BABUR- First Mughal emperor :\

Source: cities of mughal india

Babur was in great love with fauna , he had many laid down in central asia. When he came to india he did not find any such that he had in central asia and had himself laid out in Kabul.after his arrival in agra he selected a site across the river from the town where he dug a well and a bath house construvted. This was followed by a tank and a pavilion and soon a Persian garden began to shape reminding him of his hometown.

These were laid in order and symmetery, with suitable borders and parterres in every corner.

Formal gardens and mosques

Kabuli Bagh- Panipat

Kabul bagh panipat

Kabuli Bagh Mosque, built in 1526, is an impressive structure located at Panipat, a historical town situated on the banks ofthe Yamuna.

Babur erected this mosque after the first battle of Panipat tocommemorate victory over Sultan Ibrahim Lodi.

The mosque is housed inside an enclosure having octagonal towers at its corners. The building has its entry on the north, which is made of bricks with red sandstone facing. The entrance has a lintel bracket-type opening encased in a huge arch. The spandrels are decorated with arched recesses coveredin rectangular panels.

The main prayer hall of the mosque has annexes on sides, whichare crowned with l

hemispherical domes sitting on low drums. Its high facade, divided in panels, is plastered with lime. A masonry platform,the Chabutra-I-Fateh Mubarak, constructed by Humayun (the

eldest son of Babur), bears an inscription dating back to 1527.

Jami Masjid Sambhar Mosque At Ayodhya Mosque At Lodhi Fort Agra Small Brick Built Mosque With 3 Arch Openings At Palam Jamali Kamali, Mehrauli

HUMAYAN – 2nd Mughal emperor

City walls and mosques

Foundation Of Din Panah In The Banks Of Yamuna ( It Had Walls , Bastions, Gates )

Characterstics : Made From Material Robbed From Allaud Din Siri Completed The Parts Of Purana Qila Left By Sher Shah

Sher shah mandal in purana qila was used as a library space byhumayn

And Completed Jamali Kamali Jamali Kamali Characterstics :

o Glazed tiles and cut plastero Surmounted by single high domeo Five recessed niches on the western wallo Oriel windows at the backo Octagonal towers at the rear cornerso Staircase leading on the narroe gallery on the second flooro It has an important place in the evolution of the mughal

mosque as it contains the features of moth masjid. Bara gumbad masjid and sher shah mosque built later.

His tomb was made by haji begum : it was first distinct example of proper mughal style which was inspired by Persian architecture.

Humayun tomb characterstics :o Double storey mausoleum o Built in red sand stoneo 3 arched alcoves on each side

o Is in the centre of the garden divided into 4 main parterres by shallow channels

o Octagonal central chamber contains the cenotataph, while the corner chambers house the grave of other members of the royal family

o Over The roof, pillared kiosks are ddisposed around its high emphatic double dome which occurs for the first time in India.

o Corridors and high double dome

AKBAR- 3rd nughal emperor

Built Fort Fatehpur Sikri

the sturdy, robust, and relatively plain apperarnce, of the construction

Ahmad Khans Tomb , Mehrauli Characterstics:

o Octagonal plan lodhi style, with the difference in lacks chajja

Ataga khans tomb in nizamuddin

Characterstics:

o Square chamber within a walled enclosureo Red sand stoneo 3 recessed arches on the sides and follows the elecation of

humayuns tomb on smaller scale but is not more ornamented.

Adham khans tomb:

Adham Khan's Tomb (Hindi: आआआ आआआ आआ आआआआआ, Urdu: ار ان� کا مز� tomb ( ادھم خ�lies to the north of the Qutub Minar, Mehrauli, Delhi, immediately before one reaches the town of Mehrauli, built 1561,[1] it is now a protected monument by Archeological Survey of India.[2]

It lies on the walls of Lal Kot and rising from a terrace enclosed by an octagonal wall provided with low towers at the corners. It consists

of a domed octagonal chamber in the Lodhi Dynasty style and Sayyid dynasty early in the 14th century. It has a verandah on each side pierced by three openings. It is known popularly as Bul-bulaiyan (a Labyrinth or Maze), for a visitor often loses his way amidst the several passages in the thickness of its walls.[3]

JAHANGIR – 4th mughal emperor

Fond of nature beauty, made roads and kos minars, bridges and saraisand tombs of father and fore father in agra.

