Both rulers focused more on political challenges than architectural pursuits.
Despite this, Babur’s deep affection for gardens led to the creation of several during his brief rule in India.
Architectural Flourish Under Akbar:
Akbar marked the pinnacle of Mughal architectural activities.
Red sandstone predominated in his constructions.
A harmonious blend of trabeate and arcuate architectural forms characterized Akbar’s buildings.
Jahangir’s Artistic Influence:
Jahangir’s primary passion lay in paintings rather than architecture.
His love for paintings, animals, and floral designs left an indelible mark on contemporary architecture.
The era introduced a new decorative style known as pietra-dura.
Shah Jahan’s Marble Marvels:
Shah Jahan elevated Mughal architecture to its zenith, favoring the extensive use of marble.
The Taj Mahal, an immortalized structure, epitomized perfection with double domes, minarets, and multi-foliated arches.
Aurangzeb’s Minimalist Approach:
Aurangzeb, with limited time for construction, witnessed minimal building activities during his reign.
Post-Aurangzeb Decline:
The subsequent period marked a decline in Mughal architecture.
Owing to political upheavals, later rulers couldn’t focus on substantial building projects.
Notable exception: Safdar Jang’s tomb in Delhi, an enduring monument from this era.
Beginning of Mughal Architecture
The historical narrative of architecture spanning the 16th to 18th centuries unfolds as a captivating account of the Mughal Emperors’ building endeavours. This architectural saga, however, experienced a brief hiatus during the rule of the Surs in Delhi for about a decade and a half.
Architectural Foundations by Babur and Humayun
While the crystallization of the Mughal architectural style occurred during Akbar’s reign, the foundational principles were laid by Babur and Humayun, Akbar’s predecessors. Babur’s brief five-year rule, focused on consolidating the nascent Mughal state, did include a notable interest in secular construction. Unfortunately, few remnants of these works survive today, with two mosques in Panipat and Sambhal being among the standing structures. Regrettably, these mosques lack architectural significance. Babur’s legacy in secular construction mainly involves the establishment of gardens and pavilions, as depicted in miniatures, although existing pavilions are scarce.
Humayun’s Architectural Contributions
Humayun’s architectural contributions during his reign lack distinctive features.
Turbulent Mughal Rule and Exile: The tumultuous period of Mughal rule in India and Humayun’s exile in Persia during the ascendancy of the Sur dynasty hampered the creation of significant architectural works.
Scarcity of Notable Buildings: Upon Humayun’s return to Delhi in 1555, his reign witnessed a scarcity of notable buildings, with only two mosques in Agra and Fatehabad. Unfortunately, these structures lacked architectural distinctiveness.
Landmark: Humayun’s Tomb: Humayun’s tomb, initiated in 1564 under the patronage of his widow Hamida Bano Begum, emerged as a landmark in Mughal architecture.
Humayun’s Tomb
Architectural Fusion: Designed by Mirak Mirza Ghiyas from Persia, the tomb represents a unique fusion of Indian and Persian architectural concepts.
Distinctive Structure: The tomb features an octagonal plan, elevated on an arcaded sandstone platform, and boasts a high dome with a double-shell structure.
Architectural Elements: Each side of the tomb incorporates a porch with a pointed arch leading to the main chamber. The interior comprises a central chamber housing the Emperor’s grave, surrounded by smaller interconnected rooms intended for family members.
Unique Status: Despite being officially constructed during Akbar’s reign, Humayun’s tomb holds a unique place in Mughal architecture due to its distinctive features.
A double dome consists of two layers: an inner layer that forms the ceiling of the building’s interior and an outer layer that crowns the structure. This architectural approach allows the interior ceiling to be positioned lower, enhancing its connection with the internal space it covers. This is achieved without compromising the proportions and the elevated aesthetic of the exterior. The technique of constructing double domes was initially employed in Western Asia before being introduced to India.
Sher Shah Sur’s Architectural Legacy
Introduction
During the interregnum of the Sur dynasty in India in 1540, Sher Shah Sur took control, interrupting the Mughal rule. For the next fifteen years, the Sur dynasty left a lasting architectural legacy that laid the foundation for Mughal architecture. This heritage can be divided into two distinct periods and locations.
Phase One: Sasaram (1530-1540)
In Sasaram (Bihar) under Sher Shah, a group of tombs was constructed between 1530 and 1540, illustrating the culmination of the Lodi style. Sher Shah’s ambition to create grand monuments was evident in these structures. The tomb of Sher Shah in Sasaram, built in 1525, stood out as a masterpiece. The architect expanded proportions, added stories, and created a stunning pyramidical structure in five stages, using fine Chunar sandstone. The tomb, situated on a stepped square plinth, exhibited skilled craftsmanship and a harmonious transition from square to octagon and sphere.
Phase Two: Delhi (1540-1545)
The second phase unfolded in Delhi, where Sher Shah built Purana Qila, intended as the sixth city of Delhi. While only two gateways survive today, the Qila-i-Kuhna Masjid, constructed around 1542 inside the Purana Qila citadel, remains significant. The mosque’s facade featured five arched bays, with the central one larger, adorned with intricate carvings in black and white marble and red sandstone. The mosque’s arches displayed a slight drop or flatness, representing a precursor to the later four-centered “Tudor” arch of the Mughals. This architectural innovation influenced subsequent Mughal styles.
Akbar’s Architectural Marvels
Introduction
The reign of Akbar marks a pivotal period in Mughal architecture, representing the amalgamation of Indo-Islamic styles. Akbar’s architectural endeavours encouraged indigenous techniques and incorporated experiences from various regions. The key elements defining this architectural era include the prevalent use of red sandstone, trabeated construction, decorative arches, ‘Lodi’ type domes, multifaceted pillar shafts with bracket-shaped capitals, and vibrant decorations.
Building Projects
First Phase
One of Akbar’s initial projects was the construction of Agra Fort, designed as a fortress palace. While most structures within were later demolished, the Delhi Gate and Jahangiri Mahal remain as representatives. The Delhi Gate showcases originality with its octagonal towers and white marble inlaid patterns against a red sandstone backdrop. The Jahangiri Mahal, a robust red sandstone building, exemplifies the fusion of Hindu and Islamic designs.
Second Phase: Fatehpur Sikri
The second phase witnessed the creation of Fatehpur Sikri, a ceremonial capital built between 1571 and 1585. The city’s design lacks a conscious overall plan but features a cohesive layout, integrating public areas and private palace apartments. Notable structures include religious buildings like the Jami Masjid, Buland Darwaza, and the tomb of Shaikh Salim Chishti, as well as various secular buildings.
Jami Masjid and Buland Darwaza
The Jami Masjid follows a typical mosque plan with a central courtyard, arcades, and a domed skyline. The Buland Darwaza, built to commemorate Akbar’s Gujarat conquest, stands as a towering structure adorned with intricate carvings and a colossal central arch.
Tomb of Shaikh Salim Chishti
The tomb of Shaikh Salim Chishti, a masterpiece in marble, showcases exquisite craftsmanship. Completed in 1581, it features serpentine brackets supporting eaves and finely carved lattice screens.
Palaces and Administrative Buildings
Fatehpur Sikri’s palace complex includes Jodh Bai Palace, known for its massive and austere character, and the Panch Mahal, a distinctive five-storey structure. Administrative buildings like Diwani Khwas and Diwani Am demonstrate unique architectural elements, including carved columns and stone platforms.
Miscellaneous Structures
Miscellaneous structures within the city complex include caravansarais, the Karkhana building with radiating brick domes, and waterworks near Hathi Pol, featuring a deep well and chambers for water distribution.
Akbar’s architectural legacy showcases a harmonious blend of styles, marking a significant era in the evolution of Mughal architecture.
Mughal Marvels: Jahangir and Shah Jahan’s Architectural Legacy
Introduction
The legacy of Mughal architecture continued to flourish after Akbar’s reign, with Jahangir and Shah Jahan contributing significantly. The stability of the empire and its wealth allowed these rulers to foster a profound interest in the visual arts.
New Features of Jahangir and Shah Jahan’s Architecture
Marble Dominance
Jahangir and Shah Jahan’s era witnessed a shift to marble as the primary building material, replacing red sandstone. This transition brought forth distinct stylistic changes, including:
a) Adoption of a unique arch with foliated curves and nine cusps. b) Proliferation of marble arcades featuring engraved arches. c) Development of bulbous-domed structures with stifled necks. d) Widespread use of double domes. e) Introduction of intricate inlaid patterns using coloured stones, especially pietra dura—a method embedding semi-precious stones in marble.
Major Buildings
Tomb of Akbar
The tomb of Akbar, situated at Sikandra, exemplifies a blend of Akbar and Jahangir’s architectural styles. The square structure, built in three stories, incorporates red sandstone pavilions and a white marble second storey with open courts. The complex’s gateway stands out with circular white marble minarets adorned with painted stucco and marble inlay depicting traditional motifs like elephants, swans, lotuses, swastikas, and chakras.
Tomb of Itimadud Daula
Nur Jahan’s construction of the Tomb of Itimadud Daula in 1622-8 marks a departure from Akbar’s robust style. This square tomb, adorned with octagonal minarets, features white marble embellished with mosaics, pietra dura, and painted floral motifs. The tomb is surrounded by red sandstone gateways within a square garden, creating a striking contrast.
Shah Jahan’s Contributions
While Jahangir leaned more towards gardening, his successor, Shah Jahan, became a prolific builder. His notable constructions include:
a) Lal Qila (Red Fort), Delhi: A rectangular fort with Delhi and Lahore Gates, bastions, and notable structures like Diwani Am, Diwani Khas, and Rang Mahal. Floral decorations grace the walls, columns, and piers.
b) Moti Masjid, Agra Fort: An experiment with an open arcaded prayer hall deviating from traditional mosque designs. The white marble mosque features bulbous domes and calligraphy.
c) Jama Masjid, Delhi: The largest mosque in India, resembling the one at Fatehpur Sikri. Built with red sandstone and white marble, it boasts arcades and three bulbous domes.
d) Taj Mahal: Shah Jahan’s magnum opus, construction started in 1632. The symmetrical complex features a central hall with alcoved recesses, a bulbous dome, and minarets. Pietra dura, calligraphy, and high-quality marble from Makrana quarries adorn this iconic structure.
Shah Jahan’s architectural prowess left an indelible mark, with the Taj Mahal standing as the pinnacle of Mughal grandeur.
Aurangzeb’s Architectural Legacy
Aurangzeb’s Approach to Architecture
Aurangzeb, unlike his predecessors, lacked the zeal for architectural endeavours. The generous patronage extended to the arts in previous Mughal reigns dwindled during his rule. His architectural legacy was characterized by fewer and comparatively modest constructions, especially in the capital city, Delhi. Key structures associated with Aurangzeb include the mausoleum of his wife Rabia ud Dauran in Aurangabad, the Badshahi Masjid in Lahore, and the Moti Masjid at Lal Qila, Delhi.
Major Buildings of Aurangzeb
Badshahi Masjid, Lahore
Comparable to its counterpart in Delhi, the Badshahi Masjid boasts a vast court, a standalone prayer hall, and minarets at each corner. Smaller minarets grace the angles of the sanctuary while cloisters run on both sides with arched entrances. The red sandstone construction is accentuated by white marble relief, and atop the prayer hall, three elegant white marble domes rise gracefully.
Moti Masjid, Delhi
Situated in Lal Qila, Delhi, the Moti Masjid echoes Shah Jahan’s creation in the Agra fort, with more pronounced curves. The prayer hall is crowned by three bulbous domes aligned in the same fashion as three cupolas.
Mausoleum of Aurangzeb’s Wife, Aurangabad
Aurangzeb’s attempt to emulate the grandeur of the Taj Mahal resulted in the mausoleum of his wife in Aurangabad. However, a significant misstep occurred as minarets were added to the corners, disrupting the building’s harmony. These superfluous minarets deviate from the original Taj Mahal design and are the only major departure from the initial plan.
Post-Aurangzeb Period: Safdar Jang’s Tomb
Following Aurangzeb’s death in 1707, the decline of the Mughal Empire became inevitable. The few constructions during the early 18th century reflected the prevailing decadence.
Safdar Jang’s Tomb, Delhi
The most notable structure from this period is Safdar Jang’s tomb in Delhi. Set amidst an expansive garden, the tomb replicates the Taj Mahal’s plan, akin to Rabia ud Dauran’s tomb. A notable alteration is that the minarets now rise as integral components of the main building rather than independent structures. The double-storied red sandstone structure with marble panelling exhibits less curved cusps on the arches, maintaining harmony with the overall dimensions. The main dome is large and almost spherical, while the minarets rise as turrets crowned by domed kiosks.
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