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Indian Architecture: With the Special Reference of Mughals

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UGC Approved Journal No. 48416 Impact Factor : 2.314
Interdisciplinary Journal of Contemporary Research, Vol. 4, No. 5,Ocrtober-November, 2017 ISSN : 2393-8358

Indian Architecture: With the Special Reference of Mughals

Rajiv Mandal
Ph.D. Research Scholar, School of Art and Design, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
Professor Yang Xian Yi
School of Art and Design, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
Associate Professor Wang Mei Yan
School of Art and Design, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
Abstract
Going through the cities of Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Mumbai, Calcutta and towards southern part of India, you
find many beautiful buildings. Some are monuments, palaces temples, churches, mosques and memorials. Many of
them had their foundation before Christ and many after the coming of Christ. Many generations have been a part of
this architecture which stands mighty and lofty reminding us of that glorious past which has been ours. This is
because art and architecture forms an important part of Indian culture. Many distinctive features that we find in the
architecture today developed throughout the long period of Indian history. The earliest and most remarkable
evidence of Indian architecture is found in the cities of the Harappan Civilization which boast of a unique town
planning. In the post Harappan period architectural styles have been classified as Hindu, Buddhist and J ain. The
medieval period saw the synthesis of Persian and indigenous styles of architecture. Thereafter the colonial period
brought the influence of Western architectural forms of India. Thus Indian architecture is a synthesis of indigenous
styles and external influences which has lent it a unique characteristic of its own.
Keyword: Harappa, Dravida, Mauryan, Chola, Chalukya, Architecture, Hindu, Buddhist, Islam, Stupa, Tomb,
Mosque, Mughals, Persian, Indo-Islamic influence, Indo-Persian technique, Garden.

Brief History of Indian Architecture

Architecture is not a modern phenomenon. It began as soon as the early cave man began to built
his own shelter to live in. Man first began to create and fix his own shelter when he stepped out from the
natural habits of dense jungle covers. With the artistic faculties of man awakened in the search of larger
and better – sheltered spaces, he began to built, with inherent aesthetic sense, sheltered that seemed
pleasing to the eye. Thus emerged architecture which is a combination of needs, imagination, capacities
of the builders and capabilities of workers. Architecture accommodated the local and regional cultural
traditions and social requirements, economic prosperity, religious practice of different times. Hence, the
study of architecture reveals to us the cultural diversities and helps us understand the rich traditions of
India.
Indian architecture evolves in various different parts and regions of the country. Apart from
these natural and obvious evolutions from the pre – historic periods, evolution of Indian architecture was
generally effected by many great and important historic developments. Naturally, the emergence and
decay of great empires and dynasties in the sub – continent, each in their way influenced the growth and
shaped the nature of Indian architecture and so has the influence of different regions of the country. Let
us have a look at the process of evaluation of Indian Architecture.
The architecture of India is rooted in its history, culture and religion. Indian architecture
progressed with time and assimilated the many influences that came as a result of India’s global
discourse with other regions of the world throughout its millennia – old past. The earliest buildings
anyone knows of form India are from Mehragahr, from about 7000BC. But the first real stone
architecture dates to about 2500 BC, in the Harappan period in northern India (modern Pakistan). The
Harappans built big cities, with walls around them and public baths and warehouses and paved streets.
But when Harrapan civilization collapsed, about 2000 BC, almost two thousand years went by before
anybody in India built a big stone building again.
When Indian architects did begin to build big buildings again, 250 BC, at first they built them of
wood. Nobody in India knew how to built big stone buildings so they wouldn’t fall down. Architects
started by building solid stone buildings, basically mounds of dirt covered with brick or stone like the
earlier ziggurats in West Asia and the pyramids in Egypt or Peru. People called these buildings Stupas.
Soon after, about 200 BC, architects began to carve Buddhist temples into the sides of cliffs, so they
were taking away stone instead of building with stone. This is easier, so it was a good place to start. But
under the Gupta empire, about 350 AD, Indian architects finally began to built stone temples. These were
mainly Hindu temples. Between 350 and 1000 AD, architects built better and better stone temples,

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especially in southern India, while in northern India they kept on cutting more temples into the side of
cliffs, at Ellora and Elephanta. Slowly Indian architects got better building temples. Around 500 AD,
architects began to use mortals to hold the stones together. Temples got columns around them, and
towers over them. About 1000 AD, Indian architects began to replace wood beams with iron beams.
When Abbasid invaders came to India about 1100 AD, most people in northern India converted to Islam,
so Indian architects built a lot of Islamic mosques, often re – using pieces of destroyed Hindu temples to
show that they had defeated Hinduism. But in southern India, people went right on building bigger Hindu
temples with fancier sculptures carved on them.
History of Indian architecture can be categorised into ancient, medieval and modern. It begins
with the past that dates back to 2500 BC. which is the era of the Indus valley civilization. A number of
foreign invasions and indigenous factors have contributed to the modification of the architecture of India
and the last being after the colonizers invaded India. The ancient period dates till the Gupta dynasty. The
medieval era deals with the advent of the Muslim architecture till the colonization. The colonial
architecture falls under modern architecture of India.
With the invention of the Aryans, the Dravidians were pushed down in the south. So the
majority of the architecture of the
Dravidians is found in the south Indian
states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra
Pradesh and Karnataka. Considering
the backgrounds of these Aryans, it is
nor surprising that the architecture of
the Vedic period was neither
monumental nor permanent nor
concentrated in urban development.
With the disappearance of Indus
culture and its cities, the Indo – Aryan
population was largely distributed in
small settlements located in the plains
and forests. Wood, bamboo and thatch
were being used as building materials.
Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxh mi, Scu lpture, Love Scene, Hindu Vishnu This method of construction in bamboo
Temp le, Ellora, 6th to 8th Century CE and thatch was participated by the
Dravidians long before the intrusion of
the northern invaders. The epic of Ramayana and the Mahabharata were written in this period which
refers to the architectural monuments like shrines, tombs and palaces. In south India a number of rock cut
tombs of the Vedic Period have found at Mennapuram and Calicut in Malabar. The architecture of the
Aryans is referred to as the Nagara style architecture. The architecture of the epic period inspired the
later Hindu and Buddhist architecture.
The invasion of Alexander the great marked the foundation of the Mauryan Empire. There is an
evident western impact in the buildings and palaces of this era. The excavations of Pataliputra revealed
that at one time it was completely surrounded by massive poles of teak beams held together by iron
dowels which represent the extraordinary craftsmanship. Buddhisn was the dominant religious force
during this era. The major architecture of this period is based on Buddhist thought for examples the
Stupas at Sanchi, monolithic rail at Sarnath and pillars of Bodh Gaya. The architectural carving of the
face of the Lomas Rishi cave is completely Indian.
Early Historical Period of Architecture
An important phase of Indian architecture began with the Mauryan period. The material
prosperity of the Mauryans and a new religious consciousness led to achievements in all fields.
Megasthenes, the Greek ambassador of Selucas Nikator who visited the Mauryan court described
Chandragupta Maurya’s palace as an excellent architectural achievement. It was a large palace carved
out of wood. In the Mauryan period (322 – 182 BC) especially under Ashoka architecture saw a great
advancement. Mauryan art and architecture depicted the influence of Persians and Greeks. During the
reign of Ashoka many monolithic stone pillars were erected on which teachings of ‘Dhamma’ ‘Dharma’
were inscribed. The highly polished pillars with animal figures adorning the top (capitals) are unique and

