Rulers and Buildings

The best suitable description of India is – Incredible India. Like the Britishers who have continued to rule our country, similarly before them the Mughals too had ruled the major areas of India. During this time, they have structured their entire kingdom according to their style. This era witnessed the classic style of the Mughal Empire. Dominantly, their style was visible in the buildings, forts and mosques. 

In this context, we will be theoretically exploring Medieval India. We will be knowing about the rulers and buildings at this time. This study will be worth the interest; thus, the students are advised to study the content in totality.

Monuments and Buildings

In this section we will talk about the monuments and buildings in the Mughal time in great detail. First let us know about monuments and types of these structures.

Great structured buildings were called monuments which were built by the Mughal rulers. In those times, there were generally two types of structures that were being built by the rulers and by their empire craftsmen who have gradually earned the status of being called monuments. The two structures were:

• Residences of Rulers like the forts, and the Palaces where they used to reside. Personal gardens and lawns which were protected and secured in the empire.

• Public Structures like the Temple, Mosques, wells and the bazaars.

The Virtuoso Craftsmen in the Mughal Empire

Before taking a virtual view of the monuments and the forts, let us take a moment to appreciate the skilful arts who have sculpted these phenomenal architectures in this era. The craftsmen used many such technologies which are still out of the imaginations of the modern world and they were successful to carve these beautiful architectures on the monuments.

Somewhere between the seventh and the tenth centuries, the craftsmen started to build complex architectures comprising of the temples, mosques, tombs and the buildings. Those craftsmen also attached large stepped wells, which were called baolis. These baolis around that time were quite popular.

Mosques and Temples

Temples and Mosques in the Medieval Period were the places to worship. Temples at that time symbolized power and wealth. Rulers in those parts used to build the huge temples to mark their own identity of ruling that specified kingdom. These temples also included deities of God who were worshipped in these temples.

As known, in the Islamic religion, there are no incarnations of God while they built these beautiful architectures which they call Mosques, to offer prayers to their God. Mughal rulers at this time used religious architecture to gain fame among other rulers. They build reservoirs and cultural centers to promote growth among the people. The Mughal emperors got engaged in building these buildings, mosques for the common people, and all these acts ultimately were known for their own great deeds.

Spectacular Monuments by the Mughal Emperors

Especially during the Mughal period, architecture took a new turn. At these times, the world’s most beautiful monuments were witnessed. The spectacular monuments and buildings were built by famous emperors like Akbar, Shahjahan, Humayun, Babar, etc.

Among these, the most striking architecture was gifted by Shahjahan. This emperor has built one of the seven wonders of the world – the Taj Mahal. 

While, on the other hand, Babur was interested in building Gardens – Chahar Bagh was made by him. The name ‘Chahar’ Bagh came from the design of the garden which is symmetrically divided into four quarters.

All these rulers also had built the audience hall to communicate the king’s justice. Another feature of these beauties was, they started building their architecture on the riverfront to enhance its beauty.

Features of the Architectures

• The tombs, mosques, and forts in medieval India replicated the blend of Islamic, Persian, and Indian styles of architecture. 

• The forts, tombs, and buildings were mainly made up of sandstone or marble.

• The building structure had an overhanging balcony which is known as Jharokha and was used in Indian Mughal architecture. 

• At the top, elevated, dome-shaped pavilions are used in the Mughal architecture, this is known as Chhatri. 

• The projecting eaves or the cover which usually supported the large carved brackets that are used in the Indian Mughal architecture are called the Chhajja.

• The architectural design also contains Jali which is perforated stone or the latticed screen that is used for the architectural decoration.

Beautiful Mosques in India

Around the world, Islamic architecture has been known for its spell bounding art and designs. The best work of these designs is seen in many of the famous mosques which are situated in India.

These places are highly respected and people from far and wide come to visit these places. Mentioned below is a list of such gorgeous mosques.  

• Jama Masjid, New Delhi 

• Mecca Masjid, Hyderabad 

• Bara Imambara, Lucknow 

• Jamali-Kamali Mosque, Delhi

• Jamia Masjid, Srinagar 

• Nagina Masjid, Agra

• Adhai Din ka Jhonpra, Ajmer 

• Jama Masjid, Agra 

• Hazratbal Masjid, Srinagar 

• Taj-ul-Masajid, Bhopal 

• Jama Masjid, Ahmedabad

• Tipu Sultan Mosque, Kolkata 

• Moti Masjid, Bhopal 

• Adina Mosque, Malda

• Kabuli Bagh Mosque, Panipat

• Jumma Masjid, Bangalore

• Toli Masjid, Hyderabad 

• Sidi Saiyyed Mosque, Ahmedabad

• Jama Masjid, Mathura 

• Cheraman Juma Mosque, Thrissur 

• Jama Masjid, Srirangapatna 

• Jamia Masjid, Murudeshwar

• Bhir Mosque, Ludhiana 

• Moonu Pettumma Palli, Pappinisseri 

• Pattambi Mosque, Palakkad 

• Nakhoda Mosque, Kolkata 

• Haji Ali Dargah, Mumbai

• Jumma Masjid, Bijapur

Did You Know?

Conclusion

Thus, in this article we got a brief idea about the rulers and buildings. The construction of various buildings, monuments, temples etc. which was sponsored by the rulers of ancient and medieval times, built the great architecture of the country. This architecture shows the skills and talents that was present during the time when no modern tools were available.

Students must be made aware of our rich and beautiful history. Studying these Mughal rulers and architecture at that time made us virtually witness the uniqueness and magnificence essence in their style.