Question

Which structure is the most important feature of Mughal architecture?

Answer 1

Hint:
Mughal architecture is a combination of Indian and Islamic architecture which was developed by the Mughals during 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. Mughal architecture have a uniform pattern of structure and character. The buildings have large onion shaped domes, massive halls, large vaulted gateways, and delicate ornamentation.


Complete step by step solution:
Mughal architecture took its peak point during the reign of Shah Jahan. Some of his major constructions are Taj Mahal, the Jama Masjid, the Shalimar Gardens of Lahore, the Wazir Khan Mosque. Mughal Inlay art in various buildings shows us a remarkable feature of Mughal architecture in India. There is a lot of Hindu influences on Mughal Architecture during the reign of Akbar. Like the use of elephant-shaped column brackets at Lahore Fort shows the influence.

Features:
Mughal architecture actually combines Indian elements with Persian and Islamic elements. Some features common to many buildings are:

- Most common feature is the large onion shaped swollen domes. They are sometimes surrounded by four smaller domes.
- Use of white marble and red sandstone.
- Lots of delicate ornamentation work. It includes pachin kari decorative work and jali-lattice screens.
- Mosques with large courtyards.
- In many buildings calligraphic inscriptions, in Persian and Arabic language are noted. It includes verses from the Quran also.
- The gateway leading up to the main building is usually made very large.
- Use of decorative chhatris.

The main feature of the Mughal architecture was the swollen dome structure present in every building. The dome is a hemispherical roof. Examples of such buildings are Humayun 's tomb in Delhi and Taj Mahal in Agra.

Note:
 Mughal architecture was a synthesis of Persian, Turkic, Timurid Iranian, Central Asian, and Indian Hindu and Muslim styles. Taj Mahal is the example of such an architecture. Its style combines architectural patterns from Persian, Ottoman Turkish and Indian architecture.