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remarkable. The lion capital of Sarnath pillar has been accepted as the emblem of the Indian Republic.
Each pillar weighs about 50 tonnes and is about 50ft high.
The stupas of Sanchi and Sarnath are symbols of the achievement of mauryan architecture. The
gateways of the Sanchi Stupa with the beautiful sculpture depicting scenes from Jataka stories are
specimens of the skill and aesthetic sense of the artisans. The blending of Greek and Indian art led to the
development of Gandhara art which developed later. The other schools of art and architecture were the
indigenous Mathura school and Amravati schools especially after first century AD under the influence of
the Kushanas. Under the Gandhara School of art life – like statues of Buddha and Bodhisattavas were
made in the likeness of Greek gods even, though the ideas, inspirations and subjects were all Indians.
Rich ornaments, costumes drapery were used to impart physical beauty. The sculptures were in stone,
terracotta, cement like material and clay.
Architecture under the Kushanas is characterised with the use of ivory and imported glass. The
architectural monuments like the stupas and monasteries of this era is adorned with relief friezes carved
in dark schist, portraying figures in classical poses with flowing Hellenistic draperies. The reliefs of
Yaksha’s carved in this period are more sensuous and erotic than those at Sanchi. The stupa in Gandhara
marks the gradual elaboration of the primitive types known at Sanchi and Bharhut. This elaboration takes
the form of the all – over sculptural ornamentation of base, drum, and hemispherical dome. The most
famous stupa in Gandhara, a veritable Buddhist wonder of the world, was the great tower raised by king
Kanishka in Pashawar. Whereas the figures of the Mathura school were made of spotted red stone. They
had more of spiritual look in them. Here along with Budda we find sculptures of Jaina deities also. The
Amravati school developed under the patronage of the Satvahanas of the Andhra region. A great stupa
was built at Amravati in the Lower Godavari region. The walls of the stupa are adorned with bas relief,
had curved medallion and decorative panels. Nagarjunakonda is another place that is famous for
Buddhist architecture.
Both Hindu and Buddhist architecture flourished
under the reign of the Gupta dynasty. In the Gupta period the
Chaitya hall makes its appearance as a free standing temples
of permanent materials. The temples at Chezarla, built entirely
of bricks, is in reality a chapel of modest proportions
measuring approximately twenty three feet in length by nine in
width. The facade of the building presents the characteristic
chaitya arch from the rock cut chaitya halls which at one time
probably depicted a Buddhist subject in relief. Among the
characteristic of Gupta temple architecture is the flat roof with
spouts to drain off rain water. The Vishnu temple at Deogarh
is an example of architecture of Gupta dynasty. Thus
architecture during the Guptas was all about extensive details
and sophisticated ornamentations. Architecture of the Gupta
period continued under Pala and Sena rulers. In the
monasteries of Nalanda depicts the Gupta architectural style.
The Mahabodhi shrine and the ruins of Paharpur in Bengal are
also the architectural evidence of the Pala and Sena period. Kailasa Temple, Ellora, 6th to 8th
Down in the south the great period of Dravidian century CE.
structure culminated under the Chola dynasty, which became
paramount in power over all India as far north as the Ganges. The ruler of the Chola dynasty were mainly
devotee of Lord Shiva and the architectural monument of this period are mainly temples dedicated to
Lord Shiva. The Rajarajeshwara temple is one hundred and eighty feet long and has a tower rising one
hundred and ninety feet in the air. The elevation comprises a pyramidal structure rising from a square
base about fifty feet high and surmounted by a domical finial. It has an impressive tower the form of
which is that of the Dravidian sikhara. The architecture of Vijayanagar consisted of group of small
structures rather than single large temples. The final chapter of Dravidian architecture is the building
activity of the Nayak dynasty, of kings who were established with their capital at Madurai in the
seventeenth century. The temples of this last Dravidian dynasty, exemplified by the shrine at
Tiruvannamalai and the Great Temple at Madurai are distinguished first of all by a great expansion of the

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temple precienct. The architecture under the Chalukya dynasty is south India comprises temples of
Pattadakal, Aihole and Badami. Religions like Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism influenced the
architectural patterns of these temples.
The cave temples of Badami has plain exterior but extremely beautifully carved interior. The
reign of western Chalukyas was an important
period in the development of Deccan
architecture. Their architecture served as an
abstract connection between the Badami
Chalukya architecture of 8th century and the
architecture of Hoysalas popularised in the
13th century. The towers over the temple
attract attention for its elaborate carvings and
ornamentation. Among the architecture of
the Hoysalas the most notable are the
Chennakasava temple at Belur, the temples at
Arasikere and Belavadi, and the
Visvakarma Cave Hoysaleswara temple at Halebidu. The
development of cave architecture is another
unique feature and marks an important phase
in the history of Indian architecture. More
than thousands caves have been excavated between second century BC and tenth century AD. Famous
among these were Ajanta and Ellora caves of Maharashtra, and Udaigiri cave of Orissa. These caves hold
Buddhist viharas, chailyas as well as mandapas and pillared temples of Hindu gods and goddesses.
Medieval Period of Architecture (Mughals)
You would be surprised to know that the starting from the Harappan civilization, (also known as
Indus – Saraswati Civilization by some historians), India has had a very long history of town planning,
which can be traced back to 2350 BC. as we know, the two cities of Harappan and Mohenjo-Daro had an
elaborate drainage system, roads which cut each other at right angles, a citadel which was built on a high
ground and in the lower parts lived the rest of the population. Kalibangam in Rajasthan and Surkoda in
Kutch had similar city structure. From 600 BC. onwards, we come across more town and cities that were
associated with Aryan as well as Dravidian civilization. These were Rajgir, Varanasi, Ayodhya,
Hastinapur, Ujjain, Sravasthi, Kapilvastu and Kausambhi besides many others. We also come across
many towns in the Mauryan period as Janapadas (small towns) and Mahajanapadas (big towns).
With the coming of the Muslims to India, the scene changed. Islamic influence became evident
in the towns. Mosques, forts and palaces now dotted the urban scene. According to Abul Fazal, there
were 2,837 towns in 1594 AD. This was mainly because many large villages were transformed into
smaller towns which came to be called qasbas. These qasbas soon came to be occupied by local artisans
and crafts persons, who started specializing in their chosen craft, for example leather works and marble
in Agra. Sind specialized in cotton textiles, silk etc, while Gujarat excelled in the art of weaving, gold
and silk threads and made brocades that were often exported to other countries.
With the arrival of Turks during the thirteenth century came a new technique of architecture –
the architectural styles of Persia, Arabia and Central Asia. The engineering features of these buildings
were the domes, arches and minarets. The palaces, mosques and tombs built by the rulers had these
features which were blended with the features of the indigenous architecture and a mew synthesis in
architecture was achieved. This happens because the Turkish rulers of Delhi utilizes the services of the
local Indian craftsmen who were very skilful and had already constructed beautiful buildings. In the
buildings that came up we find the simplicity of the Islamic structure as well as the detailed sculptures
and designs they made on their own indigenous structures. A middle path was followed in all their
designs in the architecture of this period.
The earlier building of this period is Quwwatul Islam Mosque at Delhi and the Qutub Minar.
The latter is a tower, whose height is 70 meters. It is a tapering tower that has five stories. There are
beautiful engravings of calligraphy both in the mosque and on the tower. Many other buildings were later
constructed by the Sultans. Ala-ud-din Khalji enlarged the Quwat-ul-Islam mosque and built a gateway
to the enclosure of the mosque. This gateway is called the Alahi Darwaja and is one of the most beautiful

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architectural designs even today. Decorative elements were used to make the building outstanding in its
beauty. He also built the Hauz Khas in Delhi which was a hydraulic structure. The tomb of the
Mohammad Tughlaq, Firoz Tughlaq and the fort of Tughlaqabad are some examples. Though their
buildings were not beautiful but had very strong walls, massive as well as impressive. During the Afghan
rule the tombs of Ibrahim Lodi at Delhi
and Shershah’s tomb at Sasaram were
built. The architecture of this period also
shows how indigenous styles were
adopted and utilised by the builders.
During these years, the Turks were still
in the process of settling down. The
rulers were threatened by the Mongols,
who made sudden invasions from the
north. This is why the buildings of this
period are strong, sturdy and practical.
With the establishment of
regional kingdoms in Bengal, Gujarat
and the Deccan, beautiful buildings
having their shaking towers at
Humayun Tomb, Nizamuddin, New Delhi. The tomb was
commissioned by Humayun's first wife and chief consort, Ahmadabad are a few examples of this
Empress Bega Begum (also known as Haji Begum), in 1569-70. architecture of this architecture. In
Mandu (central India) the Jama Masjid,
Hindola Mahal,and Jahaz Mahal were built. In the Deccan, the Sultans erected a number of buildings.
The Jama Masjid at Gulbarga, the Madarsa of Mahmud Gawan at Bidar, Ibrahim Rauza, Gol Gumbaz
has the largest dome in the world. All these buildings vary in design and style from the buildings of north
India. In Bengal the oblong shape of many structure and the peculiar style of roof construction were
some of the distinctive features of the regional architecture of Bengal like the Adsina mosque and the
tomb of Jallal-ud-din at Pandua, Khil Darwaza and Tantipara mosque at Gaur. In Jaunpur, the Atala
mosque build by the Sharqui rulers gad a gigantic screen covering the dome while the tomb of Hoshang
Shah at Malwa is made entirely of marble and is made of yellow and black marble inlay work beautifully
done by craftsmen. The rulers of Vijayanagara, an empire which was established during this period also
erected many beautiful buildings and temples and had a number of achievements to their credit. Though
only ruins remain but the temples of Vithalswami and Hazar Rama at Hampi are good examples.
The Bahamani sultans borrowed from the styles of Persia, Turkey and the temples of Southern
India. The Jama Masjid at Gulbarga is quite well known. The courtyard of this mosque is covered with a
large number of domes and is the only mosque in India which has a covered courtyard.
The advent of the Mughals
brought a new era in architecture. The
synthesis of style which began earlier
reached its zenith during this time. The
architecture of Mughal style started
during Akbar’s rule. The first building
of this rule was Humayun’s tomb at
Delhi. In this magnificent building red
stone was used. It has a main gateway
and the tomb is placed in the midst of a
garden. Many consider it a precursor of
Taj Mahal. Akbar built forts at Agra
and Fatehpur Sikri. The Buland
Darwaza reflects the grandeur of the
mighty Mughal Empire. This building is
made of following Akbar’s victory over
The Tomb of Akbar the Great is an important Mughal architectural
Gujarat. The Arch of the Buland masterpiece, built 1605–1613, set in 48 Ha (119 acres) of grounds
Darwaza is about 41m high and is in Sikandra, a suburb of Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India.

