Mughal Architecture | Enlite Cafe

Babur undertook the construction of mosques in Panipat and Rohilkhand in 1526 AD.

Akbar’s Contributions to Mughal Architecture

Agra Fort

Even though the construction started during the reign of Akbar, a major part of the construction was the contribution of Shah Jahan. The important buildings inside it are.
- Moti Masjid, by Shah Jahan.
- Diwan-i-aam (Hall of Public Audience) by Shah Jahan. Diwan-i-khas (Hall of Private Audience) by Shah Jahan.
- Jahangiri Mahal
- Sheesh Mahal (Turkish Bath)
The gardens inside the fort were built using the Charbagh style.

Fatehpur Sikri

New capital city by Akbar.
Described as a “frozen moment in history”.
A unique blend of Hindu and Persian styles.
Major attractions include
- Buland Darwaza – Built in 1576 AD, to commemorate Akbar’s victory over Gujarat.
- Salim Chishti’s tomb – Built in 1581 AD. It has beautiful Jaali work in white marble and has arabesque patterns with inscriptions of Quranic verses on the walls.
- Panch Mahal – Panch Mahal is a five-storied structure made of columns and is inspired by the concept of Persian badgir
- Ibadat Khana – Akbar met with leaders of different religions here to conduct discussions.

Reign witnessed a downfall in architecture but he contributed to the construction by building the tomb of Akbar.
He developed a number of gardens during his reign, e.g. the Shalimar Bagh in Kashmir.
He also built the Moti Masjid at Lahore.

Under Shah Jahan, Mughal architecture reached its climax.
For example – Taj Mahal in Agra, Red Fort in Delhi, Jama Masjid in Delhi, Shalimar Bagh in Lahore.
One of the famous works in his period was the construction of the Peacock Throne.

Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal (Agra) is a mausoleum of white marble built by Shahjahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal.
It stands on the banks of the river Yamuna.
The construction of the Taj Mahal was completed within a period of 17 years from 1631 to 1648 CE.
The Taj Mahal was declared a centrally protected monument of national importance in December 1920.
Considered as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, it was inscribed on the list of World Heritage Sites in 1983.
It is famous for its unique layout, perfection in symmetry and inlay work.

Mughal architecture declined during his reign.
Bibi-ka-Maqbara was commissioned during this period.
- Aurangzeb commissioned the construction of Bibi-ka-Maqbara in memory of his wife Begum Rabia-ud-Daurani.
- It is situated in Aurangabad and is described as a poor imitation of Taj Mahal.