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Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Mughal Architecture


The Mughal’s who were the direct decedents of Genghis Khan, ruled over a vast land (approximately 1.2 sq. miles/3.2 million kilometers). This included modern day Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India and Pakistan. Mughal dynasty came into existence in 1526 after Emperor Babur’s victory at Panipat (India).

During 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, Mughal architecture evolved through the amalgamation of Indian, Islamic, Persian and Turkish architecture. The highlight of Mughal architecture is its symmetry and decorative work. Apart from extensive use of white and red marble, beautiful inlay work of semi precious stones is a highlight of Mughal architecture.

Though the construction in Mughal style started from Babur’s time but the Mughal architecture reached its zenith during Shah Jahan’s reign. Shah Jahan alone is responsible for the construction of Taj Mahal, Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque), Agra fort )in it's current form), Lahore fort and Jama Masjid Delhi.

Here is a little taste of architecture, pictures do not do justice but as they say they are worth a thousand words.

Agra Fort:

The first mention of the fort is at around 11th century, however when emperor Akbar realized the importance of the fort and Agra. He enhanced and fortified the fort with red sandstone and established his state capital there naming "Fatehpur". However it was emperor Shah Jahan who modified the Agra fort to it's current state.
Main entrance of Agra fort
Buland darvaza (Tall gate)
Ceiling detail of Buland darvaza

Third gate of the fort

Akbar's palace
Highly decorative columns


Detail on one of the towers
Jehangiri mehal(palace)


Khas Mehal 

Interior detail of Khas Mehal

inlay work on marble (Khas mehal)
Interior buildings of Fort

View of Taj Mahal from Musamman (burj)tower Agra Fort
The outer wall
Agra fort at night
Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque)

Moti Masjid was built by Shah Jahan for his and the royal family's use. It is a structure of white marble the favorite construction material of Shah Jahan. Since the marble mosque shines like a pearl (Moti) that is why it is called Pearl Mosque.


Moti masjid (pearl mosque)

Interior of Moti masjid

A view of the river from Moti masjid
to be continued...

credits: google, wikipedia, indian tourism, retinacharmer.com etc

7 comments:

  1. Such grandeur and beauty! This is one of my favorite architecture. When I worked at the Smithsonian's Freer and Sackler galleries, we had many exhibitions and publications on Mughal art and architecture. I'm fortunate to own many of the catalogs, including King of the World: the Padshahnama!
    Cheers,
    Loi

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Loi, it is an amazing architecture. In today's world, it will be so expensive to just duplicate one of these. We hope the countries these great treasurers are in will take good care of them and preserve them for the generations to come.

      Best wishes

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  2. Stunning architectural design. I adore the inlay work!
    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Karen. It is so good to hear from you, hope everything is well. Take care.

      Delete
  3. great architecture! its so interesting that past times anything had its own design in certain decade.. now it almost especially in architecture all the same kind of blocks..

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  4. Very nice pictures. Thank you for sharing..

    ReplyDelete