Mughal Archiecture-Akbar ppt

a brief history of Mughal architecture during the reign of emperor akbar

1. MUGHAL ARCHITECTURE UNDER AKBAR’S RULE SUBMITTED BY- AMIYE RANJAN CHANDAN KUMAR MAYANK NIGAM SHAAZ BAZMI SUBMITTED TO- Ar. DEVINA AGARWAL

2. MUGHAL EMPIRE: AKBAR Akbar came to throne in 1556 after the death of this father Humayun. At that time Akbar was only 13 years old. Akbar began at Agra, which city for the time is known as the capital of his empire. Akbar was a great patron of architecture art literature. Mughal architecture began with Akbar who showed his passions for buildings by planning and construction splendid edifices. During his region Mughal architecture took a new forms. Akbar made free use of both Hindu and Persian style. The use of red sandstone inlaid with marble and painted designs on walls and ceilings are the silent feature of Akbar buildings. Akbar constructed numerous fort , towers, palaces, mosques, mausoleums and gateways. MUGHAL EMPIRE

3. ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES OF MUGHAL STYLE UNDER AKBAR The style of buildings that evolved under this ruler was chiefly executed in red sandstone with the insertions of white marble . Principle construction was a Tudor arch (mainly as a decorative arcading). The style was accurate and Trebeated in almost equal proportions. Concept of symmetry is followed. The pillar shaft were usually many sided. Capitals were invariably in forms of bracket support. Ornamentation carved or boldly carved pattern were common. Painted design is also introduce at this time. The bulbous domes. The slender minarets at four corners, Large halls. Massive vaulted gateway and delicate ornamentation. ARCADED FAÇADE TUDOR ARCH

4. ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES OF HUMAYUN TOMB: ARAB SARAI (guesthouse at HUMĀYŪN TOMB): Literally meaning the Sarai (rest house) for the horses, the structure stands adjacent to the AFSARWALA mosque and was built by Bega Begum around 1560-1561 CE, ostensibly built for the craftsmen who came for the construction work. It could accommodate 300 Arabas.(in Persian ارابه means: Cart or Gari (vehicle).  The Arab Sarai Gate was built in 1560-61 AD. The 14 metre high gateway led to the walled enclosure which housed the Persian craftsmen who came here to build HUMAYUN'S Tomb. The Red Sandstone and White Marble inlay work add a striking touch to the gateway, though it was built by Delhi quartzite stone. The wooden door at the entrance is huge and worth seeing. Seen plenty of them on forts in Maharashtra. It houses a small chor darwaza , for individual persons to pass by, main Door only be  opened during ceremonies. The iron on the door is rusted.  All that remains are just ruins of rooms where the craftsmen used to stay,  they worked on making of HUMAYUN'S Tomb.  ARAB-SARAI  WOODEN DOOR AT ARAB-SARAI ROOMS FOR THE CRAFTSMEN FACTS OF ARAB-SARAI

5. Agra Fort

6. INTRODUCTION Agra Fort located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh is a UNESCO world heritage site, it represents the first major building project of Akbar. Built in AD 1565-1575, the fort, apart from other important units, contains Jahangir Mahal, Khas Mahal, Diwan- i -Khas, Diwan- i -Am, Machchi Bhawan and Moti Masjid. (AD 1630-1655). Agra Fort Many extant buildings were erected by Shah fort was originally a brick fort known as Badalgarh , held by Raja Badal Singh Hindu Sikarwar Rajput king (c. 1475). After the First Battle of Panipat in 1526, Mughals captured the fort and seized a vast treasure, including the diamond later known as the Koh-i-Noor .

7. AGRA FORT - ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES Architectural style:- A kbari style. Agra fort is the first example of to be produced being the fortress-palace of A gra. It has the largest fortified wall. Its plan is irregular semi circular in shape with its chord of 21 feet in length lying parallel to the river Yamuna. Great part of agra fort was constructed by akbar starting in 1565 ad. It is a massive and grand structure. Its massive enclosure wall consists of solid sandstone rampart of 70 ft in height and nearly one and a half miles. From top to bottom the fire red sand stone linked by the iron rings are joined so closely that a hair can not enter through it.

8. AGRA FORT - ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES The entrance to the fort is from two gateways. The main entrance is from the delhi gate, which was a ceremonial entrance to the fort. The other smaller gateway is called the hathi pol or elephant because of two huge elephants on both the sides. Akbar build fortress wall and the Jahangir mahal at agra fort. Front consists of two octagonal tower joined to the archway . At the back elegant facade with arcade. Ornamentation is rich and varied consisting of patents in white marble inlay against the warm red sandstone is most effective. Arched entrance, with two huge bastions DELHI GATE, AGRA FORT

9. The main entrance viz. the Hathi Pol has an open space at the Delhi Gate, having a magnificent court with overhanging colonnades. The bastions of the amar singh Darwaza are smaller and less ornate. Their lower portions are divided into oblong and arched panels, covered with multi-colored, glazed tiles in beautiful geometrical designs. The panels of the upper parts are plain. Each bastion is covered by an umbrella like structure [chhatris] made of heavy piers instead of slender pillars, a circular overhang [ chajja ], and with an inverted lotus, hemispherical cupola. AMAR SINGH GATE

10. A tall multi-storied Gate of red sandstone on the eastern side, having a small pointed arched entrance is built over a high plinth with a rectangular small platform supported on stone brackets. The arch is outlined by white marble inlay work in geometrical design. The facade of the Gate is flanked by two arched panels decorated with marble inlay. There are square panels on both sides above which there is a long rectangular panel with six small holes. Over these panels are three loopholes of temple ‘shikhar’ style with a parapet of wide flame-like design. AMAR SINGH GATE

11. At the southeast corner of the Agra Fort, overlooking the river are the remains of the Akbari Mahal. The oldest building of the Fort originally had a portico ( deorhi ) on the western side whose lower walls still exist. The portico opens into the spacious rectangular courtyard paved with red sandstone slabs.  The courtyard, surrounded by large living rooms and a double storied pavilion is connected with rooms on the eastern side with flat roofs. The interior hall has several windows overlooking the river. The style of architecture of the pavilion and the rooms is of trabeate order; four-centered arches, placed aesthetically are used as decorative arcading. The walls are notable for stone carvings and double brackets. AKBARI MAHAL Plan

12. JAHANGIRI MAHAL The Jahangiri Mahal, despite its name, was built by Akbar. The Jahangiri Mahal is the only portion of the Fort walls, apart from the Gates, distinguished by the ornamental treatment accorded to its eastern facade. The architectural setting of the Jahangiri Mahal is defined by clarity, simplicity and integrity of its different components. Exquisite surface ornamentation includes marble inlay and intricate geometrical and floral patterns. The large facade of the palace is most remarkable for its projecting portico, whose lotus parapet is decorated with beautiful merlons in relief: A rectangular opening with carved panels and projecting balconies supported on circular pillars. Elegant brackets with Bengal slanting roofs on both sides of the deep, pointed, shapely arch are decorated with marble lined niches and six pointed stars.

13. Jahangiri Mahal T he monotony of the wide eastern walls is broken by a series of rectangular openings ( darichas ) overshadowed by parapet walls with merlons and pillared ‘chhatris’ on both corner bastions. Below are a series of marble inlaid outlines of rectangular panels and marble lined niches with lotus buds and marble arches that spring from the elephant trunk. Below the niches are the square and rectangular panels outlined by marble inlay work. The entire structure is constructed in ‘ lakhauri ’ bricks and veneered by finely dressed and carved red sandstone slabs on a one meter high plinth. PLAN OF JAHANGIRI MAHAL

14. JAHANGIRI MAHAL Parapet decorated with beautiful melon in relief with stone jali. Projecting balconies supported on circular pillars. Bengal slanting roof (chajjha) pillared chhatris on both corners' engaged bastions. the series of marble inlaid outlines of rectangular panels with marble inlay work. 1m high plinth with lotus buds Depression connected to water channel Sculptured flower The monotony of the wide eastern walls is broken by series of rectangular openings (darichas) elegant brackets marble inlay & geometric & floral pattern.