During his reign he had got built:

Chaunsath khambha tomb – khambha in nizammudin ( mirza aziz kakaltash )

Mirza abdur-rahim khan –i- khanan tomd close to nizamuddin Characterstics:

o Originally faced with rad sandstone relieved by the use of buff sandstone and marble most of which was stripped off for the use on samdur- jangs tomb

o Similar to Humayuns tomb in design

SHAH JAHAN – 5TH MUGHAL RULER

Replanned forts at Lahore and agra, taj mahal, shahjanabad ( 7th city of delhi ), citadel lal qila, jami masjid, tomb of jahan nara and raushanara

Preferred marble above other stones

The buildindings were characterized by a form, feeling of feminity, sensuousness and delicateness, as distinct form the sturdy, robust, and relatively plain apperarnce, of the construction of Akbar.

Ornamentation played a significant role The chaste and relief work on sandstone now gave way to

delicate carving in marble Filigree works, fine inlay and paintings The arch were foliated and domes received a Persian form,

bulbous in oultline and constricted at the neck Pillars were raised with shafts resting on foliated bases

and crowned by involuted bracket- capitals Shahjanabad characterstics

o Rubble wall with bastions , gates and wickets at the intervals, it has 14 gates

Build the citadel lal qila at the towns eastern end on the right bank of Yamuna in 1639- 48

Characterstics red fort

o It is an irregular octagon with two long sides on east and west with two main gates one on west and other on south called lahori and delhi gates.

o It had royal appartyments of emperors noble mens, relatives and retinue

o Walls , gates and structures in the fort are of sandstoneo Marble is uses in palaceso Entrance through double storey naubat khana, where

ceremonial music was played

o Served entrance to diwan –e – am , withi on a latter, a red sandstone rectangular hall

o The throne under a marble canopy, within inlaid marble dais below it for prime minister

o 6 marble palaces on the eastern water fronto Behind diwan- e am is rang mahal: palace of colors colored

decoration in interiors, it had a main hall with vaulted chamberson either sideand a channel called nahar-e bihisht and centre was an ivory fountain.

o Diwan- e khass :highlu ornamented pillarso Tasbih khana chamber for counting beads had 3 roomso Behind this id the sleeping chamber khwabgaho Muthamman burj octagonal tower adjoininf eastern tower

of khwabgaho Hammam had 3 main apartments in colored stoneo Hayat- bakhsh- bagh was the health bestowing gardeno

Jami masjid characterstics

o Built on raised plinth has three impsing gateways approachedwith long flight of steps, and its prayer halls

o Flanked by 4 storey minarets at either ends is covered by three large domes ornamnented with alternate strips of blachand white

AURANGZEB- 6th mughal ruler

Mughal empire had now started succumbed to the decline and oblivion.

Aurangzed led an isolated life. Dislike of art by the emperor

Masjids for himself, additions to the forts in delhi

He built moti masjid in red ffort for himself.

Angina masjid in agra.

Moti masjid characterstics:o In marble follows the conventional patternso With the white surface revieved in borders and other

designs in black marble, it is a dainty masterpieceo Three domes in copper, are little to rounded and interface

with the dignified look Made additions to the forts like barbicans in the front of the

gateways

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mughal architecture features

Mughal architecture is the architectural style developed by the Mughals in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries throughout the extentof their empire in the Indian subcontinent. It is an amalgam of Islamic, Persian, Turkish, Byzantine and Indian architecture.[1] Examples of this style can be found inIndia, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh.

The Mughal dynasty was established after the victory of Babur at Panipat in 1526. During his five-year reign, Babur took considerable interest in erectingbuildings, though few have survived.[2] His grandson Akbar built widely, and the style developed vigorously during his reign. Among his accomplishments were a tomb for his father Humayun, the Agra Fort, and the fort-city of Fatehpur Sikri. Akbar's son Jahangir commissioned theShalimar Gardens in Kashmir.

Mughal architecture reached its peek during the reign of Shah Jahan, who constructed the Jama Masjid, the Red Fort, the Shalimar Gardens inLahore, and the most famous Mughal monument, the Taj Mahal, as well as many other fine examples of the style.

While Shah Jahan's son Aurangzeb commissioned some buildings such as the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore, his reign corresponded with the decline of Mughal architecture and the Empire itself.

Six Mughal buildings have been declared World Heritage Sites. They are Humayun's tomb, Agra Fort, Lahore Fort, the Lahore Shalimar Gardens,Fatehpur Sikri, Red Fort and the Taj Mahal.

Jahangir

Under Jahangir the Hindu features vanished from the style; his great mosque at Lahore is in the Persian style, covered with enameled tiles.At Agra, the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula, which was completed in 1628, was built entirely of white marble and covered in pietra dura mosaic. Jahangir also built the Shalimar Gardens and its accompanying pavilions on the shore of Dal Lake inKashmir. He also built a monumentto his pet deer, Hiran Minar in Sheikhupura, Pakistan and due to his great love for his wife, after his death she went on to build his mausoleum in Lahore.

Shah Jahan[edit source | editbeta]

Jama Masjid, Delhi.

Rather than building huge monuments unlike his predecessors, Shah Jahan built elegant edifices.His predecessors built huge buildings to demonstrate their power.The force and originality of their building style gave way under [Shah Jahan] to a delicate elegance and refinement of detail, illustrated in the palaces erected in his reign at Agra and Delhi. Some examples include the Taj Mahal at Agra and thetomb of Mumtaz Mahal, the wife of Shah Jahan. The Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque) in the Agra Fort and The Jama Masjid at Delhi are imposing buildings, and their position and architecture have been carefully considered so as to produce a pleasing effect and feeling of spacious elegance and well-balanced proportion of parts. Shah Jahan also built the Tomb of Jahangir and sections of the Lahore Fort that include the Moti Masjid, Sheesh Mahal, and Naulakha pavilion which are all enclosed in the fort. He also built a mosque named after himself in Thatta called Shahjahan Mosque. Another mosque was built during histenure in Lahore called Wazir Khan Mosque, by Shaikh Ilm-ud-din Ansariwho was the court physician to the emperor

Aurangzeb and later Mughal architecture[edit source | editbeta]

A view of a pavilion in Shalimar Garden, Lahore, Pakistan

In Aurangzeb's reign (1658–1707) squared stone and marble was replacedby brick or rubble with stucco ornament. Srirangapatna and Lucknowhaveexamples of later Indo-Muslim architecture. He made additions to the Lahore Fort and also built one of the thirteen gates which was later named after him (Alamgir). Aurangzeb also built the Badshahi Mosque which was constructed in 1674 under the supervision of Fida'i

Koka. This mosque is adjacent to the Lahore Fort and is the last in the series of congregational mosques in red sandstone and is closely modeled on the oneShah Jahan built at Shahjahanabad. The red sandstoneof the walls contrasts with the white marble of the domes and the subtle intarsia decoration.

Additional monuments from this period are associated with women from Aurangzeb's imperial family. The construction of the elegant Zinat al-Masjid in Daryaganij was overseen by Aurangzeb's second daughter Zinat-al-Nisa. Aurangzeb's sister Roshan-Ara who died in 1671. The tomb ofRoshanara Begum and the garden surrounding it wereneglected for a long time and are now in an advanced state of decay. Bibi Ka Maqbara was a mausoleum built by Prince Azam Shah, son of Emperor Aurangzeb, in the late 17th century as a loving tribute to his mother, Dilras Bano Begam in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. The AlamgiriGate, built in 1673 A.D., is the main entrance to the Lahore Fort in present day Lahore. It was constructed to face west towards the Badshahi Mosque in the days of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.

