The design of gardens is one of the most important aspects of Mughal architecture which provided the setting for tombs and palaces and also helped for relaxation. The decoration of the buildings was basically done with ceramic tile work, pietra dura inlay with colored and semi-precious stones, carved and inlaid stonework. Carved stonework is another interesting feature in the Mughal architecture, ranging from shallow relief depictions of flowers to intricate pierced-marble screens known as jalis. The stone quite often associated with the Mughal architecture is white marble, which can be seen in the magnificence of the Taj Mahal.
The characteristic features of Mughal architecture includes perfect or near perfect radial or bilateral symmetry, red sandstone with white marble inlays, later pure white marble surfaces, geometric ornament, domes which are slightly pointed instead of hemispherical ones and garden. In addition to the fine-cut stone masonry used for facade coursed rubble stone construction was used for the majority of walls. For the construction of domes and arches baked brick was also used although this was usually covered with plaster or facing stones
Art and architecture almost took a backseat in Aurangzeb`s rule. His reign from 1659-1707 marked the shift from the art loving Mughals to a more orthodox ruler under whom the decline set in. his fanatical zeal was destructive and this further was responsible for the decline of the flourishing art and architecture since ages. Due to his policies to overpower Hinduism, he made the Great Mosque towering over the Hindu holy city of Venaras.
A standard mosque form was developed in his reign where the eminence of three domes over the sanctuary in conjunction with a raised central arch, or iwan, and engaged minarets could be seen. The Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque) built by Aurangzeb the Red Fort at Delhi incorporated a three-domed sanctuary with a raised central arch and mini-domed pillars projecting out of the roof to resemble minarets. Aurangzeb`s concern seems to be for garden architecture than construction of palaces. Fatehbad near Agra is one of the most impressive of these gardens.
Taj Mahal, is the finest example of Mughal architecture combining Persian, Turkish and Indian styles.There are inscribed texts from the Koran round the tall doorways which appear like designs. The letters 30 feet or more above the line of the eye appear to be exactly of the same size as those a foot above the floor level, this is absolutely a revelation of the great mastery and perspective of the artists. It is made in white marble. The Taj Mahal is described as "A Dream in Marble" and the mosaic is studded with onyx, jasper, cornelian, malachite, carbuncle, lapis lazuli and precious stones. The Taj Mahal`s approximated estimate is 32 million rupees, but it is timeless and priceless due to its beauty and valor. The Taj is among the seven wonders of the world, and cited as "the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world`s heritage
Mughal architecture reached its perfection in Shahajahan`s reign(1627-1658). Humayun`s tomb was the first of the tombs, which continued the saga of the succession of tombs out of which the Taj Mahal is a magnicant piece of art. The Red Frot contains the imperial Mughal Palace, which is situated in Delhi, is again one of Shahjahan`s excellence. Tradition and innovation was very intelligently regarded in shahjahan`s architectural extravaganza.
Marble, which was easily available in Rajasthan, was used for the constructions. In the palace fort of Agra. Jahan replaced old structures along with the addition of new ones. An inlay of black marbles was used for the re-bulding of The Diwan-I-Am. The Moti Masjid is highly representative of purity, balance and gracefulness which were his appreciable contributions to the Agra Fort. The Jama Mosque of Delhi and the Pearl Mosque of Agra are reminiscent of the style that was eminent in mughal era. Near the city of Old Delhi, Shah Jahan built a new capital, Shahjahanabad, with its magnificent Red Fort. The Hall of Public Audience, in the fort contains the Peacock Throne, which consisted entirely of jewels and precious metals and stones. Shahjahan took ten years to build the city, and other than parts of the wall and three of its original 14 gates, the Red Fort and three mosques has survived the ravages of time.
The design of gardens is one of the most important aspects of Mughal architecture which provided the setting for tombs and p
alaces and also helped for relaxation.
Mughal architecture, ranging from shallow relief depictions of flowers to intricate pierced-marble screens known as jalis. The stone quite often associated with the Mughal architecture is white marble, which can be seen in the magnificence of the Taj Mahal.
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