Question

With reference to Mughal architecture, what does the term Chahar Bagh mean?
A) Garden layout in the shape of a triangle based on the gardens of Paradise mentioned in the Quran.
B) Garden layout based on the four gardens of Paradise mentioned in the Quran.
C) Garden layout based on the gardens of Eden mentioned in the Quran.
D) All of the above

Answer 1

Hint: Mughal gardens are gardens constructed by the Mughals. This design was influenced by Persian gardens, notably the Charbagh structure, which is meant to symbolise an earthly utopia in which humans live in perfect harmony with all-natural forces.

Complete answer:
Charbagh is a Persian and Indo-Persian quadrilateral garden design inspired by the Quran's four gardens of Paradise. The quadrilateral garden is split into four smaller sections by pathways or flowing water. They may be found in Iran and India, as well as other nations in Western and South Asia. The most renowned examples of this design are Shah Abbas the Great's Chahrbagh-e Abbasi (or Charbagh Avenue) in Isfahan, Iran, and the Taj Mahal's garden in India. Each of the four sections of the Taj Mahal's Charbagh has sixteen flower beds.

The four gardens of Paradise stated in Chapter (Surah) 55, Ar-Rahman "The Beneficent," in the Qur'an are understood as the quadrilateral Charbagh concept: There are two gardens for anyone who is afraid to stand before his Lord. (Verse 46 of Chapter 55)

There are two other gardens nearby. (Verse 62 of Chapter 55) The four-part garden, set out with axial walkways that cross at the garden's centre, is one of Charbagh's most distinctive features. The chahar bagh, a highly organised geometrical design, became a strong tool for organising and domesticating the environment, which was itself a symbol of political territory.

The Persian and Islamic quadrilateral garden plan Charbagh or Chahar Bagh is based on the four gardens of Paradise stated in the Quran.

Therefore the correct answer is option ‘B’.

Note:
- The Persian and Islamic quadrilateral garden plan Charbagh or Chahar Bagh is based on the four gardens of Paradise stated in the Quran. The quadrilateral garden is split into four smaller sections by pathways or flowing water. "Chahar" means "four" in Persian, which translates to "Char" in Urdu, while "bagh" means "garden" in both Persian and Urdu.
- The Taj Mahal, Shah Jahan's crowning architectural achievement, was designed with the river-front garden in mind. The white marble mausoleum was built on a terrace along the river's edge, with the garden to the south.