Mughal Architecture

hasht bihisht

"eight paradises"

Jehangir

Akbar was succeeded by his son, Salim, who took the title of Jehangir, meaning "Conqueror of the World". He married Mehr-un-Nisa whom he gave the title of Nur Jahan (light of the world). He loved her with blind passion and handed over the complete reins of administration to her. He expanded the empire through the addition of Kangra and Kistwar and consolidated the Mughal rule in Bengal. Jehangir lacked the political enterprise of his father Akbar. But he was an honest man and a tolerant ruler. He strived to reform society and was tolerant towards Hindus, Christians and Jews. However, relations with Sikhs were strained, and the fifth of the ten Sikh gurus, Arjun Dev, was executed at Jehangir's orders for giving aid and comfort to Khusrau, Jehangir's rebellious son. Art, literature, and architecture prospered under Jehangir's rule, and the Mughal gardens in Srinagar remain an enduring testimony to his artistic taste. He died in 1627.

Characteristics(Mughal)

Bulbous/onion domes slender minarets large halls massive gateway delicate ornamentation

Akbar (1556-1605)

Humayun's heir, Akbar, was born in exile and was only 13 years old when his father died. Akbar's reign holds a certain prominence in history; he was the ruler who actually fortified the foundations of the Mughal Empire. After a series of conquests, he managed to subdue most of India. Areas not under the empire were designated as tributaries. He also adopted a conciliatory policy towards the Rajputs, hence reducing any threat from them. Akbar was not only a great conqueror, but a capable organizer and a great administrator as well. He set up a host of institutions that proved to be the foundation of an administrative system that operated even in British India. Akbar's rule also stands out due to his liberal policies towards the non-Muslims, his religious innovations, the land revenue system and his famous Mansabdari system. Akbar's Mansabdari system became the basis of Mughal military organization and civil administration. Akbar died in 1605, nearly 50 years after his ascension to the throne, and was buried outside of Agra at Sikandra. His son Jehangirthen assumed the throne.

Taj Mahal, Agra, India

built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan (1628- 1658), who was the grandson of Akbar the great. As the history of Taj Mahal goes, it was built in the memory of his beloved queen Arjumand Bano Begum, better known as "Mumtaz Mahal". Shah Jahan was in deep sorrow at the death of the queen and decided to build the Taj Mahal, a marble wonder, in her rememberence

Black Marble

has been used for geometrical patterns to relive the monotony.

Mughal Emperor Akbar

initial structures were built(agra fort) father of Shah Jahan

Mughal Architecture

is the distinctive IndoIslamic architectural style that developed in northern and central India under the patronage of Mughal emperors from the 16th to the 18th century. It is a remarkably symmetrical and decorative amalgam of Persian, Turkish, and Indian architecture.

Humayun's Tomb

is the tomb of the Mughal Emperor Humayun in Delhi, India and designed by Mirak Mirza Ghiya

Pink and white stone

is used in the construction of the tomb

Mughal Empire

one of the greatest empire in India

stucco

plaster made of cement, sand, and lime for covering exterior walls of buildings

1565

start of building agra fort

khiyabans

walkways

Sher Shah Suri (1540-1545)

was an Afghan leader who took over the Mughal Empire after defeating Humayun in 1540. Sher Shah occupied the throne of Delhi for not more than five years, but his reign proved to be a landmark in the Sub-continent. As a king, he has several achievements in his credit. He established an efficient public administration. He set up a revenue collection system based on the measurement of land. Justice was provided to the common man. Numerous civil works were carried out during his short reign; planting of trees, wells and building of Sarai (inns) for travellers was done. Roads were laid; it was under his rule that the Grand Trunk road from Delhi to Kabul was built. The currency was also changed to finely minted silver coins called Dam. However, Sher Shah did not survive long after his accession on the throne and died in 1545 after a short reign of five years.

Shah Jahan

Jehangir was succeeded by his second son Khurram in 1628. Khurram took the name of Shah Jahan, i.e. the Emperor of the World. He further expanded his Empire to Kandhar in the north and conquered most of Southern India. The Mughal Empire was at its zenith during Shah Jahan's rule. This was due to almost 100 years of unparalleled prosperity and peace. As a result, during this reign, the world witnessed the unique development of arts and culture of the Mughal Empire. Shah Jahan has been called the "architect king". The Red Fort and the Jama Masjid, both in Delhi, stand out as towering achievements of both civil engineering and art. Yet above all else, Shah Jahan is remembered today for the Taj Mahal, the massive white marble mausoleum constructed for his wife Mumtaz Mahal along the banks of the Yamuna River in Agra

Agra Fort

Located on the banks of River Yamuna, the fort has a number of other beautiful examples of Mughal Empire architecture including Jahangiri Mahal, Diwan-I-Am, Diwan-IKhas, etc. In the rule of Shah Jahan, the fort was transformed into palatial residence which later served as a prison for him, where he was made captive by his own son.

Babar(1526-1530

The great grandson of Tamerlane and Genghis Khan, was the first Mughal emperor in India. He confronted and defeated Lodhi in 1526 at the first battle of Panipat, and so came to establish the Mughal Empire in India. Babar ruled until 1530, and was succeeded by his son Humayun.

Iwan

a high arch, punctuates the center of each facade, and is set back slightly. Together with the other arches and openings, giving the façade a depth.

AIDUKA

a three tiered quadrangular structure having steps on all sides and circular dome above the third plinth.