Mughal Administration.pptxgggggggggffggf

Mughal administration for upsc

1. Mughal Administration Dr. T.UMAR SADIQ ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF HISTORY JAMAL MOHAMED COLLEGE

2. MUGHAL ARCHITECTURE Introduction: The Mughal dynasty, founded after Babur’s victory at Panipat in 1526, played a pivotal role in shaping the Indo-Islamic architecture, particularly in the northern regions of the Indian subcontinent, including Delhi, Agra, and Lahore. Drew inspiration from Iranian and Central Asian styles, particularly the Timurid architecture. Prior to the Mughal era, the Delhi Sultanate had already witnessed monumental constructions that showcased a fusion of Indian and Turkish architectural styles. Specific architectural elements like Charbagh style, slender turrets, broad gateways, calligraphy, arabesque, and geometric patterns.

3. Significant features: Created a synthesis of pre-Turkish technique, i.e., trabeated with arcuate resulting in a blending and emergence of a distinct style of their own. Hindu Rajput palaces, in particular, are believed to have significantly influenced the architectural style. Example: Trabeate constructions and Ornate pillars. Characterized by careful linear divisions and an emphasis on high-quality finishes, Mughal architecture featured elements like bulbous domes, and the use of red sandstone and white marble. Decorative motifs included geometric and floral designs, Arabic and Persian inscriptions (calligraphy), tilework , and sophisticated stonework ( pietra dura ). Jalis (latticed screens), decorative chhatris and jharokhas (stone window projecting from the wall face of a building, in an upper storey )

4. Large fortified citadels, mosques, and monumental mausoleums exemplified the diverse building types, each reflecting the grandeur and sophistication of Mughal patronage. Proliferation of important public buildings: sarais , bridges, baolis (water tank/well) etc. They also laid out many formal gardens with running water. In fact, use of running water even in their palaces and pleasure resorts was a special feature of the Mughals. Gardens, in particular, held a special place in Mughal architecture, whether as separate entities or integral parts of larger architectural complexes.

5. This style was influenced by Persian gardens (particularly the Charbagh structure) and Timurid gardens. Use of rectilinear layouts are made within the walled enclosures. Some of the typical features include pools, fountains and canals inside the gardens (water became the central and connecting theme of the Mughal Gardens). Fountains in gardens: The Mughals developed hydraulic system by using Persian wheel ( saqiya ) to lift the water and obtain adequate pressure necessary for gardens. Most of the gardens were divided into four quadrants by two-axis comprised with water channels and pathways to carry the water under gravitational pressure. The famous gardens are: Nishat Bagh in Kashmir Bagh - i -Shalimar in Kashmir Pinjore Garden in Haryana Mahtab Bagh in Charbagh style, Agra Babur was very fond of gardens and laid out a few in the neighbourhood of Agra, Lahore, Bagh-i-Nilufar (Lotus garden) in Dholpur (a city in Rajasthan).

6. Babur: Constructed several buildings but only two mosques survived: Shahi Jama Masjid, Sambhal , Uttar Pradesh and Kabuli Bagh Mosque, Panipat , Haryana . Humayun : Constructed palace Din- i - Panah in Delhi, which was probably destroyed by Sher Shah.

7. Akbar: Gardens in Delhi and then in Agra, Akbar’s new capital. These were the riverfront gardens rather than the fortress gardens. Structures featured the extensive use of red sandstone inlaid with white marble, adorned with painted designs on walls and ceilings. Art motifs from Hindu tradition, such as Kalasha , Srivatsa , Swastika, Padma and Chakri can be found on monuments of Akbar, especially at Fatehpur Sikri Constructed buildings for civilian purposes. Notable constructions: Agra Fort, the fort-city of Fatehpur Sikri , Buland Darwaza .

8. Jahangir: Completion of the Tomb of Akbar at Sikandra (near Agra). The other was the Tomb of Itmad-ul-Daula (Agra) built by Nur Jahan over the grave of her father. The most important feature of this tomb is that it is decorated with ‘ pietra dura ’ i.e. in-laid with semi-precious stones of different colours .

9. Shahjahan (1628-1658): Use of red sandstone was prevalent but Marble was mostly used. Taj Mahal , built by Shah Jahan as a memorial to his wife Mumtaz Mahal , is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Red Fort, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built by Shah Jahan to serve as the residence of Mughal rulers upon moving the capital from Agra to Delhi. High-ranking officials below the emperor also played a role in erecting significant monuments, exemplified by the Wazir Khan Mosque (Lahore). With a view to enhance the beauty and effect of the ceilings, he made full use of gold, silver, precious and coloured stones.

10. Aurangzeb (1658-1707): Continued the architectural tradition by commissioning notable structures such as the Badshahi Mosque (Lahore), Bibi Ka Maqbara (Aurangabad), and the Moti Masjid (Red Fort complex, Delhi).