Arbars reign

  

   

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BACKMUGHAL ARCHITECTURE

 All the early Mughal Rulers except Aurangzeb were great bui1ders.With the coming of the Mughals, Indian architecture was greatly influenced by Persian styles. The Mughals constructed excellent mausoleums, mosques, forts, gardens and cities. The Mughal buildings show a uniform pattern both in structure and character.

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The main characteristic features of Mughal architecture are the bulbous domes, the slender minarets with cupolas at the four corners, large halls, massive vaulted gateways and delicate ornamentation.The few mosques and palaces built by Babar and Humayun are not ofmuch architectural significanceSher Shah of the Sur Dynasty who ruled over the Kingdom of the Mughals after driving Humayun out of  the country was not only a great administrator but a lover of art also. He built several forts, tombs and mosques. The monuments of Sher Shah are a continuation of the Lodi style. The mausoleums are octagonal in plan and have verandahs around them, surmounted by huge domes. The verandahs have three smaller domes on each side. 

Purana Quila (Old Fort), Delhi

 Sher Shah built the Purana Quila in Delhi. Started by him, it wascompleted by Humayun. Built of red and buff sand-stone, it is ornamented with black and white marble and coloured tiles. A

beautiful mosque inside the Quila with ornamental arches, decorative panels, geometrical designs and inscriptions is an example of the development of architecture and ornamentation during Sher Shah's reign. 

Sher Shah's tomb, Sasaram

 Sher Shah's tomb at Sasaram in Bihar built in 1549 is in the centre of a large square tank and rises al 46 metres high. It is a two storey construction on a terraced platform. The upper terrace has pillared domes and the two storeys above have a pillared kiosk at the four corners. The base of the large centraldome has thirty two sides. The tomb is decorated with coloured tiles, very few of which remain now. Entrance to the tomb is through a domed structure.Mughal architecture begins with Akbar who showed his passion for building by planning and constructing splendid edifices. During his reign Mughal architecture took on new forms. Akbar made free

use of both Hindu and Persian styles. The use of red sandstone inlaid with white marble and painted designs on walls and ceilingare the salient features of Akbar's buildings.Akbar constructed numerous forts, towers, palaces, mosques, mausoleums and gateways. A structure of note built during his reign is Humayun's Tomb in Delhi. Humayun's TombHumayun’s tomb was built by his widow Haji Begum in 1565 A.D. in Delhi in 1569A.D., fourteen years after his death.  The mausoleumstands in the centre of a square enclosed garden.  The garden is divided and sub-divided into squares, typical of Mughal gardens. The lofty double storeyed structure is built on a huge high platform terrace which has a row of calls with arched openings.  The central chamber is octagonal in shape and contains the tomb. Each side of the mausoleum has a large arched alcove in the centre with smaller ones on either side. It has a high marble double dome in the centre and pillared kiosks with cupolas surrounding it.  Built of red sandstone with an inlay of black, white and yellow marble it presents an imposing picture.  Plannedby a Persian architect and constructed by Indian workers, it is acombination of both Persian and Indian styles of architecture.  Entrance to the mausoleum is through two double storeyed gateways. 

 Humayun's Tomb

(Picture courtesy Archaeological Survey of India)Humayun Tomb in World Heritage Monuments

of India Images of Humayun's Tomb

 Agra FortA greater part of the fort at Agra was constructed by Akbar starting in 1565 AD and completed it in 1574 A.D. Situated on thebank of the river Jamuna, it is a massive and grand structure.  The special feature of this fort is the 2.5 kms. long and 21 metres  high circuitous wall of solid red sand stone. The stones are linked with iron rings so close that not even a hair can passthrough.  The entrance to the fort is through two gateways.  The main entrance known as Delhi Gate was the ceremonial entrance to the fort.  The other smaller gateway is called the Hathi Pol or Elephant Gate because of the two huge elephants on either side ofthe gate and was meant for private use.The Delhi Gate entrance archway is flanked by two double storeyedoctagonal bastions crowned by octagonal domed kiosks.  A balcony

