The history of the Mughals in India is not limited to conquest and people’s rule. There is a vast aspect of the Mughal sultanate in India. The Mughal emperor built architecture and buildings that are an important part of Islamic art and history. Mughal architecture is a combination of Islamic and Indian art with a history spanning more than 300 years.
- The emergence of Mughal architecture
Early Mughal emperors such as Babar and Humayun were involved in most of the wars and conquests. Therefore, Islamic art began in the right way in the time of Akbar. Soon after his father’s death, Akbar focused on building an empire in India. He started building places, infrastructure, mosques, and gardens. Some of his notable works are Fatehpur Sikri, Akbar’s Imperial City, and Akbar’s tomb in Alexander. Mughal architecture in its time has shown the influence of Persian and Arabic art in India and Pakistan. - The peak of Mughal Islamic art
During the reign of Shah Jahan, Mughal architecture reached its peak, which introduced the beauty of a delegate to it. His most notable art was the Taj Mahal construction, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Apart from this, Moti Masjid, Agra Fort, and Sheesh Mahal are his notable contributions. In Lahore, Shalimar Garden was built in 1642. His son Aurangzeb was also most interested in Islamic architecture. He built various mosques in present-day India and Pakistan. Aurangzeb was also the pioneer of Lahore Fort and 13 Gates. Later, Mughal emperors also continued Islamic art and traditions but at a slower pace. - Mughal. Calligraphy under the Mughal Empire
The exterior decoration of various Mughal architectures included the calligraphy of Quranic verses. The Mughal emperors were especially fond of such work, especially Aurangzeb, who is considered to be an orthodox Muslim emperor in history. For example, the Taj Mahal building has calligraphy of Quranic verses, as well as vegetable maps. Moreover, the Taj Mahal’s interior architecture reflects the same Islamic art by the experts of the time. - The Painting In Mughal painting
Mughal paintings are collaborating with Indian and Persian-style collaborations that are an integral part of Islamic art. Islamic paintings flourished during the reigns of Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan. However, Aurangzeb Alamgir did not encourage painting. In Jahangir’s time, the Europeans left for India, due to which their influence was also shown in his time. These effects can be seen in the autobiography “Jahangirnama.”
During the Mughal period, the Rajputs were also a force to be reckoned with. He was also in alliance with the Mughal Empire for a long time. Their influence is also found in historians associated with Islamic art and architecture. The different styles of Islamic paintings are given below.
- Rajasthani style
- Mountain style
- Punjabi style
Overall, the Mughal Empire is an important milestone in the history of Islamic architecture and art. Therefore, future generations should be made aware of this creative work of Muslim emperors.
