Medieval India and Its Wonders – Forts and Buildings of the Mughal Empire
The best suitable description of India is – Incredible India. Like the Britishers who have continued to rule our country, similarly before them the Mughals too had ruled the major areas of India. During this time, they have structured their entire kingdom according to their style. This era witnessed the classic style of the Mughal Empire. Dominantly, their style was visible in the buildings, forts and mosques.
In this context, we will be theoretically exploring Medieval India. We will be knowing about the rulers and buildings at this time. This study will be worth the interest; thus, the students are advised to study the content in totality.
Monuments and Buildings
In this section we will talk about the monuments and buildings in the Mughal time in great detail. First let us know about monuments and types of these structures.
Great structured buildings were called monuments which were built by the Mughal rulers. In those times, there were generally two types of structures that were being built by the rulers and by their empire craftsmen who have gradually earned the status of being called monuments. The two structures were:
Residences of Rulers like the forts, and the Palaces where they used to reside. Personal gardens and lawns which were protected and secured in the empire.
Public Structures like the Temple, Mosques, wells and the bazaars.
The Virtuoso Craftsmen in the Mughal Empire
Before taking a virtual view of the monuments and the forts, let us take a moment to appreciate the skilful arts who have sculpted these phenomenal architectures in this era. The craftsmen used many such technologies which are still out of the imaginations of the modern world and they were successful to carve these beautiful architectures on the monuments.
Somewhere between the seventh and the tenth centuries, the craftsmen started to build complex architectures comprising of the temples, mosques, tombs and the buildings. Those craftsmen also attached large stepped wells, which were called baolis. These baolis around that time were quite popular.
Mosques and Temples
Temples and Mosques in the Medieval Period were the places to worship. Temples at that time symbolized power and wealth. Rulers in those parts used to build the huge temples to mark their own identity of ruling that specified kingdom. These temples also included deities of God who were worshipped in these temples.
As known, in the Islamic religion, there are no incarnations of God while they built these beautiful architectures which they call Mosques, to offer prayers to their God. Mughal rulers at this time used religious architecture to gain fame among other rulers. They build reservoirs and cultural centers to promote growth among the people. The Mughal emperors got engaged in building these buildings, mosques for the common people, and all these acts ultimately were known for their own great deeds.
Spectacular Monuments by the Mughal Emperors
Especially during the Mughal period, architecture took a new turn. At these times, the world’s most beautiful monuments were witnessed. The spectacular monuments and buildings were built by famous emperors like Akbar, Shahjahan, Humayun, Babar, etc.
Among these, the most striking architecture was gifted by Shahjahan. This emperor has built one of the seven wonders of the world – the Taj Mahal.
While, on the other hand, Babur was interested in building Gardens – Chahar Bagh was made by him. The name ‘Chahar’ Bagh came from the design of the garden which is symmetrically divided into four quarters.
All these rulers also had built the audience hall to communicate the king’s justice. Another feature of these beauties was, they started building their architecture on the riverfront to enhance its beauty.
Features of the Architectures
The tombs, mosques, and forts in medieval India replicated the blend of Islamic, Persian, and Indian styles of architecture.
The forts, tombs, and buildings were mainly made up of sandstone or marble.
The building structure had an overhanging balcony which is known as Jharokha and was used in Indian Mughal architecture.
At the top, elevated, dome-shaped pavilions are used in the Mughal architecture, this is known as Chhatri.
The projecting eaves or the cover which usually supported the large carved brackets that are used in the Indian Mughal architecture are called the Chhajja.
The architectural design also contains Jali which is perforated stone or the latticed screen that is used for the architectural decoration.
Beautiful Mosques in India
Around the world, Islamic architecture has been known for its spell bounding art and designs. The best work of these designs is seen in many of the famous mosques which are situated in India.
These places are highly respected and people from far and wide come to visit these places. Mentioned below is a list of such gorgeous mosques.