separates the two storeys.  The structure above the balcony has arched recesses.  The gateway is decorated with beautiful panels of coloured tiles and marble inlay work.The fort is surrounded by a deep moat.  The fort formerly contained numerous buildings of red sand stone but these were later demolished in the reign of Shah Jehan who constructed marble pavilions instead.  Some of the important buildings insidethe fort are the Jahangiri Mahal built for Jahangir and his family, the Moti Masjid, and Mena Bazaars. The Jehangiri Mahal isan impressive structure and has a courtyard surrounded by double-storeyed halls and rooms. The corbel brackets, doorways and the chajja above them are profusely carved.The elaborate architecture of the brackets seems to be an imitation of wood work.  The planning and construction of the fort show that Rajput architectural styles were freely adopted. 

Agra Fort(Picture courtesy Archaeological Survey of India)

 

Fatehpur SikriAkbar’s greatest architectural achievement was the construction of Fatehpur Sikri, his Capital City near Agra.  The construction pf the walled city was started in 1569 A.D. and completed in 1574A.D.  contained some of the most beautiful buildings – both religious and secular which testify to the Emperor’s aim of achieving social, political and religious integration.  The religious edifices worth mentioning are the Jami Masjid and SalimChisti’s Tomb.  The tomb built in 1571 A.D. in the corner of the mosque compound is a square marble chamber with a verandah. The cenotaph has an exquisitely designed lattice screen around it. 

Jami Masjid, Fatehpur Sikri(Picture courtesy Archaeological Survey of India)

 

Tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti, Fatehpur Sikri(Picture courtesy Archaeological Survey of India)

 The secular ones include Jodh Bai’s palace, the Panch Mahal, the Diwan-i-khas and the Buland Darwaza. Jodha Bai's palace is a large building consisting of rooms on all four sides of a courtyard. The centre part and four corners of the building are doubled storeyed. A small chapel attached has niches in the wakksfor idols. The panch Mahal is a five stored structure, each storey smaller in size as they go up, the last one being only a kiosk. 

Panch Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri(Picture courtesy Archaeological Survey of India)

The Diwani Khas, an outstanding structure was meant for the Emperor to sit in audience with his ministers and listen to disputes and discussions.  A novel structure, it is a large hall with a giant monolithic pillars in the centre with a circular railed platform on top like a cup which is supported by a circular array of beautifully carved brackets.  From the  Centralplatform branch out four diagonal railed galleries symbolizing Akbar’s supremacy over his dominions.  The gallery is continued on all four sides of the hall.  The audience  sat in the galleries and in the hall below giving it the effect of a two-storey building.  Sitting in the centre, Akbar heard discourses and discussions on religions. 

Diwani Khas(Picture courtesy Great Mirror)

 Buland DarwazaA magnificent gateway was added later in 1571-72 to commemorate his conquest of Gujarat.  Built of red sand stone and marble it is said to be the “most perfect architectural achievement in the whole of India".  A flight of steps lead to the gateway which is about 53 metres in height and 39 metres in width.  Entrance is through a huge arched domed recess.  A broad rectangular strip bordering the archway has calligraphic inscriptions on it.  At the corners are slender turrets.  The beautiful perforated parapet and the row of kiosks with cupolas add to the dignity of the monument.  An inscription on the gateway testifies to Akbar’sreligious toleration. 

Buland Darwaza, Fatehour Sikri, Agra(Picture courtesy Archaeological Survey of India)

 Jehangir though a lover of art was fond of natural beauty  and sodevoted his time to the laying of beautiful gardens such as the Shalimar and Nishat Bagh in Srinagar, Kashmir and to miniature paintings. Out of the few of his constructions of note are Akbar's tomb at Sikandra and the tomb of his father-in-law Itmad-ud-Daula both near Agra 

Akbar's Tomb, Sikandra       The Mausoleum of Akbar at Sikandra near Agra was started by Akbarand completed by his son Jahangir in 1612 A.D. who changed the original design of his father. Designed on the model of  a Buddhist Vihara, it is set in the centre of a square garden.  Theenclosure wall on each side has a gateway.  The main gateway has four white marble minarets in the four corners.  The Mausoleum has five terraces, rising from the basement, one above the other,diminishing in size as they ascend.  The red sand-stone entrance gateway is the largest and is richly decorated with inlaid coloured stone work.  With its charming proportions, it is by itself a work of art. 

Akbar's Tomb, Sikandra(Picture courtesy Archaeological Survey of India)

 Itmad-Ud-Daula’s Tomb: The Mausoleum of Itmad-ud-Daula, the revenue minister of Jahangirand Nur Jehan’s father was built in Agra on the banks of the

Jumuna. Started by Jahangir it was completed by Nur Jehan in 1628A.D.  A small rectangular structure in white marble, inlaid with semi-precious stones and coloured glass, it is a delicate and beautiful piece of architecture.  It is the first pure marble monument and differs from the typical massive, red sand-stone structures of earlier Mughals.  Situated in a garden amidst fountains, it has a square lower storey with four minarets in thefour corners.  A traceried pavilion forms the second storey.  A central chamber inside contains the tombs and is surrounded by anenclosed verandah.  A jewel in marble-“there is no other buildinglike it in the entire range of Mughal Architecture”. 

Itmad-Ud-Daula’s Tomb, Agra(Picture courtesy Archaeological Survey of India)

Shah Jehan, the most famous of the Mughal builders had a passion for building. His reign marks the construction of numerous palaces, forts, mosques and gardens. His buildings are marked by the quality feminity, grace and elegance. They do not show the masculinity of Akbar's solid red sand-stone constructions. Mughalarchitecture reached the peaks of excellence during this reign.

The main characteristics of his buildings are - the use ofdelicately carved white marble richly decorated with pietra dura or inlay of coloured stones and calligraphy in black marble. Someof his outstanding works are the Moti Masjid or Pearl Mosque in Agra Fort and the Taj Mahal, the Red fort in Delhi with the Diwan-i-Am and Diwan-i-Khas, the Jami Masjid in Delhi and the mausoleum of Jehangir in Shahdara, Lahore (in Pakistan). Jama Masjid, DelhiThe Jama Masjid in Delhi is the largest mosque in India and was built between 1650-1656A.D. It is constructed on a high platform and approached by a flight of steps on three sides. The main entrance is a double storeyed gateway and leads to a vast square courtyard which is enclosed by pillared corridors. The prayer hall, rectangular in plan has a facade of eleven arches. The highcentral arch is flanked by tall slender minarets with cupolas. White marble panels with inscriptions frame the arches. Three domes with alternate black and white marble stripes surmount the prayer hall. On the eastern corners, stand two tapering four storeyed minarets. Red Fort Soon after laying the foundation or his new Capital city of Shahjehanabad Shah Jchan started construction of the red sandstone Red Fort or Lal Quila in 1638 A.D. on the banks of the river Jumuna. The fort took nearly nine years to complete. Within the walled city, the fortress is in the shape of a rectangle 900 metres by 550 metres.The rampart walls are about 34 metres high. A moat surrounds the rampart. Two of the five gateways of the fort are three storeyed structures flanked by octagonal towers. These are the Lahori Gate and the Delhi Gate. Figures of two huge elephants flank the Delhi Gate. The main entrance to the fort is through the Lahori Gate. A

covered passage with shops on either side leads to the palaces inside the fort. Barracks for soldiers, audience halls, horse and elephant stables, and ornamental gardensare other features of the fort.Some of the beautiful buildings are the Diwan-i-Am, Diwan-i-Khas,Moti Mahal, Hira Mahal and Rang Mahal, the latter three, all halls decorated with pietro dura and patterns in gold and colour and floors paved with marble slabs. The Moti Masjid was added later in 1654 A.D. and is an excellent specimen of the balance and rhythm maintained in Mughal constructions. The Diwan-i-Am (Hall of Public Audience) is an arched pillared durbar hall. A white marble throne, embellished with coloured inlay work stands under a marble canopy. Below the throne is a marble dais inlaid with semi-precious stones. Behind the throne, the wall has beautiful panels of flowers and birds in coloured inlay work.The Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience) is a rectangular central hall with aisles of arches and painted pillars. The four corners of the roof have pillars with chhatris on them. The wallshave the famous verses of Amir Khusro which says that “If there is paradise on earth it is here”

