Architecture During Mughals

Mughal Architecture, a distinctive construction style, flourished in northern and central India from the mid-16th to late-17th centuries, with generous support from Mughal rulers. Iconic structures like Agra Fort and the Taj Mahal were masterfully crafted during this period, showcasing the grandeur and artistic prowess of the Mughal dynasty.

About Architecture During Mughals

Explore the remarkable resurgence of Islamic architecture in northern India during the Mughal period.
Witness the fusion of Persian, Indian, and diverse regional architectural styles nurtured under the Mughal emperors’ patronage.
Experience the creation of exceptionally beautiful and refined architectural masterpieces.
Delve into the widespread popularity of the Mughal architectural style, particularly in northern India.
Discover how this unique blend became a symbol of cultural richness and artistic finesse.
Uncover its influence extending beyond the Mughal era, leaving a lasting impact on colonial architecture in the Indo-Saracenic style.

Features

This architectural marvel seamlessly blends Indian, Persian, and Turkish styles, showcasing a unique fusion.
Diverse structures like grand gates, forts, mausoleums, palaces, mosques, and sarais contribute to its captivating design.
Red sandstone and white marble, the predominant materials, add to the visual splendor.
Noteworthy features include Charbagh gardens, distinctive bulbous domes, slender turrets, grand entrances, and intricate calligraphy and patterns on pillars and walls.
The use of arches, chhatri, and various dome forms reflects the popularity of Indo-Islamic architecture, a style further refined by the Mughals.

Mughal Architecture Under Babur

Babur built many mosques throughout India, most of which were based on desecrated Hindu temples. Babur built a plethora of gorgeous Tombs, Mosques, Madrassas, and Gardens in every palace and province.
Babur’s Jama Masjid in Sambhal and the Babri Mosque in Ayodhya still offer witness to the progress of architecture during his reign.

Jama Masjid, Delhi

Jama Masjid, an awe-inspiring mosque, was constructed under Shah Jahan’s rule, showcasing the brilliance of Mughal architecture in India.
Among India’s largest mosques, it boasts three massive domes, four towers, and an impressive 131 minarets.
Originally named Masjid-i-Jahan-Numa, translating to “world-reflecting mosque,” it stands as a testament to its worldwide significance.
Built over the years 1644 to 1656, this masterpiece cost approximately a million rupees, equivalent to several hundred million today.
Crafted by the renowned Mughal architect Saadullah Khan, along with a dedicated team of over 5000 workers, it stands as a testament to their meticulous craftsmanship.
Accommodating up to 25,000 worshippers during holy prayers, Jama Masjid stands as a symbol of spiritual unity and grandeur.

Mughal Architecture Under Akbar

During Akbar’s rule, Mughal architecture thrived, showcasing a unique blend of Persian, Turkic, Timurid Iranian, Central Asian, and Hindu-Muslim influences from India.
The architectural style of the time was a harmonious fusion of diverse elements, creating a rich tapestry that reflected Persian, Turkic, Timurid Iranian, Central Asian, and indigenous Hindu-Muslim forms.
Akbar’s architectural legacy is marked by the extensive use of sandstone. Notably, this can be observed in the construction of iconic structures like Fatehpur Sikri and Akbar’s mausoleum in Sikandra.
Fatehpur Sikri, a testament to Akbari architecture, features the impressive Buland Darwaza, India’s largest gateway. This architectural marvel is housed within the mosque of Fatehpur Sikri.

Agra Fort

Akbar initiated the construction of the Agra Fort in 1565 AD, completing it in 1574 AD.
Situated on the banks of the Yamuna River, the Agra Fort stands as a grand and picturesque structure.
The fort is defined by a 2.5-kilometer-long and 21-meter-high circuitous wall made of solid red sandstone.
The stones are meticulously connected by iron rings, forming an impenetrable barrier.
Accessible through two portals, the Delhi Gate serves as the ceremonial entrance, while the Hathi Pol (Elephant Gate) features two massive elephants, designed for city protection against intruders.
The fort’s architecture reflects a blend of Rajput styles, with elaborate brackets mimicking woodwork and arched recesses above the balcony.
The gateways, particularly the Delhi Gate, boast beautiful panels adorned with colored tiles and marble inlay work, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the fort.

Fatehpur Sikri

Fatehpur Sikri, Akbar’s capital near Agra, stands as a testament to the Emperor’s architectural brilliance, constructed between 1569 and 1574 A.D. This walled city showcases an array of breathtaking buildings, blending both religious and secular structures, reflecting Akbar’s vision for social, political, and religious unity.
Among the remarkable Mughal structures within Fatehpur Sikri is the Buland Darwaza, an imposing high entryway erected in 1601 during Emperor Akbar’s rule. This architectural masterpiece commemorates the Mughal triumph in Gujarat and stands as a proud symbol of Indian heritage.
Serving as the guardian of Fatehpur Sikri, the Buland Darwaza, or the “Gate of Magnificence,” once overlooked a city of unparalleled grandeur that now lies abandoned. This awe-inspiring structure is renowned as one of India’s most exquisitely crafted landmarks, constructed from red sandstone with marble accents and adorned with intricate carvings and verses from the Holy Quran.

Tomb of Humayun

Humayun’s mausoleum, a masterpiece built in Delhi in 1569 A.D., stands as a testament to love, constructed by his devoted wife Haji Begum four years after his demise in 1565 A.D.
This architectural gem is situated at the heart of a meticulously planned square garden, reflecting the quintessential Mughal garden design, characterized by its division into squares.
The imposing double-storey structure rests on a colossal elevated platform terrace adorned with a series of arches. The tomb, located in the central octagonal chamber, boasts large arched alcoves on each side and is surrounded by pillared kiosks topped with cupolas.
Crafted from red sandstone and adorned with exquisite black, white, and yellow marble inlays, the mausoleum radiates grandeur and artistry. The lofty marble double dome at the center adds to its impressive aesthetic.
Representing a harmonious blend of Persian and Indian architectural styles, the mausoleum’s design, conceived by a Persian architect and brought to life by Indian artisans, exemplifies a cross-cultural masterpiece.
The mausoleum offers access through two double-storeyed entrances, welcoming visitors to explore the rich history and architectural brilliance encapsulated within its walls.