Jama Masjid, New Delhi
Mecca Masjid, Hyderabad
Bara Imambara, Lucknow
Jamali-Kamali Mosque, Delhi
Jamia Masjid, Srinagar
Nagina Masjid, Agra
Adhai Din ka Jhonpra, Ajmer
Jama Masjid, Agra
Hazratbal Masjid, Srinagar
Taj-ul-Masajid, Bhopal
Jama Masjid, Ahmedabad
Tipu Sultan Mosque, Kolkata
Moti Masjid, Bhopal
Adina Mosque, Malda
Kabuli Bagh Mosque, Panipat
Jumma Masjid, Bangalore
Toli Masjid, Hyderabad
Sidi Saiyyed Mosque, Ahmedabad
Jama Masjid, Mathura
Cheraman Juma Mosque, Thrissur
Jama Masjid, Srirangapatna
Jamia Masjid, Murudeshwar
Bhir Mosque, Ludhiana
Moonu Pettumma Palli, Pappinisseri
Pattambi Mosque, Palakkad
Nakhoda Mosque, Kolkata
Haji Ali Dargah, Mumbai
Jumma Masjid, Bijapur
Did You Know?
Conclusion
Thus, in this article we got a brief idea about the rulers and buildings. The construction of various buildings, monuments, temples etc. which was sponsored by the rulers of ancient and medieval times, built the great architecture of the country. This architecture shows the skills and talents that was present during the time when no modern tools were available.
Students must be made aware of our rich and beautiful history. Studying these Mughal rulers and architecture at that time made us virtually witness the uniqueness and magnificence essence in their style.
FAQs on Rulers and Buildings
1. What were the two main types of structures built by rulers in medieval India?
Between the eighth and eighteenth centuries, rulers commissioned two main categories of structures. The first category included grand, private buildings for their own use, such as forts, palaces, and garden-tombs. The second category consisted of structures for public use and welfare, which included temples, mosques, tanks, wells, and bazaars, intended to demonstrate the ruler's care for their subjects.
2. What is 'pietra dura' and where can it be seen?
Pietra dura is an intricate architectural technique where beautiful patterns are created by inlaying coloured, hard stones into depressions carved in marble or sandstone. This style was particularly popularised by the Mughals under Emperor Shah Jahan. The most famous example of pietra dura can be seen in the ornate floral designs on the walls of the Taj Mahal.
3. Why were temples and their wealth often targeted by invading rulers?
Temples in medieval India were not just places of worship; they were symbols of a king's power, devotion, and vast wealth. When kings attacked one another's kingdoms, they frequently targeted these temples for several reasons: to loot the accumulated gold and jewels, and more importantly, to politically undermine the authority and legitimacy of the defeated ruler by desecrating the symbols of their divine-right to rule.
4. How did the 'arcuate' style of architecture differ from the older 'trabeate' style?
The two styles represent a major technological shift in construction:
- Trabeate or Corbelled Style: This older method involved placing a horizontal beam across two vertical columns to create roofs, doors, and windows.
- Arcuate Style: This newer style, introduced in the medieval period, used true arches. The weight of the superstructure above doors and windows was transferred to the base of the arches, allowing for much larger and more elaborate open spaces.
5. What was the concept and significance of the 'chahar bagh' in Mughal architecture?
The 'chahar bagh' was a formal garden layout that was a hallmark of Mughal architecture. The key features and significance were:
- It was divided into four quarters by flowing water channels.
- This symmetrical layout was meant to represent paradise (Jannat), as described in the Quran.
- These gardens were not just for beauty; they created a serene and orderly setting for monumental structures like Humayun's Tomb and the Taj Mahal, reinforcing the idea of the ruler's divine connection and heavenly abode.
6. Why did rulers like Shah Jahan place such importance on the riverfront in their architectural plans?
Under Shah Jahan, the layout of gardens and palaces evolved to strategically use the riverfront, particularly the river Yamuna. In the Taj Mahal's design, the tomb itself was placed on a terrace by the river's edge, with the garden to its south. In his new capital, Shahjahanabad, the imperial palace commanded the riverfront, and access to the river was restricted to only the most favoured nobles. This design choice linked the architecture with the natural landscape and established a clear social and political hierarchy based on proximity to the river and the emperor.
7. What were the primary reasons for kings and emperors to build large, impressive monuments?
Rulers invested in massive building projects for a combination of reasons. Firstly, these structures were a powerful way to demonstrate their wealth, power, and authority to rivals and subjects alike. Secondly, building magnificent places of worship was a way to show their piety and claim a close relationship with God. Lastly, these monuments were built to create a lasting legacy, ensuring the ruler's name and achievements would be remembered for generations to come.
