Mughal Architecture

Architecture during Mughal Empire

The Architecture during the Mughals can be broadly classified into:

1. Imperial Architecture
2. Provincial Architecture

Imperial Architecture 

Initially both Babar and Humayun did not had enough time to create any monumental structure in India.

Though Babar created two mosques, one at Panipath and other at Sambhal.

Humayun laid down the foundation of the city of Dinpanah on the banks of river Yamuna but he was not able to complete it.

Later after the death of Humanyn, his wives, Hamida Bano Begum and Biga Begam (Hajji Begam) created the landmark building of the Mughals, i.e., Humayun Tomb (Delhi). This building is judicious mixture of balance and beauty. In its construction, white marbles and pink sandstones were used. It is also noted for large number of arches from all the sides. It is the first Mughal building where Chahar Bagh system was implemented.

Note - Char Bagh (Chahar Bagh) system was introduced by Babar.

Humayun Tomb, Delhi

Akbar's period

Initially, Akbar started the construction of Red Fort (Agra) but he did not complete it. Instead, he decided to create a separate capital complex at Fatehpur Sikri.

The structures in Fatehpur Sikri reflect fine fusion of Islamic and Hindu architecture. First and the foremost structure is Fatehpur Sikri Fort which is welcomed by a huge gateway known as Buland Darwaza.

Fatehpur Sikri Fort

In Buland Darwaza, Akbar introduced Tudor Arch (Tudor Architecture) which was later replicated by his successors.

After Akbar, in almost every Mughal structure, Tudor arch was used.

Buland Darwaza

Structures inside the Fatehpur Sikri Fort 

1. Salim Chisti's tomb (one of the finest examples of Jalidar work)
2. Jahangiri Mahal (created in Islamic style)
3. Jodhabai Palace and Panch Mahal (these two were the finest examples of the mixture of Mughal and Rajput Architecture, which includes presence of hanging balcony, carved cornices were also there)
4. Birbal Palace
5. Ibadat Khana
6. Diwan-i-Aam
7. Diwan-i-Khas

Akbar also funded the construction of Govind Dev Temple in Mathura, Vrindavan.

Jahangir's period

Though Jahangir more favoured painting, he also constructed some of the important Mughal buildings. For example - 

• Akbar's tomb, Sikandara (No dome was created on the tomb)
• Moti Masjid, Lahore

Akbar's Tomb, Sikandara

But the major architectural initiatives of this period was taken by his wife Nur Jahan.

She constructed her father's tomb known as Itmad-ud-Daulah's tomb in Agra. This is the first Mughal building where pure white marbles were used and it is also noted for wide use of Pietra dura method of decoration.

She was also instrumental in planting Nishat Bagh and Salimar Bagh in Srinagar.

Shah Jahan's period

It was the climax of Mughal Architecture and also of Indo-Islamic Architecture.

All the features of the Indo-Islamic architecture was present and were at the apex at that time.

He constructed Taj Mahal (Agra), Moti Masjid (Agra), Jama Masjid (Delhi), Red Fort (Delhi), Badshahi Mosque (Lahore) and the city of Shahjahanabad in Delhi. He also completed Red Fort (Agra).

Literally almost all the architectural development done during the Shah Jahan's period was done by his daughter Jahan Ara.

Taj Mahal, Agra

Aurangzeb's period

At the time of Aurangzeb, patronage to art and architecture came to an end, though Aurangzeb created few structures. 

For example - Moti Masjid inside the Red Fort, Bibi ka Maqbara (Aurangabad).

Bibi ka Maqbara is considered as the poor intimation of Taj Mahal. It was completed by Bahadur Shah Jafar.

Bibi ka Maqbara, Aurangabad

Provincial Architecture during Mughal period 

1. Sikh Architecture
2. Rajput Architecture

Sikh Architecture

In Gurudwaras, Mughal influence can be seen in form of domes in Gurudwaras. They modified the domes to give them fluted shape.

Another important features of the Gurudwaras were the multiplicity of Chhatris (Kiosk) in Gurudwaras.

Example - Golden Temple, Amritsar

Golden Temple, Amritsar

Rajput Architecture

They used Buff Colour stone as major construction material. They also used marbles inside their building.

Rajput buildings were known for multiplicity of staircase.

Rajputs were one of the finest fort makers of that time and constructed many immemorable forts.

For example - Ajmer Fort, Jaisalmer Fort, Ranthambore Fort, Kumbalgarh Fort, Gwalior Fort, Bikaner Fort, etc.

Rajput buildings were abundant with beautiful hanging balconies of all shapes and sizes.

They also created half bow shaped carved cornices.

They also created building with labyrinth (BhulBhulaiya).

They also created astronomical observatories, i.e., Jantar Mantar in Delhi, Mathura, Ujjain, Varanasi and Jaipur. The largest of all the Jantar Mantar observatory at Jaipur.

Other structures made by Rajputs are -

1. Uday Villa Palace, Udaipur
2. Umed Bhavan, Jaipur
3. Chittorgarh Palace
4. City Palace, Jaipur
5. Victory Tower, Chittorgarh
6. Hawa Mahal, Jaipur

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Note - This is my Vision IAS Notes (Vision IAS Class Notes) and Ashutosh Pandey Sir's Public Administration Class notes. I've also added some of the information on my own. 

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