Mughal architecture is a style of Islamic architecture that developed under the Mughal Empire in India. It is characterized by its use of Persian, Turkish, and Indian elements, as well as its lavish use of marble, sandstone, and tile. Some of the most famous examples of Mughal architecture include the Taj Mahal, the Red Fort, and the Jama Masjid.
History of Mughal architecture
The Mughal Empire was founded in 1526 by Babur, a descendant of Timur and Genghis Khan. Babur was a great military leader and conqueror, and he quickly established the Mughal Empire as one of the most powerful empires in India. His son, Humayun, inherited the empire in 1530, but he was soon overthrown by Sher Shah Suri. Humayun was able to regain the throne in 1555, but he died just two years later. His son, Akbar, then became the emperor of the Mughal Empire.
Akbar was one of the greatest emperors of the Mughal Empire. He was a brilliant military strategist, a wise ruler, and a patron of the arts. He was also a devout Muslim, and he used his power to promote Islam in India. Akbar’s reign was a golden age for Mughal architecture. He commissioned many great buildings, including the Agra Fort, the Fatehpur Sikri, and the Jama Masjid.
Akbar’s son, Jahangir, succeeded him as emperor in 1605. Jahangir was a more peaceful ruler than his father, and he focused on consolidating the Mughal Empire. He also continued his father’s patronage of the arts. Jahangir’s most famous building is the Taj Mahal, which he built in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal.
Jahangir’s son, Shah Jahan, succeeded him as emperor in 1628. Shah Jahan was a great builder, and he commissioned many magnificent buildings, including the Red Fort, the Jama Masjid, and the Taj Mahal. Shah Jahan’s reign was a golden age for Mughal architecture.
Shah Jahan’s son, Aurangzeb, succeeded him as emperor in 1658. Aurangzeb was a devout Muslim, and he used his power to promote Islam in India. He was also a great military leader, and he expanded the Mughal Empire to its greatest extent. However, Aurangzeb’s reign was also a time of decline for Mughal architecture. He was not as interested in the arts as his predecessors, and he commissioned fewer buildings.
After Aurangzeb’s death in 1707, the Mughal Empire began to decline. The empire was divided into smaller kingdoms, and Mughal architecture fell into decline. However, the Mughal style of architecture continued to influence later styles of Indian architecture.
Characteristics of Mughal architecture
Mughal architecture is characterized by its use of Persian, Turkish, and Indian elements. It is also characterized by its lavish use of marble, sandstone, and tile. Some of the most common features of Mughal architecture include:
- Domes: Domes are a common feature of Mughal architecture. They are often used to cover the central chamber of a building.
- Arches: Arches are also a common feature of Mughal architecture. They are often used to support the weight of a building.
- Minarets: Minarets are tall towers that are often used as watchtowers or as places for prayer.
- Courtyards: Courtyards are a common feature of Mughal architecture. They are often used as gardens or as places for people to gather.
- Tilework: Tilework is a common feature of Mughal architecture. It is often used to decorate the exterior of a building.
Famous examples of Mughal architecture
Some of the most famous examples of Mughal architecture include:
- The Taj Mahal: The Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum located in Agra, India. It was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal is widely recognized as “the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world’s heritage.”
- The Red Fort: The Red Fort is a historical fort located in Delhi, India. It was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century. The Red Fort is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India.
- The Jama Masjid: The Jama Masjid is a mosque located in Delhi, India. It is the largest mosque in India and one of the largest mosques in the world. The Jama Masjid was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century.
- The Agra Fort: The Agra Fort is a historical fort located in Agra, India. It was built by Mughal emperor Akbar in the 16th century. The Agra Fort is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India.
- The Fatehpur Sikri: