The Mughal Architectural Style
Mughal architecture is an Indo-Islamic architectural style that developed in India under the patronage of the Mughal Empire.
The Mughals were unbound by scale and material; they believed in building environments that inspired awe and wonder. The Mughal architectural style wasn’t accidental or incidental, nor was it inspired by a single artist. The emperors who reigned through the Mughal era synthesized Central Asian, Islamic, European, and Indian influences to create their own brand of architecture. They favored geometric designs, symmetry of patterns, deep majestic colours, and rhythmic linear motifs.
The main characteristic features of Mughal architecture are:-
- Use of white marble and red sandstone.
- Use of delicate ornamentation work, including pachin kari decorative work and jali-latticed screens.
- Monumental buildings surrounded by gardens on all four sides.
- Large halls and massive vaulted gateways.
- Bulbous domes.
- Persian and Arabic calligraphic inscriptions.
- Use of decorative chhatris etc.
Some of the most famous buildings created during the Mughal era are given below.
- Taj Mahal, Agra – It was built by Shah Jahan between 1632 and 1653, in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) recognized the Taj Mahal as a World Heritage Site in 1983.
- Red Fort, Delhi – UNESCO designated it as the World Heritage Site in 2007. It was built by Shah Jahan when he decided to move the capital from Agra to Delhi. It was the residence of Mughal rulers.
- Shalimar Gardens, Kashmir – a 40-acre garden built by Shah Jahan in 1642. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1981.
- Jama Masjid, Delhi – Built by Shah Jahan. The construction was completed in 1656.
- Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi – It was built in 1570 in memory of Emperor Humayun, it was declared as the world heritage site in 1993.
IM Kadri, one of the top architects in India is fascinated by Mughal architecture and Urdu poetry. He admires the beauty in their structure and proportion. As a result, some of his projects reflect the ancient Mughal architectural designs.
Auric Hall by IMK architect is one such building that reflects Mughal architecture. The bold jaalis, marbled flooring, the elaborate yet structurally minimalistic gateways, etc are a common characteristic of Mughal construction.
I.M. Kadri is the founder of IMK architects. One of the best architectural design firms/ urban design firms in Mumbai, IMK Architect focuses on exploring the potential of architecture within the paradigms of culture and civilization to serve the needs and aspirations of the communities it serves. Social consciousness, sustainability, and robust designs have been the cornerstones of the practice.
The firm has designed and built several types of projects. From education, hotels, healthcare systems, residential to urban planning, the firm has done it all. So if you are looking for a university architect, healthcare architect, hotel design, residential architect, or an urban design firm in India - get in touch with IMK architect. The team will build your dream project as per your requirement.
