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Mughal architecture is a combination of Islamic, Persian, Turkish and Indian architecture. It is a style that was
developed under the Mughal dynasty in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.

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Early Mughal architecture

Mughal architecture came into prominence and gained reputation with the rule of Babur who was the first Mughal emperor in
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Babri Mosque in Ayodhya. The Maqbara in Vadodara is an example of the early Mughal architecture. Early Mughal architecture Delhi -Taj Mahal-
relied on post-and-beam construction and scarcely used arches. Some great forts and palaces of the early Mughal period can be Delhi- B AC Car
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Mughal architecture during Akbar`s reign
Mughal architecture gained prominence during the rule of Akbar. He built Discuss Now
massively and the style was unique. Most of Akbar`s buildings are in red
sandstone, exempted at times through marble inlay. Fatehpur Sikri which
is located 26 miles west of Agra. Mausoleum gra, was constructed in the Free E-magazine
late 1500s and bears the testimony to the era of his royal heritage. In
Gujarat and many other places we find the presence of a style, which is a Subscribe to Free
blend of Muslim and Hindu characteristic features of architecture. The great E-Magazine on Indian
mosque is one such epitome of architectural brilliance unmatched in C rafts
elegance and splendour. The south gateway is well known, excelling any
similar entrance in India in its size and structure. The Tomb of Akbar`s
father Humayun, Akbar`s tomb at Sikandra are some such finest work of
architectural magnificence which highlights the Mughal architecture
prototypes. The tomb placed in a garden at Delhi, has an intricate ground
plan with central octagonal chambers, which is joined by an elegantly
facade archway, surmounted by cupolas, kiosks.

Mughal architecture during Jahangir`s reign

During the reign of Jahangir from 1605- 1627, the decline in the Hindu
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3/13/12 Mughal Architecture
During the reign of Jahangir from 1605- 1627, the decline in the Hindu
influence on Mughal architecture was witnessed. His style was Persian like
his great mosque at Lahore, which is covered Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulawith
enamelled tiles. Akbar`s mausoleum was built during his rule. "Verinag" and "C hashma-Shahi" are gardens built by Jahangir
beautifully around spring. The tomb of Itimad-ud-Daula completed in 1628, was built entirely of white marble and covered wholly
by pietra dura mosaic. The Shalimar Gardens and other pavillions on the shore of Kashmir`s Dal lake was also built by him. The
Shalimar garden is also his creation that is distinguished by a series of pavilions on carved pillars, surrounded by pools with
seats which can be reached by stepping stones. Jahangir was responsible for the development of the Mughal garden. Jahangir`s
own tomb have no dome, minarets and ornamentation are only evident. The extensive use of white marble as a material and
inlay as a decorative motif were the two major innovations that were introduced by the Mughals.

Mughal architecture during Shahjahan`s reign

Mughal architecture reached its perfection in the construction of Jama Masjid of
Delhi during the rule of Shah Jahan. Humayun`s tomb was the first of the
tombs, which continued the saga of the succession of tombs out of which the
Taj Mahal is a magnificent piece of art. The Red Fort contains the imperial
Mughal Palace, which is situated in Delhi. Marble was used for the
constructions. In the palace fort of Agra, Shah Jahan replaced old structures
along as well as built a couple of new ones. An inlay of black marbles was used
for the re-building of The Diwan-I-Am. The Moti Masjid is another beautiful
creation which was built during his rule. The Pearl Mosque of Agra is
reminiscent of the style that was eminent in Mughal era. Shah Jahan built a
new capital, Shahjahanabad, with its magnificent Red Fort. The Hall of Public
Audience, in the fort contains the Peacock Throne, which consists of jewels and
precious metals and stones. It took ten years to build the city. It has three
mosques that have survived the ravages of time.

Later Mughal Architecture

Art and architecture took a backseat during Aurangazeb`s rule. As he wanted to
overpower Hinduism, he made the Great Mosque towering over the Hindu holy city
of Benaras.

A standard mosque form was developed in his reign where the eminence of three
domes over the sanctuary in conjunction with a raised central arch and engaged
minarets could be seen. The Moti Masjid or the Pearl Mosque was built by
Aurangzeb in the Red Fort at Delhi incorporated a three-domed sanctuary with a
raised central arch and mini-domed pillars projecting out of the roof to resemble
minarets.

Aurangazeb`s was more concerned seems to be for garden architecture than

construction of palaces. Fatehbad district near Agra is one of the most impressive
of these gardens.

Characteristics of Mughal architecture

Perfect or bilateral symmetry, red sandstone with white marble inlays, later pure
white marble surfaces, geometric ornament, domes which are slightly pointed
instead of hemispherical ones and garden surroundings are the features of Mughal
architecture. In addition to the fine-cut stone masonry used for facades, rough
rubble stone construction was used for the majority of walls. For the construction of
domes and arches baked brick was used that was covered with plaster or facing
stones. The design of gardens is one of the most important aspects of Mughal
architecture which provided the setting for tombs and palaces and also helped for
relaxation.

Buildings were decorated with ceramic tile work, pietra dura inlay with coloured and
semi-precious stones, carved and inlaid stonework. C arved stonework is another
interesting feature in the Mughal architecture, ranging from shallow relief depictions
of flowers to intricate pierced-marble screens known as jalis.

There is the existence of various influences of the Persian and Hindu architecture in the Mughal architecture. Shallow arches
made out of corbels rather than voussoirs and richly ornamented carved piers and columns are some typical features of Hindu
architecture that have been incorporated in the Mughal architecture. Other constructions like the chhatris- a domed kiosk resting
on pillars, chajjas and jarokhas- a projecting balcony supported on corbels with a hood resting on columns became a part of the
Mughal characteristics. Extensive use of tile work, the iwan as a central feature in mosques, the garden, divided into four and the
four-centre point arch and the use of domes are the features borrowed from the Persian architecture.

The Mughal Architecture can be termed as the Indo-Islamic architecture. Hindu architecture was
modified and elements of spaciousness, immensity and extent were incorporated by the Mughal
architecture. The kalash on top of the Hindu temple was borrowed and replaced by a dome.
Exquisite monuments like the Taj Mahal, Qutub Minar, Alai Darwaza, Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque,
Vitthala temple, Tughlaqabad Fort, Kirti Stambha, Fatehpur Sikri, Agra Fort, Red Fort have
glorified India.

The entire Mughal architecture is an excellent combination of various local and foreign
characteristics, which associates it universally with many distinct forms of architecture. These are
also a source of inspiration to many other forms of architecture with different cultural
background.

(Last Updated on : 22/02/2012)

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3/13/12 Mughal Architecture

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