Mughal Architecture Under Jahangir

During the rule of Jahangir from 1605 to 1627, Mughal architecture notably embraced a more Persian style than traditional Indian influences.
An excellent illustration of this Persian design shift is seen in Jahangir’s grand mosque in Lahore. Adorned with enamelled tiles, this architectural masterpiece showcases a distinct Persian influence.
Constructed in 1628, the mausoleum of Itmad-ud-Daula in Agra epitomizes the fusion of Persian and Indian aesthetics.
Crafted entirely from white marble and embellished with intricate pietra dura mosaic, it stands as a testament to the opulence and artistic finesse of the era.

Mughal Architecture Under Shah Jahan

Shah Jahan’s (1628—1658) vision gave a delicate refinement and precision to Mughal architecture. The Taj Mahal is unquestionably Shah Jahan’s most famous achievement.

Red Fort, Delhi

The Red Fort, also known as the Lal Quila, is a magnificent specimen of Mughal architecture in India.
The Mughals’ majestic palace, Delhi’s Red Fort, served as the empire’s capital for nearly 200 years.
In 2007, the majestic fort was added to UNESCO’s list of world-historic monuments.
It is one of the outstanding specimens of Mughal architecture and was built during the reign of Shah Jahan in the heart of Old Delhi, then known as Shahjahanabad.
The red sandstone fort covers an area of 254.67 acres of land.
The fort contains numerous special rooms, palaces, sculptures, and decorations, and it is thought that the Kohinoor diamond was utilised as one of the ornaments.
The fort’s remarkable historic structures include the Diwan-I-Am, Diwan-I-Khas, Ranga Mahal, Moti Masjid, and the Meena bazaar.

Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal, situated in Agra, is a stunning white marble mausoleum built by Shah Jahan between 1632 and 1648 in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
Constructed by 20,000 artisans, it stands as the epitome of Mughal architecture, featuring a square pedestal, four identical facades, and majestic arch-shaped doorways.
The design reflects the Islamic garden of heaven, with a central dome adorned by a lotus motif, surrounded by four smaller chhatris, and four towering minarets at the corners.
The exterior showcases intricate decorations, including calligraphy, abstract forms, Koranic passages, and vegetable patterns, employing techniques like paint, stucco, carvings, and pietra dura work.
Inside, precious and semi-precious gemstones are intricately inlaid, adding to the grandeur of the mausoleum.
Following Muslim tradition, Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal’s bodies rest in a simple crypt beneath the tomb, as extravagant grave adornment is prohibited.

Mughal Architecture Under Aurangzeb

Aurangzeb left a lasting impact on the Lahore Fort by overseeing significant additions, including the construction of a gate named in his honor among the thirteen. The Badshahi Mosque, characterized by its brick structure and red sandstone facades, also reflects his influence. However, the era of Aurangzeb marked a decline in Mughal architecture, a trend that would worsen in the aftermath of his reign.

Bibi Ka Maqbara

Aurangzeb, as a staunch puritan, discouraged various forms of artistic expression. His reign witnessed a decline in architecture and the arts, leaving a lasting impact on the cultural landscape of Mughal rule.
Despite the overall decline, a noteworthy exception is the mausoleum of Aurangzeb’s wife, Rabia-Ud-Daurani. This structure, completed in 1679 A.D. in Aurangabad (Deccan) by her son, stands out as one of the few constructions from this period that deserves attention.
The mausoleum, though significant, is often criticized as a lackluster replica of the Taj Mahal. Approximately half the size, it reflects the extent to which artistic endeavors had degenerated during Aurangzeb’s reign.
Despite its perceived shortcomings, the mausoleum boasts distinctive features. The latticed octagonal white marble screen surrounding the graves and the worn brass doors adorned with floral panels and borders are particularly noteworthy.

Badshahi Mosque

The Badshahi Mosque stands as a remarkable example of Mughal architectural brilliance in Lahore, Pakistan.
Lahore served as the capital of the Mughal Empire in the late 16th century, having been captured by Babur in 1524.
Presently, Lahore is the capital of the Punjab region, a historically significant province now divided between Pakistan and India.
Post the Mughal era, Lahore became the capital of the Sikh Empire, a formidable force that once dominated the Punjab region.
Emperor Aurangzeb commissioned the construction of the Badshahi Mosque in 1673, embodying quintessential Mughal architecture.
Crafted from traditional Red Sandstone, the mosque features iconic elements such as minarets, domes, and pointed arches, reflecting Islamic architectural influences.
Mosques held great importance for the Mughals, providing a sacred space for Islamic worship within the empire.
These mosques were not only places of worship but also served to foster a sense of community among the local inhabitants, contributing to the promotion of Islam.

Mughal Gardens

Mughal gardens, crafted by the Mughals during the 16th to 18th centuries in India, represent a splendid fusion of Persian and Central Asian garden influences. These formal gardens, designed with a charbagh layout, embraced a harmonious arrangement with four quadrants delineated by water channels. In each quadrant, a diverse array of trees, flowers, and shrubs adorned the landscape, creating a picturesque ambiance. Complemented by fountains, pavilions, and other architectural elements, Mughal gardens epitomized a captivating blend of nature and artistry.

Some of the most famous Mughal gardens include: