The cityscape of Shahjahanabad as a reflection of Mughal Imperial power in

Delhi.

The seventh city of Delhi, Shahjahanabad (present Old Delhi) was meticulously
planned such that its denizens seldom ventured out of this self contained world.
This splendidly crafted city was the birth child of Mughal Emperor Shahjahan.
Decorated with bewitching and exquisite objects from all over the world, the city
allured the royalty of the Emperor Shahjahan. The city seemed to imitate the life
systems of men which ‘contained every one of the potential outcomes of the
universe inside it’.
"Ye qasr dheh nahi sakta ke iski haakim ne, Zammeen ke sath dilon me bhi
neev dali hai"

Shahjahanabad – origin

The quest for Shahjahanabad started when Agra the capital city of Mughal could
not suffice the needs i.e. royalty of Emperor Shahjahan.

 Agra, due to small size, was congested in a manner that even the
Emperor procession could not be sustained.
 Shahjahan desire to stamp on his era an individual and everlasting
mark.

On April 19, 1639 site with a mild climate between Agra and Lahore was
discovered. This site was finalised for :

i. Delhi role as principle centre of Muslim rule in India- political

ii. It was centre of pilgrimage for Muslims with tombs of religious
leaders – traditional.

Thus, on 29 April 1639, digging of buniyad-e-mubarak was ordered. The

architects Ustad Ahmed and Ustad Hamid were appointed to give the place shape
of Shahjahanabad. It took nine years to finish. Bernier describes it as ‘the most
sublime castle in the East – maybe on the planet’.

On 19 April 1648, Shahjahan entered Qila e-Mubarak using Khizri Darwaza, with

Dara shikoh, showering gold and silver coins on the Emperor until he reached
Diwan-e-Aam. This was indicative of grandeur of Mughals. Moreover to
commemorate the completion of his residence and to inaugrate the new capital,
Shahjahan ordered a great celebration. A huge gold embroidered shamiana was
put up outside the Diwan-e-Aam which was named dal badal, supported by silver
pillars, surrounded by silver railing. Prepared in royal karkhanna in Ahmedabad, at
cost of Rs. 1 lakh could provide shade to 10000 men. Thus, the Mughal imperial
power was celebrated with all kind of show and pompous.

Diwan-e-Khas

Jilaukhana - 110 feet by 180 feet courtyard was decorated with Persian carpets and
Banarasi brocades. It is inlaid with floral designs using cornelian, corals and other
precious stone. In front of it, another shamiana was put up called Saha Mandal
(sphere of stars). It was so lofty that its golden pinnacle soared beyond the sky.
Takht-e-Taoos
In middle of it stood Takht-e-Taoos on twelve bejeweled pillars that supported a
jewel studded and enameled canopied roof. On top of it two golden peacock
statues stood holding a string of priceless pearls in their beaks. 186-crrat Kohinoor
diamond adorned the throne. The gems that had been captured from conquered
territories and paid was homage to the Mughal Emperor were used to decorate it.
Thus it was an explicit symbol of imperial power.

Rang Mahal

The ceiling of mansion was brightly colored and inlaid with gold. It was the place
where Shahjahan enjoyed music and performances of dancing girl, played with
children. So, keeping in mind the comfort of Emperor, it contained huge courtyard
with of canals, fountains and gardens. The marble basin, used by Emperor, was
specifically decorated.

Jashn-e-Mahtabi

The anniversary of the Emperor's coronation was celebrated in Shahjahanabad for

around forty days. Royal guests’ would be invited from all over the empire. Just a
day before actual anniversary, there would be ratjaga. The ladies in the harem
would be dressed up in their fineries to celebrate.

Every structure of Shahjahanabad would look majestic with decorations, serving

its purpose of pleasing the Emperor. Diwan-e-Aam would glow like a house of
light with white brocades and white carpets and silver curtains. The effects of the
candles and lamps that illuminated from Diwan-e-Aam would make even the grass
and trees of Mahtab Bagh like silver in dark. Thus, giving impression of moon
(whose ruler was Shahjahan), spreading its shine in the city. This can definitely be
seen as reflection of the imperial power.

The Gardens

Paradise, in the Quran, conceived of garden, was constructed for the Emperor to
enjoy the heavenly paradise on earth. Flowers of various colors and shapes, trees of
all kind, birds of spectacular plumage and beautiful voice and fish of different
varieties filled the fully appointed garden in Shahjahanabad.

Some of gardens were: Khizrabad bagh, Tis Hazari Bagh, Quskia Bagh, Hazrat
Bagh, Lal Bagh. Jahanara Begum’s Sahidabad was the most supreme one. The
Nahr-i Bashisht provided water for the garden paradise. Thus, the garden served as
a refuge to the royals.

Jama Masjid

The Badshahi majestic mosque built of red sandstone interspersed with stripes of
marble and inlaid with black stone. Every wall is artistically decorated with
calligraphic inscription giving details of construction and praising the Emperor.

It is said that Emperor Shahjahan laid the condition that the foundation of mosque
could be laid by someone who has fulfilled the duty of Islam without fail. When no
one could stand up to mark, Emperor himself laid the foundation. Thus,
representing him as pious Muslim and gaining religious sentiments to increase the
grip of his imperial power.

Bazaars
 1650 shops lined the sides of Chandni Chawk with variety of goods and services.
An early 18th century visitor marveled at rubies, emeralds, pearls, glues huqqas
and eyeglasses from China made him dazed.

With the providing shade and cooling effect of stream Faiz bazaar was a piece of
paradise for residents. The shops here stocked goods from European and Central
countries.

Sahjahanabad in its semi-elliptical design known as Karmuka (bow) hold certain

Hindu constructions too. The Shri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir is one such example.
The festivals such as Diwali, Holi and Dusshera were celebrated in the city. Thus,
the imperial power was symbolic of Ganga - Jamuni Tehzeeb.

CONCLUSION

Shahjahanabad: Mansion of Shahjahan, was designed was in a manner to glorify

the Mughal power. In fact, the structure which seemed to misfit the glory, there the
custom was changed. This can be seen as the nobles had to dismount at Fatehpuri
Masjid and then walk at darbar as they could not ride their horses or elephants in
front of palace, which was in full view of the Emperor. The line inscribed in
Diwan-e-Aam explores the splendor of imperial power.

"Agar firdaus bar ru-ye zamin ast; Hamim ast-o himim astro hamim ast”

Jharokha-i-Darshan was the practice which placed Emperor just next to Allah.
Emperor appeared before his adoring public on a small balcony with a vaulted
roof. The early morning puja of his Hindu subjects would be completed only after
this. The others would just stand underneath in the early mornings to catch a
glimpse of their beloved Emperor. Naqqarkhana enchanted with naubat whole day
to celebrate Emperor's birthday. The spell bound beauty of Shahjahanabad during
Jash e Mahtabi, the paradise of garden, all seemed to give evidence to the grandeur
of Mughals. These unmatchable building obviously gave edge to Mughals over
other rulers. Neither Constantinople nor says Baghdad could compare with it, says
Sujan Rai.
Extraordinary materials brought from China, Persia, Europe, Central Asia shows
the imperial connect to all over the world (may it be for decoration or for selling).
Thus, Shahjanabad with its heart ravishing structures with perfect beauty and
charm was full of happiness until the British Invasion and bloody massacre of
Nader Shah.