While it is a known fact that Delhi owes much of its
cultural glory and grandeur to the Mughals, not many know much about Mughal
Architecture. In fact, one out of every four people residing in Delhi hasn't even visited any of these architectural
marvels.
The arrival of the Mughals was a turning point in Indian
history, more so in its architecture. Greatly influenced by the Persian styles,
all the early Mughal rulers constructed excellent mausoleums, mosques, forts,
gardens and cities. The Mughal buildings show a uniform pattern both in
structure and character. The main characteristic features of Mughal
architecture are its bulbous domes, slender minarets with cupolas at four
corners, large halls, lattice work, massive vaulted gateways and delicate
ornamentation.
The beginning of the Mughal era under Babar, followed
by Humayun doesn't have much architectural
significance for Delhi. Akbar on the other hand, was spiritually inclined and
with him began a flourishing era of Mughal architecture. His son Jahangir, an
aesthete contributed to this era with many tombs built in the glory of nobility
who had been at court since his father’s times. The chief amongst his works was
refurbishing and restoring the tomb of the venerated Sheikh Nizamuddin Auliya.
Shah Jahan needs no introduction to the architectural world.
While his masterpiece Taj Mahal is located in Agra, his magic touched Delhi
also in form of the city of Shahjahanabad, built along the banks of the Yamuna
in Delhi. Architecture of Delhi during his era was done at a very idyllic pace,
as if the entire city was in love with the process of building itself. His son,
Auranzeb on the other hand, proved to be
a disappointment in the annals of Mughal architecture. Busy dealing with
political strife, whatever little he contributed was within the walled city of
Shahjahanabad itself. Gradually, as the Mughal Dynasty declined and the British
rose to power, the rulers to seemed to have less and less resources in their
hand to devote much to architecture.
Mention must however; be made of the women in the Mughal Empire
who despite being behind the purdah, yielded immense wealth and power to
contribute radiant architectural wonders. The first amongst them is Haji Begum,
wife of Mughal emperor Humayun who built the Humayun’s tomb. Again, Nur Jahan was known as a great patron
of architecture and built many beautiful palaces, gardens and mosques.
Jahangir’s daughter Princess Jahanara participated in major architectural projects
in the new Mughal capital, Shahjahanabad. She was the patron of at least five
important buildings there. The pulse of Shahjahanabad - the bazaar of Chandni
Chowk (“moonlight square”) - was designed by Jahanara.
While it might not be possible for everyone to devote time
to each and every architectural marvel of the Mughal era, the best of it can’t
be resisted. Here’s a list of ten Delhi Mughal monuments you have to make time for.
Humayun’s Tomb
Right up on this list is Humayun’s
Tomb, built as mentioned before by Haji Begum in memory of her loving husband,
Humayun. Listed in UNESCO’s World Heritage sites, it is the first garden tomb
to be built in the Indian subcontinent. This original masterpiece made in red
sandstone is known to be the inspiration for Taj Mahal. Ironically, neither
this monument nor the love story associated with it is not as popular as the
one it inspired.
Red Fort
If you are history junkie, there’s
no way you can miss out on this one. Though not as well maintained as the Agra
Fort, this fortified palace built by Shah Jahan brings alive the stateliness of
the Mughal court. Diwani - i - Aam and Diwani - i - Khas, Rang Mahal, Khas
Mahal, Hamam, Delhi Gate, Lahori Gate, Moti Masjid, Naubat Khana, Hira Mahal,
Shahi Burj are some of its memorable structures. It combines the architecture
of Islamic era with that of Persian, Timurid and Hindu design. Spend some time
here imagining that you are a Mughal royalty.
Purana Quila
Built on the site of the most
ancient of Delhi’s city Indraprastha, the Purana Quila as the name suggests
stands stoically against the vagaries of time and nature. This can be an ideal
place to spend a winter afternoon, basking in the sun and figuring the three
huge gateways out. Once you are done with admiring Humayun’s ambitious plan for
his city Dinpannah, there’s also a moat surrounding the fort for boating.
Jama Masjid
With a courtyard capable of
holding 25000 devotees and innumerable pigeons, this ancient masjid brings you
one step closer to divinity. Commissioned by Shah Jahan, the mosque was a
result of the hard work of about 6000 workers, over a period of 6 years. Visit
the place with your socks on, as the red sandstone flooring of the mosque can
be very hot to your bare feet.
Safdarjung Tomb
The last flicker of the Mughal
architecture can be seen in this monumental tomb garden. This enclosed tomb was
built in the memory of Safdarjung, the minister of Avadh during the reign of
Muhammad Shah. While it bears resemblance to the Humayun’s Tomb, it is of a much
lesser stature. Some interesting structures of this monument are Jangli Mahal,
Badshah Pasand, Moti Mahal, etc.
Chandni Chowk
Chandni Chowk or the moonlight
market was commissioned by Shah Jahan and designed by princess Jahanara.
Originally criss crossed by canals, this densely populated area still remains
one of India’s largest wholesale markets. Visit this place to check out the old
havelis of Ghalib, Begum Samru and Chunnamal. Binge at places running since
Mughal era like Ghantewala Halwai and shop anything and everything.
Zafar Mahal
The last monument constructed by
the Mughals is the Zafar Mahal. Situated in the heart of Mehrauli, to the
western gate of the dargah of Khawaja
Bakhtiyar Kaki, this Mahal was named by Emperor Akbar II after his son Bahadur
Shah Zafar. Much of this summer palace is today in ruins. However, one can still
see glimpses of the gone era in its white marble Moti Majid.
Fatehpuri Masjid
A 17th century mosque
built by Fatehpuri Begum, one of Shah Jahan’s wives this mosque is located
in Chandni Chowk. Built with red
sandstone, the mosque has a prayer hall and a fluted dome on top. It is flanked
by both single and double storeyed apartments.
Tomb of Atgah Khan
This quaint little tomb was built
for a noble man in Akbar’s court, who was murdered by a rival. Located in
Hazrat Nizamuddin Basti, this 16th century monument remains a secret
to many. Sadly, not much has been done to maintain its beauty. Visit it before
its gone.
Khan – i – Khana’s Tomb
Abdul Rahim Khan - i - Khana, was
the son of Bairam Khan and one of Navratnas of Akbar’s courts. Situated in
Nizamuddin, this tomb was meant for his wife but eventually he himself was
buried here. A paved lane lined by trees leads to this weathered tomb
highlighted by a dome and chattris. Ironically, the marble used for this
monument was stripped of the Safdarjung tomb later on.
