachers.
Our guide Mr Salim informed that Fatehpur Sikri was built by Emperor Akbar in 1569. This was to express his gratitude to the Sufi saint Sheikh Salim Chisti, who prophesied he would have a son, the heir to the throne. To commemorate his recent victories, he named the new city Fatehpur Sikri. Compared to our city the place is quite deserted. However, there were huge monuments, all built with red sandstone, with a natural blend of Hindu and Mogul architectural design.
On entering the palace, one comes across a huge courtyard called the Diwan-e-Aam, where Emperor Akbar gave public audience. Beyond this is a huge enclosure the Diwan-e Khas, or the hall of private audience. This astonishing chamber had massive curved pillars, richly ornamented with exquisite carvings and fretwork. Toward the east was the Jodhabai’s palace, where Akbar’s Queen Jodhabai lived. It was the largest of all the palaces in the complex, with traditional Hindu and Islamic carvings on the walls. The blue tiled roof was the only splash of colour in the entire complex. Besides these monuments there was the Mariam’s Palace, Panch Mahal, Salim Chisti’s tomb and the gigantic Buland Darwaza, which was a delight to watch.
It was sad to see the ghost city, which four centuries ago, was the capital of Emperor Akbar. He abandoned the city after fourteen years because of lack of water supply.
I could not help marvel at the great despotic power of the Emperor, who built such massive palaces and city, only to fulfil a sudden whim and soon abandon it.
The visit was indeed very interesting and educative. It would always remind me of the importance of planning for the future. This is for only emperors can get away with such historic blunders.Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Your friend,
Ravi
Assignment
Write a letter to a friend, who is discouraged by his failure in the examination, encouraging him to try again with renewed vigour and not lose heart.