Greatest Monuments of Mughal Era In India

              Mughal Empire was one of the most powerful empires in India. It was a prosperous empire. Mughals ruled a large part of the Indian subcontinent. They ruled for about three and half-centuries. The various monuments built by Mughal emperors in India are the finest examples of Indian architecture. The monuments consist of many Tombs, Forts, Palaces, and shrines. Indian architecture of that time developed by mixing many Indian and foreign architectural traditions. Taj Mahal is a typical example of Mughal Monuments of that time. Mughal architecture is a mixture of Indian, Islamic, Persian and Turkish architecture. we will see below a list of the few greatest monuments built by Mughal emperors in India.

1.Taj Mahal 

                  Taj Mahal is one of the seven wonders of the new world. It is the best example of a very rich architectural tradition in India. Taj Mahal is the most well-known monument in India. It is one of the greatest monuments in India. it is the tomb of Mumtaz Mahal, beloved wife of emperor Shahjahan. Shahjahan ordered its construction in 1632, which almost completed in 1643. Taj Mahal is 73 meters tall and it consists of a tomb at the center, mosque, and garden from three sides. the total area of the monument is about 17 hectares. The tomb of emperor Shahjahan is also located in this monument. Almost 20,000 artisans worked on the Taj Mahal, under the main court architect Ustad Ahamad Lahauri.

1.The story of the Taj Mahal

                The love between Emperor Shahjahan and his wife inspired the construction of such an amazing monument. after the death of his wife, Shahjahan mourned her death. he decided to build a monument dedicated to her. many old Mughal and Persian monuments and buildings inspired the architecture of Taj mahal. Most of the buildings of that time contained red sandstone. Shahjahan first time used white marble and precious stones to construct a monument. four minarets surround the Main Building of the Taj Mahal to its four corners.

                 UNESCO declared the Taj Mahal a world heritage site in 1983. This monument attracts nearly 7-8 million visitors a year. The central tomb is built on a square plinth. It has a large dome and a finial at the top. The finial is an element, mostly kept at the top of the building for decorative purposes. the graves of Mumtaz Mahal and Shahjahan at the top level, are false. Actual graves are at the lower level of the building. There are many gateways in the main building. the main building contains a highly decorated interior.

                The interior of the Taj Mahal showcases, highly skilled craftsmanship of that time. There are many complex designs and decorations. The walls of the main chamber contain, Aayats from Kuran. The external design includes beautiful calligraphy. The renowned calligrapher of that time, called Amanat khan did the work of calligraphy.

2.The Taj Mahal Today

                Industrial pollution is causing the Taj mahal's surface to turn yellowish. Many environmental changes are affecting this monument. During the second world war and Indo-Pak war, scaffolding made it possible to protect the fort. its protectors used various tricks to misguide the enemies. With many controversies and myths, the Taj Mahal today stands as one of the most attractive tourist destinations in India.

2.Red Fort

              Red Fort of Delhi is another example of the splendidness of Mughal architecture. Mughal emperors used this fort as their residence, for centuries. red sandstone is used for the formation of the walls of this fort. That's why it is called the Red Fort. Even today, this fort holds its symbolic value as a center of power in India. Every year on Independence Day, the prime minister of India delivers a speech to the country from the Red Fort.

1.The story of Red Fort

               Mughal emperor Shahjahan commissioned its construction in 1638. the construction ended in 1648. Shahjahan shifted the capital of the Mughal Empire from Agra to Delhi. He established a new capital called Shahjahanabad. Red Fort was its main palace. The Architectural style of Red Fort is a mixture of Persian, Timurid, and Indian traditions. The apartments inside the fort consist of many pavilions. There was a proper water supply system to these pavilions using water channels. The architectural style of the Red fort inspired many other buildings in India.

               The main architect of Red Fort was Ustad Ahamad Lahauri, who also constructed the Taj Mahal. Red Fort is a highly decorative and aesthetically pleasant architecture. Red Fort is an example of Shahjahan's creativity and passion for art. After the death of Aurangzeb, later Mughal emperors were weak. The Invasion of Nadirshah in 1747, caused heavy damage to the artwork of this fort. Nadirshah and his army plundered the jewels and many other precious artworks in the fort. Nadirshah took away with him, the famous peacock throne of Mughal emperors.

           Marathas took control of this fort from about 1788 up to 1803. British East India company defeated Marathas in the second anglo-Maratha war and they took control of the fort. Under the control of the British East India Company, this fort received the most damage. British officers destroyed two-third of its total buildings and looted many important structures. the internal decorations, which included various ornaments and jewels such as Kohinoor was looted by the British.

2.Red Fort Today

            Today, this fort is an important tourist destination in India. It is one of the greatest monuments in India. When India achieved independence in 1947, the first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru hoisted the tricolor in the Lahore gate of this fort. There are various buildings inside the fort which served many purposes. Today we can visit and see them. because of its massive Structure and historical importance, Red Fort attracts thousands of visitors every year. 

3.Buland Darwaza

               

 

Mughal emperor Akbar built this great monument called, Buland Darwaza. It is one of the greatest monuments in India. Akbar built this monument in 1601 to commemorate his victory over Gujrat. Buland Darwaza is located in the city of Fatehpur Sikri. Akbar established this city as his capital in 1571. Akbar's campaign in Punjab was the main cause for the abandonment of this city. This city was the capital of the Mughal empire until 1585. Buland Darwaza is the main entrance of the Jama Masjid of Fatehpur Sikri.

1.The Story Of Buland Darwaza

                Buland Darwaza is a fusion of Persian and Hindu architectural traditions.it is made by using red and buff sandstone. Darwaza is decorated by using white and black marble. It took almost twelve years to complete this monument. Buland Darwaza is 54 meters in height and it acts as an entrance to the southern side of the city. It is 15 storied gateway with its huge height and complex design.

               There are various inscriptions on the eastern side of Darwaza. The inscriptions record the victory of Akbar over Gujrat and Uttar Pradesh in 1573. the inscription on the central part of Darwaza describes Akbar's secularism. the inscriptions are mostly in the Persian language. The construction of Buland Darwaza was not a part of the original plan of Jama masjid. Akbar later built this monument because he wanted to celebrate his victory in this region.

2.Buland Darwaza Today

                  The Buland Darwaza is an excellent example of the technology and craftsmanship of that time. The complex design and height of this monument highlight the creativity and sophistication of Mughal architecture. Most importantly, Buland Darwaza is the only monument on our list which is not built by Shahjahan, but by his grandfather Akbar. Because of its huge height, Buland Darwaza is one of the highest gateways in the world. Today, Buland Darwaza is an important tourist attraction in India.

To know more about Mughal monuments: