<<–2/”>a >p align=”justify”>The Ghurid occupation of India at the close of the 12 century A.D has shown the seeds of Indo-Islamic Architecture in the Indian Subcontinent . The Muslims having inherited a wealth of varied designs from Sassanian and Byzantine empires and being naturally endowed with good taste for buildings, never failed to adapt to their own requirements the indigenous architecture of almost every foreign country that they conquered.
The most important factors common to both forms of architecture, especially in respect of mosques and temples, were that to both styles, ornamental decoration was very vital and that the open court in many cases was surrounded by colonnades. But the contrast was equally striking: the prayer chamber of the mosque was spacious, whereas the shrine of the temple was comparatively small.
The distinctive features of Indo-Islamic architecture were :-
(a) dome;
(b) lofty towers or minarets;
(c) arch; and
(d) the vault
The tomb architecture is also another feature of the Islamic architecture as the practice of the burial of the dead is adopted. The general pattern of the tomb architecture is consisted of a domed chamber (hujra), a cenotaph in its centre with a mihrab on the western wall and the real grave in the underground chamber.
The pietra dura or coloured stone inlay work on marble became very popular in the days of Shah Jahan and the finest examples of this type of work are available in the Red Fort in Delhi and the Taj Mahal at Agra. Besides, the structures within the Fatehpur Sikri complex, the forts at Agra and Lahore and the Shahi mosques in Delhi and Lahore are an important part of our heritage. During this period mosques, tombs of kings and dargahs came to
dominate the landscape.
The first distinct example of proper Mughal architecture inspired by Persian architecture, is the tomb of Humayun, in Delhi, built by his widow, Begha Begum. This tomb is important for a proper study of the development of later Mughal architecture and has provided the prototype, followed by architects who designed the Mausoleum of Jahangir at Shahdara, Lahore, as well as the celebrated Taj Mahal, at Agra.
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Mughal architecture is a style of Islamic architecture that developed under the Mughal Empire in India. It is a fusion of Persian, Turkish, and Indian architectural styles. The Mughals were a Muslim dynasty that ruled India from the 16th to the 18th centuries. They were patrons of the arts and architecture, and their buildings are some of the most impressive examples of Islamic architecture in the world.
The Mughal architecture is characterized by its use of symmetry, intricate geometric patterns, and lavish use of marble and other precious stones. Some of the most famous examples of Mughal architecture include the Taj Mahal, the Red Fort, and the Jama Masjid.
The Mughal architecture had a profound influence on the development of Indian architecture. It is still used today in the construction of mosques, tombs, and other religious buildings.
History of Mughal architecture
The Mughal Empire was founded in 1526 by Babur, a descendant of Timur and Genghis Khan. Babur was a great conqueror, and he quickly expanded his empire to include much of northern India. He was also a patron of the arts and architecture, and he commissioned many buildings in the Persian style.
Babur’s son, Humayun, was less successful as a ruler, and he was eventually overthrown by Sher Shah Suri. However, Humayun’s son, Akbar, was a great ruler and a great patron of the arts. Akbar was responsible for many of the most famous examples of Mughal architecture, including the Agra Fort and the Fatehpur Sikri.
Akbar’s grandson, Shah Jahan, was also a great patron of the arts. He is best known for the Taj Mahal, which is considered to be one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. Shah Jahan also built the Red Fort in Delhi and the Jama Masjid in Agra.
The Mughal Empire began to decline in the 18th century, and it finally collapsed in 1857. However, the Mughal architecture continued to influence Indian architecture for many years after that.
Characteristics of Mughal architecture
Mughal architecture is characterized by its use of symmetry, intricate geometric patterns, and lavish use of marble and other precious stones. The buildings are often decorated with intricate tile work, calligraphy, and other forms of ornamentation.
One of the most distinctive features of Mughal architecture is the use of domes. Domes are often used to crown the roofs of mosques and tombs, and they can be either single or double. The domes are often decorated with intricate patterns and are sometimes made of marble or other precious stones.
