Mughal Style Architecture: Fusion of Persian, Indian, Islamic Styles

Humayun Tomb (Delhi)

• It is the first distinct example of Mughal architecture built by his widow, Begha Begum. 
• It is a synthesis of Persian architecture and Indian traditions. It has a high double dome as well as the kiosks (chhatris), which give it a pyramidal shape from a distance.
• It has a Charbagh style garden. 
• The red sandstone, double-storeyed structure of the mausoleum has been raised over a series of cells which are like a musical composition. 
• The octagonal form of the central chamber contains the cenotaph.
• It is for the first time that red sandstone and white marble are used. 

Agra Fort: 

• Today the Delhi Gate of the fort and Jahangiri Mahal are the only representative buildings of Akbar’s reign.

Jahangiri Mahal:

• It is conceived as a robust building in red sandstone. Gardens are built in charbagh style. 
• Most of the structures present inside were built during the reign of Shah Jahan. It contained Diwan-i-aam(Hall of public audience) and Diwan-i-khas(Hall of private audience) both built by Shah Jahan.

• Fatehpur Sikri: 

  • It was founded as a token of gratitude to Sheikh Salim Chisti.
  • It has been described as a “frozen moment in history” as the buildings here represent a unique blend of Hindu and Persian styles. It was the new capital city of Akbar.
  • All the buildings are in characteristic rich red sandstone, using traditional trabeate construction.
  • The structures were built from local rocks and assembled without the use of mortar.

Important Buildings Inside the City of Fatehpur Sikri

• Buland Darwaza (built in 1576, to commemorate Akbar’s victory over Gujarat) is the highest gateway in the world. [UPSC 2018]
• Salim Chisti’s tomb – It is the only building at Fatehpur Sikri built of white marble.
• Ibadat Khana-Akbar used to have discussions with leaders of different religions.[UPSC 2014].
• Other buildings include Panch Mahal, Pachisi Court (to play chess), Jami Masjid, Hiran Minar, Jodha Bai’s Palace etc.

• Akbar’s Tomb: It was designed by Akbar himself, and its construction began in his own lifetime. It was later completed by Jahangir. 

Red Fort (Lal Qila)

• It is near the old course of the Yamuna River. 
• There are two gateways – Delhi Gate and Lahore Gate.
• Notable buildings inside the fort are Diwan-i Am, Diwan-i Khas, Moti Mahal, Hira Mahal and Rang Mahal. 
  • Diwan­-i-Khas: It is also said that its marble dais once supported the famous Peacock Throne. 
    • The well-known statement, “If there be a paradise on earth, it is this, it is this, it is this,” are emblazoned on the walls of this marble castle.

Taj Mahal

• It is the tomb of his beloved wife, AIjumand Bano Begum, also known as Mumtaz Mahal. 
• The chief architect was Ustad Ahmad Lahawri, an Indian of Persian descent.
• It has all the features of Mughal architecture, like calligraphy, Pietra Dura, and char bagh style garden.

• Bada Imambara: Located in Lucknow, was built by Asaf-ud-Daula in 1784. This structure has been made by interlocking bricks without the use of mortar in its construction. 
• Rumi Darwaza: It is also located in Lucknow. It was built by the Nawab of Awadh, Asaf-ud-Daula. It was built using bricks, coated with lime. [UPSC 2018]

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