 

Red Fort, Delhi

Red Fort in World Heritage Monumentsof India Images of Red Fort Tomb

 Taj MahalThe Taj Mahal in Agra, a dream in white marble was built by Shah Jehan as a memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaz Begum.  Built on the banks of the river Jumna, it was started in 1632 A.D.  and took 22 years to complete.  Marble from Makrana and precious stones from different parts of the world were used in its construction.  Planned by Isa, a Persian architect it is a masterpiece of architecture.  The Taj is situated in the centre of a high marble terrace.  A marble minaret of four storeys stands on each of the four corners of the terrace.  The minarets are crowned with domes.  The main structure is a square.  A huge,vaulted recess with smaller arched recesses in two storeys on either side  make up the facade of the building on all sides.  Anoctagonal hall with an exquisite perforated marble screen contains the cenotaphs of Mumtaz and Shah Jehan.  The vaulted ceiling is crowned in the centre by a large bulbous dome which tapers off into a foliated crest.  Around the dome are four cupolas.  The surface of the walls – exterior and interior and the cenotaphs are beautifully decorated with pietra dura, floral and geometrical designs.  Borders of inscriptions decorate the main archways.A Mosque on the west and a corresponding structure on the east inred sand-stone complete the effect of symmetry.  Situated in a large enclosed rectangular garden with fountains, ornamental pools and water-courses, entrance to the Taj is by a majestic gateway. 

Taj Mahal, Agra(Picture courtesy Archaeological Survey of India)

 Bibi Ka MaqbaraAurangzeb being a puritan did not encourage art in any form. Architecture and fine Arts declined during his reign never to come up again during Mughal rule. One of the very few buildings of this period worth mentioning is the mausoleum of his wife, Rabia-Ud-Daurani erected in 1679 A.D. in Aurangabad (Deccan) by her son. A poor replica of the Taj Mahal and half its size, it shows the extent to which art had declined. Its noteworthy features are the latticed octagonal white marble screen, which encloses the tombs and the beaten brass doors with floral panels and borders. 

Sikh TemplesIn 1579, Guru Ramdas, the fourth Guru of the Sikhs founded the city of Amritsar in the Punjab. He first constructed a pool and named it Amrit Sar or 'Pool of Nectar' on a stretch of land gifted to him by Akbar. His successor, Guru Arjun Dev built a temple in the middle of the pool to enshrine the Guru Granth Sahib, the sacred book of the Sikhs. In 1803, Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the Ruler of Punjab improved the temple. The lower half ofthe temple was covered with marble and the upper half with copperover which a pure gold leaf of 400 Kgs was covered. Since then this ‘Hari Mandir’ is called the ‘Golden Temple’. It has four entrances in the four cardinal directions. A marble causeway across the water connects the entrance gateway to the main shrine. Floral patterns of coloured semi-precious stone inlay work , glass work and beautiful fresco paintings decorate the inner walls and ceiling of the temple. The architecture is a combination of Hindu and Muslim styles and lays stress on calmness and serenity. A marble paved square construction adjacent to the Golden Temple is the Akal Takht or Immortal Throne – the seat of Sikh religion. The weapons used by the Sikh Gurus are also kept here. The temple with its beautiful domes throwing its reflection in the pool is a piece of grace and beauty. Other important places of worship in Punjab for the Sikhsare the Gurudwara at Taran Taran Sahib designed in Mughal style, the Fatehgarh Sahib at Sirhind where the young sons of Guru Gobind Singh were buried alive by Aurangjeb and the Gurudwara at Anandpur sahib where Guru Gobind Singh initiated the Khalsa.

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