15. DIWAN-I-AAM (Hall of Public Audience) Throughout the reign of Akbar, Public [Diwan- i - Aam ] and Private [Diwan- i -Khas] audiences were held in temporary wooden structures added with tents in the Agra Fort. An arrangement that continued during the reign of Jahangir also. These halls were first built in wood ( Iwan_i_Chobin ),later replaced by larger structures, painted with marble plaster. Shah Jahan's historians and poets described the Audience Hall as ‘ Iwan-i-Daulat Khana - wa -Khas-o-Am’ or Hall of Private Audiences and ‘ Iwan-i-Chehil Sutun ’ of Forty-pillared Hall, which was the Diwan- i - Aam . The Diwan- i - Aam , built in red sandstone on a raised platform (1.25m) in a rectangular plan measuring 61.77 m by 20.12m. The total large pillars are 48. The Hall is open on three sides with multi foiled arches, except the eastern side; within which is the structure of the jharokha , the celebrated throne [ Takht-i-Murassa ] which was the seat of the Emperor for giving public audiences

16. Fatehpur Sikri

17. Capital city 26 miles west of agra . E nclosed an irregular rectangular area 2 miles long,1 mile broad. An arrangement of broad terraces and stately courtyard around which are grouped numerous palaces and pavilions. Sandstone was used majorly . Main approach was from Agra through Agra gate leading to diwan-I- aam . Secular buildings are of trabeated nature while Jami masjid is arculated . the palace complex is laid out on the two lower platforms, covering approximately 250 square meters. City on a sandstone out crop,runs from north-east to south west but most buildings are aligned facing north and south to accord with the fixed orientation of the great mosque. FATEHPUR SIKRI

18.  The whole complex is spread in three plateaus on receding levels with respect to the topography of the ridge. The mosque complex is located on the uppermost level of the ridge. Extending down the slope of hill to the northern side were offices,saraies,ornamental gardens, stables,etc. The middle plateau is the most private, housing the residential buildings: the northern palace (Birbals Palace), the Shaqh-i Isbal (Jodh Bai’s Palace), the Sonahra Makan (Miriam’s Palace), the guest house (hospitalia) and the stables (Shahi Bazar and Mina Bazar). The lowest plateau is occupied by the public and semi-public areas of the palace complex, (Diwan-i Am),(Diwan-i Khass), the Ank Michauli and Astrologer’s Seat, the Panck Mahal, Most of the buildings of the public and semi-public area face east, while the Khwabgah faces north.

19. ARCHITECTURAL FEATURE OF BULAND DARWAZA: BULAND DARWAZA is a triumphal archway built in place of the southern entry to Jami masjid after Akbar’s victory in deccan. Height is 134 feet. Approached by a steep flight of steps 42 feet high, the entire composition rises to a height of 176 feet above roadway. Across its front it measures 130 feet while from front to back it is 123 ft. Appearance of aspiring and overwhelming strength. Its position is critic as it is approached through what were probably service quarters and also it dominates and throws out of balance the scheme of the mosque to which it is attached. Central plane is rectangular and 86 feet across. Narrower faces on its wings are in 3 stories with varied openings in each stage. Semi dome of the large arched recess is carried on 5 surfaces in form of half decagon. Ornamental inscription on the façade. Crowning the façade is a perforated parapet behind which rises a range of 13 kiosks central large face greater part of its surface is occupied by an arched and domed recess Islamic inscription BULAND DARWAZA

20. ARCHITECTURAL FEATURE OF BULAND DARWAZA: The BULAND DARWAZA or the magnificence gateway is made of red and buff sandstone, decorated by carving and inlaying of white marble. On the outside a long flight of steps sweeps down the hill giving the gateway additional height. An inscription on the central face of the BULAND DARWAZA throws light on Akbar's religious broad mindedness. The BULAND DARWAZA towers above the courtyard of the mosque. The BULAND DARWAZA is semi octagonal in plan and is topped by pillars and chhatris. BULAND DARWAZA choes early Mughal design with simple ornamentation. There are thirteen smaller domed kiosks on the roof, stylized battlement and small turrets and inlay work of white marble. FLIGHT OF STAIRCASE ARCHED ENTRY

21. ARCHITECTURAL FEATURE OF SALIM CHISTI MUSOLEUM : The mausoleum was built by Akbar as a mark of his respect and reverence for the saint and it was completed in the year 1580-81. Raised on about a meter high platform, there is flight of five steps to reach its entrance porch. The tomb consist of a square exterior of 24ft side which contains a mortuary chamber of 16ft side is placed in the center of the main hall, whole covered by a low semicircular dome. Around the outside a wide verandah is carried ,its roof supported on pillars with the interspaces filled with perforated screen, the whole exterior measuring 48 feet. On the southern face a porch is projected on pillars and there are carved brackets to sustain the extremely wide eaves. SALIM CHISTI MUSOLEUM

22. ARCHITECTURAL FEATURE OF SALIM CHISTI MUSOLEUM : The pillars have honeycomb capital, and brackets springing from their patterned shafts. The serpentine brackets or struts with the spaces between the curves filled in with perforated foliations, emerging from the pillars carved with stylized peacock tail pattern and sloping eaves add to the magnificence of the porch. The door of the main chamber is carved elaborately with arabesque patterns and boasts of Quranic inscriptions. Originally was built in red stone but later changed in white marble. SALIM CHISTI MUSOLEUM STRUCTURAL SYSTEM.

23. ARCHITECTURAL FEATURE OF JAMI MASJID, FATEHPUR SIKRI: It is the sacred complex of the fortified city built by Akbar between 1571-85. A congregational mosque organized around a large courtyard having pillared cloisters on the three sides, it was the largest mosque in India at the time of its construction having a rectangular area of 542 feet by 438 ft. It includes the enclosure of the mosque itself, containing the prayer hall, the tomb of Salim Chishti in the north, and Approximately ten meters to the east of this tomb is the larger tomb of Nawab Islam Khan. The main imperial entrance to the mosque complex, called the BADSAHI DARWAZA ("Emperor’s Gate") is located along its eastern edge, opposite the prayer hall, and was likely used by royal palace residents. On the southern side of the courtyard, known as the BULAND DARWAZA ("Lofty Gate").A multistoried, semi-octagonal structure, it measures about 40 meters east-west and 20 meters north-south and contains large rooms, passages, and stairways. The exterior (southern) elevation of the BULAND DARWAZA rises to a height of 40 meters above the level of the mosque’s court. JAMI MASJID, FATEHPUR SIKRI:

24. ARCHITECTURAL FEATURE OF JAMI MASJID, FATEHPUR SIKRI: The center of the west of the courtyard is dominated by the sanctuary which has a huge central liwan leading on to a domed area in front of the main mihrab. Either side of the central dome are two smaller domes each covering the area in front of a smaller mihrab. Its entry (eastern) elevation of the hall is dominated by a central gateway composed of a high recessed ogee arch set within a rectangular frame and surmounted by a row of domed chattri . The interior of the prayer hall is divided into three bays; the central bay is square and measures 12.5 meters per side and is topped by a single dome supported on squinch. Within each bay, 9 mihrabs are found along the qibla wall, for a total of 27 mihrab niches in the entire prayer hall. The central mihrab niches are ornamented with inlay stone work, glazed tiles, and carved and painted inscriptions. The mihrabs located in the colonnade on either side occur in a double-story pattern Two colonnade hall on either side with side 2 square chambers crowned with domes Central nave with a single nave. Central frame arch is completely out of proportion with rather low slung side wings. LARGEST MOSQUE IN INDIA DIMENSION:(157*132)

25. Fatehpur Sikri Entrance (Diwani-i-Amnm) Diwan-i-khas Daulat khana Panch Mahal Anup Talao House of the turkish sultana House of Miram Palace of Jodha Bai Garden House of Birbal

26. Diwan- E - A a m The first court of the palace complex towards the Diwan- i Amm , the entrance to Akbars private residence. An oblong complex comprising a large quadrangular space, 112.38 meters north-south and 55.20 meters east-west, it is wrapped by a colonnaded passageway ( dalan ) composed of one hundred and eleven bays. Mughal fusion of Hindu and Muslim architectural styles was embodied in spacious courtyards, wide palaces, and open pavilions, quarried from the local sandstone and cooled by numerous water channels, ponds, and tanks.

27. Entrance (Diwan- e - A a m )  The dalans , constructed from red sandstone, are set on a raised plinth and are composed of square stone columns with plain bases and slightly molded capitals. These are surmounted by simple brackets supporting stone lintels and a continuous eave ( chhajja ). The Emperor’s pavilion is a small rectangular structure of red sandstone, measuring 9.27 by 6.65 meters, positioned symmetrically to the enclosure and projecting slightly into the courtyard. In plan, it is a single chamber with stone walls 1.10 meters thick surrounded by a portico, 3.05 meters wide. The flat-roofed chamber itself rises above the porticos. The portico is shaded by a stone-tile roof ( khaprel ) resting upon carved brackets, above which runs the same carved parapet as the one over the dalans . The eastern portico is divided by two exquisitely carved three-part trapezium screens, with the Emperor’s seat in the center.

28. Diwan-i-Khas The free-standing structure situated in the center of th e courtyard. paneled plinth 0.75 m high This is a two-storey building having a flat terraced roof. It has a balcony and chajja supported on heavy corbels . Built in red sandstone, it is a square, symmetrical building measuring 13.18 m side on the exterior. its 4 elevations are identical . Bridges radiate along each diagonal of the hall connecting to the hanging galleries which surround the upper portion. Series of 36 closely set voluted and pendulated brackets carrying the throne platform. variously patterned shaft of the pillar A large and substantial pillar occupy the central position of the audience hall with its massive expanding capital supporting a circular stone platform. The whole arrangement signifies his ‘ dominion over four quarters’. The emperor would sit enthroned on the central platform while listening to arguments.

29. H IRAN MINAR The Hiran Minar is located north and west of the Hathi Pol, outside of the palace complex, just north of the imperial caravanserai. Measuring twenty-one meters in height, the towers plan is octagonal at its base, circular after the height of 3.91 meters, and topped with a chhatri. The circular part of the tower is decorated with stone spikes  in the form of elephant tusks. Traditionally it was thought to have been erected as a memorial to the Emperor Akbar's favourite elephant. A circular balcony projects on stone corbels from the upper part of the tower. Exterior close-up view of Its exact function is unknown, but it may have been a lookout tower showing surface or a distance marker for travelers.decorations and projecting elements H IRAN MINAR

30. A NUP TALAO The Anup Talao , or "peerless pool," was completed in 1576 on a wide platform ( chabutara ) to the north of the Khwabgah (imperial apartments) in the Mahal- i Khas courtyard. A square island platform stands in its center. Another name for the Anup Talao , the "Char- Chamad ," refers to these four bridges. The tank served to cool the air . It formed part of a system of mini-tanks and canals built on the eastern platform of the Khwabgah . The tank measures 29.26 meters per side and is 3.66 meters deep. The Anup Talao is a red sandstone masonry tank, square in plan and bilaterally symmetrical. Stone bridges, 0.61 meters wide and supported by stone columns with bracket capitals, span 10.06 meters from the center of each side of the platform to the side of the tank. The island platform (9.14 m2) is flanked by a jaali balustrade a raised seat (chabutra, 3.66 m2) in its center

31. A NUP TALAO Two consecutive series of six broad stairs step down from the sides of the tank to the original water level (0.96 meters, or just below the twelfth step). The tank was originally filled via one water channel from the waterworks near the Elephant Gate to the west: the water was carried via a stone duct north of Birbal’s Place , Miriam’s Garden, and the Kothi. A second channel came from the eastern waterworks. Overflow was diverted to the tank found north of the building with a central column ( Ekastambha-Prasada ), to keep the level of water in the Anup Talao constant .

32. The Turkish Sultana’s House The most elaborately carved building in Fatehpur Sikri . It’s often attributed to the Turkish wife of Akbar. It is more probably the Hujra-I-Anup Talao ’, mentioned by Badauni , a pleasure pavilion attached to the Northeast of the Anup Talao and might have been used by the Turkish queens for this purpose. Intricately carved like wood, this building is also known as superb jewel casket and each of its stone slab has a different design such as arabesque designs on the pillars of verandah and bell shaped, floral and herring-bone carvings on the brackets supporting the roof. Square in plan, the pavilion measures 3.96 per side on the interior, and features a khaprel ceiling.

33. The Turkish Sultana’s House Along its west elevation is a rectangular portico, 2.64 by 4.07 meters, with the same floor-ceiling height as the main chamber and supported on piers that are square in section and octagonal columns. Carved in floral and geometric patterns, the main chamber is one of the most richly ornamented structures of the entire complex. Opulent carvings adorn dado panels, columns, pilasters, double columns, brackets, and friezes. Every square meters of the interior dado panel is covered with vegetable and animal motifs with distinctive borders of hexagons and swastikas. These panels depict scenes from forests, orchards, and gardens, ingeniously crafted. The pavilion has three windows, each of which are filled with exquisite white marble tracery.

34. PALACE OF JODHA BAI The Shabistan-i Iqbal, or Principal Haram Sara, is the largest and best-preserved of the residences of the imperial zenana (harem sara ). From the exterior, the palace appears massive. Entrance allowed through a guarded single monumental gateway in the center of its eastern wall having staggered doorways. j harokhas (projecting balconies) is supported on four brackets with a jaali balustrade. corner of the palace above the jharokha windows is protected by a chhajja, which is isurmounted by a square base supporting an octagonal drum and a shallow dome

35. PALACE OF JODHA BAI The entrance opening is in the center of the gateway, 3.31 meters high and 2.28 meters wide and flanked by engaged columns that support stone brackets and a massive lintel. The gateway is further protected by a small detached stone guardhouse roofed with a gabled roof to the southeast. The haram sara is a double-storied structure composed of rooms arranged around a big open-air courtyard. In plan the palace is nearly square as it measures 320 ft by 215 ft and the enclosing walls are 32 ft high. On the north there is a hanging pavilion or hawa mahal, and on the south are service and bathing apartments .

36. At ground level, the entrance is flanked on either side by a small decorative arched iwan , or large niche. Above the iwans and to either side of the band of five arches are two jharokha windows supported on brackets . Around the inner court are double-storied residential quarters at the corners and formal "suites" in the centers of each side.Along the north and southern walls, the suites are nearly identical. Within the enclosure every portion is self contained with a private chapel for devotions and roof terraces screened by parapet for promenades. Each part is readily accessible both for the convenience of its occupants and for the purpose of service. A

37. In the overall building scheme, the forms of the north and south apartments are similar, and likewise the east and west apartments make a pair. The chambers below could be heated in cold weather and those above remained airy and cool. Resemblance to the temple architecture of west india particularly in design of the niches and brackets with their unmistakable volute forms and the shape of the pillar shafts. Constructed by artisans from gujarat . Application of blue glazed tiles to some of the roofs and cupolas. In the upper rooms the ceiling is a form of waggon vault with groins.

38. HOUSE OF MIRIAM West of the Anup Talao court and placed in the center of its own courtyard is a red sandstone building known as the Sunehra Makan (Golden House), on account of its rich interior murals. It is also popularly named " Miriam's Kothi" (residence). In size it is less than 1/16 th part of the palace. Consists of arrangement of rooms in two stories but with no central courtyard or other extraneous amenities. In terms of function, this structure, with its open and formal character, profuse ornamentation, and lack of bathroom facilities, was likely not used as a residence but rather as a drawing room ( baithak ) where Akbar would receive his court artists. Measuring 18.24 by 14.75 meters on the exterior, it is bilaterally symmetrical along its long (north-south) axis. Divided into 5 bays along the north-south axis, the building has two main parts. A continuous stone chhajja runs along each elevation, supported on carved brackets rectangular chhatri over its northern section

39. HOUSE OF MIRIAM Measuring 18.24 by 14.75 meters on the exterior, it is bilaterally symmetrical along its long (north-south) axis. Divided into 5 bays along the north-south axis, the building has two main parts. The interior partitioning walls are approximately 1.2 meters thick. The hall is 5.18 meters in height and surrounded on its east, north, and west by a high colonnaded portico that fills the outer 7 bays. From the outside, the entire building appears to be single-storied; however, while the central hall and porticos are single-height, the southern rooms occupy two stories. The carvings depict Hindu deities, symbols, and motifs such as rows of elephants, swans, and kirtimukha (monsters, lit., "faces of glory"). The chhatri is composed of eight columns with bracket capitals, carrying lintels that support a projecting horizontal eave.

40. PANCH MAHAL It is a rectangular colonnaded structure open on all sides and built from local red sandstone. The Panch Mahal,also known as " Badgir " meaning wind catcher tower, was commissioned by sikarwar rajputs . This structure stands close to the Zenana quarters ( Harem ) which supports the supposition that it was used for entertainment and relaxation. This is an extraordinary structure employing the design elements of a Buddhist Temple; entirely columnar, consisting of four storey of decreasing size arranged asymmetrically upon the ground floor, which contains 84 columns. These columns , that originally had jaali (screens) between them, support the whole structure. Once these screens provided purdah (cover) to queens and princess on the top terraces enjoying the cool breeze and watching splendid views of Sikri fortifications.

41. PANCH MAHAL The pavilion gives a majestic view of the fort that lies on its left. The pool in front of the Panch Mahal is called the Anoop Talab. It would have been filled with water, save for the bridge, and would have been the setting for musical concerts and other entertainment. The ground floor has 84 columns, the first storey has 56 columns and the second and third storeys have 20 and 12 columns respectively. The topmost storey has 4 columns supporting a chhatri . There are 176 columns in all and each is elegantly carved pillars with unique designs .

42. B IRBAL’S PALACE It is sited at the northern end of the zenana area at the very edge of the complex, north and west of the principal palace of the haram sara . The house is a two-storied building,4 rooms and 2 porches forming the ground floor but with only 2 rooms above, as the remainder consists of open terrace enclosed by a screen. Constructed on a modified principal of double dome as they have an inner and outer shell with appreciable empty space in between. Thus the interior was kept cool. Splendidly ornamented with carving, both inside and out particularly in the rich character of the eaves brackets. There are cupolas over the upper rooms Pyramidal roofs over the porches ,

43. ARCHITECTURAL FEATURE OF LAHORE FORT: Introduction Citadel of the city of Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan Located in north-western corner of the walled city Locally called the Shahi Quila . History Origin of the fort goes deep into antiquity Evidence of existence of mud fort , said to be constructed in the early Hindu period. Mud fort destroyed and rebuilt during several invasions by Mongols and Mughals. Present fort of brick and solid masonry built during Akbar's reign between 1556 and 1605. Mughals, Sikhs and British added a pavilion, palace or wall to the complex. Planning Trapezoidal plan spread over 20 acres. Two huge gates in the fortifications, one each in the middle of the east and the west sides. 1.Alamgiri Gate on the west 2. Masjidi Gate on the east. The whole citadel is divided into various sections, which are interconnected for easy administration PLAN OF LAHORE FORT.