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perhaps the most imposing gateway in the world. The tomb of Salim Shisti, Palace of Jadha Bai, Ibadat
Khana, Birbal’s house and other buildings at Fatehpur Sikri reflect a synthesis of Persian and Indian
elements. During the reign of Jahangir, Akbar’s Mausoleum was constructed at Sikandra near Agra. He
built the beautiful tomb of Itimad-d-daula which was built entirely of marble. Shahjahan was the greatest
builder amongst the Mughals. He used marble extensively. Decorative design in inlay work, (called
pietra duro) beautiful arches and minarets were the features of his buildings. The Red Fort and Jama
Masjid of Delhi and above all the Taj Mahal are some of the buildings built by Shahjahan. The Taj
Mahal, the tomb of Shahjahan’s wife, is built in marble and reflects all the architectural features that
were developed during the Mughal period. It has a central dome, four elegant minarets, gateway, inlay
work and gardens surrounding the main buildings of the later period. The buildings showed a strong
influence of the ancient Indian style and had courtyards and pillars. For the first time in the architecture
of this style living beings-elephants, lions, peacocks and other birds were sculptured in the brackets.
From 1526, the Mughal architecture gave a totally different dimension to tomb building. These
are built on platforms and are surrounded by gardens laid out with ornamental fountains. A famous
example is the mosque at Fatehpur Sikri – three domes of 190 feet by 470 feet and with two royal tombs.
Another famous tomb is Akbars tomb in Sikandra (AD. 1593 - 1613). The Taj Mahal, Agra (AD. 1630)
built by Shahjahan is considered one of the ‘Wonder of the World’. It is a royal tomb in marble built on a
platform18 feet high and 313 feet square. Each corner is marked by the minarets 133 feet high. The
central dome is 89 feet high and 58 feet in diameter. Marble id inlaid with semi precious stones like
jasper and agate. It stands by the bank of the river Yamuna in the middle of the marble terraces, fountains
and lakes flanked by cypress trees. Mughal architecture declined with the failing political power of the
Mughal Empire.
A unique architectural development in the Mughal time was the beautiful gardens developed
around the tombs and other buildings. The Shalimar Gardens in Kashmir and Lahore were developed by
Jahangir and Shajahan respectively. The Mughals encouraged cultural and architectural growth of India.
Conclusion: The history of Indian architecture and sculpture is as old as the civilization of Indus Valley.
Starting from the Harappan Civilization, Indian has had a very long history of town planning, which can
be traced back to 2350 BC. Architecture holds the key to the understanding of the cultural diversity of
any part of India as it is influenced by the cultural traditions and religious practices of different times.
Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism helped in the development of early architectural style of India in
building stupas, viharas and chaityas. During the time of Gupta, Pallavas and Cholas temple architecture
flourished. The history of medieval Indian architecture commences with the invasion of the Delhi
Sultanates. Delhi Sultanate and Mughals brought with them Persian influence and we witness an Indo –
Persian (Indo - Islamic) style of architecture. The architecture of these Muslim invaders was quite similar
to the indigenous architecture for instance both temples and mosque had open courtyards in front of
them.
The Mughal architecture began in the reign of Akbar. He erected many important buildings. The
crowning achievements of his reign was the building of his new capital city of Fatehpur Sikri, 40 km
from Agra. Fatehpur Sikri is a romance of stones. The Arch of the Buland Darwaza is the most imposing
gateway in the world. The tomb of Saint Salim Chisti is exquisite in its beauty. Jodha Bai Palace is a fine
example of ancient Indian architecture. The Jama Masjid was built with the influence of Persian style.
The Dewan-i-Aman and the Dewan-i-Khas are famous for their planning and decoration. The Ibadat
Khana and Panch Mahal are other notable buildings. The Panch Mahal is a pyramidal structure in five
storeys. It was built on the pattern of a Buddhist Vihara.

References :
1. Amina Okada, Indian Miniatures of the Mughal Court, Harry. N. Abrams, New York, 1992.
2. Indian Culture and Heritage, NIOS Press, Delhi,
3. J.C. Harle, The Art and Architecture of the Indian Subcontinent, 2nd edition. Yale University Press Pelican
History of Art, 1994.
4. Partha Mitter, Indian Art, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2001.
5. Rhoads Murphey, 2006, A History of Asia, Pearson Education press, Inc., New York, 2006.

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