Another distinctive feature of Mughal architecture is the use of arches. Arches are often used to support the roofs of buildings, and they can be either pointed or rounded. The arches are often decorated with intricate patterns and are sometimes made of marble or other precious stones.
Famous examples of Mughal architecture
The Taj Mahal is one of the most famous examples of Mughal architecture. It is a white marble mausoleum that was built by Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal is considered to be one of the most beautiful buildings in the world, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Red Fort is another famous example of Mughal architecture. It is a red sandstone fort that was built by Shah Jahan in Delhi. The Red Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in India.
The Jama Masjid is the largest mosque in India. It was built by Shah Jahan in Agra. The Jama Masjid is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is one of the most important mosques in India.
Influence of Mughal architecture
Mughal architecture had a profound influence on the development of Indian architecture. It is still used today in the construction of mosques, tombs, and other religious buildings. Mughal architecture has also influenced the development of other styles of architecture, such as Indo-Saracenic architecture.
Modern Mughal architecture
Modern Mughal architecture is a style of architecture that is inspired by the Mughal style. It is often used in the construction of luxury hotels, resorts, and other high-end buildings. Modern Mughal architecture is characterized by its use of symmetry, intricate geometric patterns, and lavish use of marble and other precious stones.
What is Mughal architecture?
Mughal architecture is a style of architecture that developed during the Mughal Empire in India. It is a fusion of Persian, Indian, and Islamic architectural styles.
Who are the Mughals?
The Mughals were a Muslim dynasty that ruled over India from the 16th to the 18th centuries. They were originally from Central Asia, but they adopted many Indian customs and traditions.
What are some of the most famous Mughal buildings?
Some of the most famous Mughal buildings include the Taj Mahal, the Red Fort, and the Jama Masjid.
What are some of the characteristics of Mughal architecture?
Mughal architecture is characterized by its use of domes, arches, and minarets. It also features intricate tile work and calligraphy.
What is the significance of Mughal architecture?
Mughal architecture is significant because it represents a fusion of different cultures. It is also a reminder of the Mughal Empire’s power and influence.
What are some of the criticisms of Mughal architecture?
Some people criticize Mughal architecture for its use of non-Indian Elements. Others criticize it for its association with the Mughal Empire, which was a period of Muslim rule in India.
What are some of the benefits of Mughal architecture?
Mughal architecture is beautiful and impressive. It is also a reminder of India’s rich history and culture.
What are some of the drawbacks of Mughal architecture?
Mughal architecture can be expensive to maintain. It can also be difficult to access, as many Mughal buildings are located in remote areas.
What is the future of Mughal architecture?
The future of Mughal architecture is uncertain. Some people believe that it will continue to be popular, while others believe that it will eventually fade away.
Which of the following is not a Mughal emperor?
(a) Akbar
(b) Jahangir
(c) Shah Jahan
(d) AurangzebWhich of the following is not a Mughal monument?
(a) Taj Mahal
(b) Red Fort
(c) Jama Masjid
(d) Qutub MinarThe Mughal Empire was founded by:
(a) Babur
(b) Humayun
(c) Akbar
(d) JahangirThe Mughal Empire reached its peak under the reign of:
(a) Akbar
(b) Jahangir
(c) Shah Jahan
(d) AurangzebThe Mughal Empire declined in the 18th century due to:
(a) internal conflicts
(b) external invasions
(c) economic problems
(d) all of the aboveThe Mughals were a Muslim dynasty that ruled over India from the 16th to the 18th centuries.
(a) True
(b) FalseThe Mughals were originally from Central Asia.
(a) True
(b) FalseThe Mughals were great patrons of art, architecture, and literature.
(a) True
(b) FalseThe Taj Mahal is one of the most famous buildings in the world.
(a) True
(b) FalseThe Mughal Empire was a major power in India for over 200 years.
(a) True
(b) False