44. ARCHITECTURAL FEATURE OF LAHORE FORT: MASJIDI GATE: Presently used as main entrance Masjidi Gate - Built in 1666 during Akbar's reign - Original entrance to the fort - Faces the Maryam Zamani Mosque The fortification wall is built of small burnt bricks strengthened with semi-circular bastions at regular intervals. Also known as elephant gate. DOULAT KHANA-E-JAHAGIR: Doulat Khana -e-Jahangir Palatial court in Lahore Fort, popularly called Jahangir’s Quadrangle 372' x 245' in size, is the largest of all quads. It was begun by Akbar and completed by Jahangir in 1618 and contains some of the earliest Mughal structures in the fort. MASJIDI GATE

45. ARCHITECTURAL FEATURE OF LAHORE FORT: Chaar Bagh (paradisiacal garden). The central area of the courtyard contains a central tank with a platform and a series of fountains. The buildings consist of small, flat-roofed rooms supported by red sandstone pillars. The projecting members of the courtyard wings is supported by brackets carved in the shape of elephants, felines and peacocks. The main building of the court, the Khawabagh -e-Jahangir, Jahangir's sleeping rooms, stands in the middle of its north side. The style in this quadrangle is a combination of the local tradition in brick architecture, with adaptations from the imperial style as seen in Agra and Fatehpur Sikri . The iwans of this quadrangle represent the best of Akbari architecture in the region that is now Pakistan. In fact in the rendering of the sculpted imagery in the struts, they surpass the elements found anywhere else in the subcontinent. While there are many elements that are evocative of those employed in Agra fort or Fatehpur Sikri , there is little doubt that as the last capital built by Akbar, Lahore represents the high point of Akbari architecture in view of the experience gained by Akbari architects and crafts persons while building the earlier capitals.

46. ARCHITECTURAL FEATURE OF ALLAHABAD FORT: ALLAHABAD FORT: Allahabad Fort was built by Emperor Akbar in 1583 AD. the massive fort stands on the junction of the river Jamuna and Ganga. These two waterways its plan takes the form of the wedge of irregular segment of a circle. It is the largest of those of its class built by Akbar as its widest dimensions it measures nearly 3000 feet across. But it has been unfortunately dismantled and shorn of much of its former glory. Some of the preserved buildings such as zenana palace comprising of royal quarters within the fortress. It shows that in the architecture of this example the trebated system of construction was consistently maintained. As the chief beauty of design lies in the arrangement of pillars around interior halls in the centre. ALLAHABAD FORT MAURAYAN PILAAR.

47. ARCHITECTURAL FEATURE OF ALLAHABAD FORT: These pillars are designed in pairs except at the corners of the buildings when they are in group of fours so that it forms a rich and elegant perspective. Above this colonnade rises a terraced roof contained within a perforated parapet surmounted by kiosks with lattice screens. The style of the whole suggesting by its opulence the growing wealth and power of Akbar rule. This fort has three magnificent galleries which are flanked by high towers. At present, the fort is used by the army and visitors have limited access to the area. The outer walls of the Allahabad Fort rises above the level of water. In addition, the fort also has Asoka Pillar which was built back in 232 B.C by Mauryan Empire. This gigantic pillar is a polished sandstone with an height of 10.6 metre. At present, the fort is used by the army and visitors have limited access to the area.

48. AKBAR’S TOMB SIKANDRA The third Mughal emperor Akbar the Great (1555–1605), himself commenced its construction in around 1600, according to Tartary tradition to commence the construction of one's tomb during one's lifetime. Akbar himself planned his own tomb and selected a suitable site for it. After his death, Akbar's son jahangir completed the construction in 1605-1613 . AKBAR’S TOMB SIKANDRA

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