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The Great Mughals were rulers from the Mughal dynasty, who reigned over many areas in South Asia from the early 16th to the mid-19th century. The Mughal Empire, also commonly referred to as Hindustan, is responsible for extraordinary cultural and architectural achievements. The development of languages, the emergence of incredible literature, and the construction of iconic architectural projects, among many other cultural relics, are rooted in this time period.
In this gallery, we explore some of the significant outputs of this period. Curious to find out more? Click on!
Perhaps the most iconic cultural remnant of the Great Mughals is the Taj Mahal. The magnificent white mausoleum in today’s Uttar Pradesh, India, was commissioned by the fifth Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan.
Shah Jahan, born Mirza Shahab-ud-Din Muhammad Khurram, was emperor of the Mughal Empire for 30 years (1628-1658). He was responsible for extraordinary architectural and cultural innovations in the Empire.
Shah Jahan is largely credited with the legacy of Mughal architecture. The Taj Mahal, for example, was built in honor of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
Shah Jahan was also responsible for the construction of the Red Fort, also referred to as Lal Qila, which is located in Delhi, India. Blending Persian traditions with classical Indian architectural influence, the site was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007.
The Jama Masjid was one of the last great architectural projects commissioned by Shah Jahan in Mughal’s former capital of Shahjahanabad. It is located in today’s Delhi and remains a significant site in India.
The Jama Masjid joins a wide array of mother mosques commissioned by Shah Jahan, noting the significant presence of Islamic history in the Empire.
The Wazir Khan, for example, is considered to be one of the most beautiful mosques of the Empire. Some of the mosques from the Mughal period were converted into buildings and monuments for other religions.
In addition to the Taj Mahal Gardens, the Shalamar Gardens are also known for their beauty. Located in Lahore, Pakistan, it is one of the country’s most popular tourist sites. Inspired by Persian gardening traditions, Shalamar Gardens was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981.
All of these incredible sites were created during Shah Jahan’s reign alone. Akbar, born Abu’l-Fath Jalal-ud-din Muhammad Akbar, ruled nearly a century before Shah Jahan. Also known as ‘Akbar the Great,’ the ruler also contributed to incredible architectural projects.
As the third Mughal emperor, Akbar set the stage for the grandeur that he hoped the empire would embody. Blending Persian, Indian, and other Central Asia aesthetics, he created a uniquely Mughal aesthetic expression.
Akbar created an entire city under his reign. Fatehpur Sikri was the Empire’s capital for merely 15 years, but the significance of its construction demonstrated the breadth of Akbar’s power and vision.
The project was an incredible feat and includes its most famous feature, the Buland Darwaza (pictured), as well as the Diwan-i-Aam, the Panch Mahal, Salim Chishti’s tomb, and the beginnings of Jama Masjid.
The Red Fort was also a creative project of Akbar, later completed and enhanced by his successor, as previously noted. It was the main residence of the emperors for centuries.
Humayun’s Tomb was constructed for Akbar’s father. Its significant appearance and presence were catalysts for the Taj Mahal.
The Tomb’s gardens feature the famous Mughal design and style. Its beauty continues to attract and dazzle visitors today.
Agra Fort was inherited by Akbar from his grandfather, Babur. Akbar altered the structure significantly, giving it a touch of the grandeur he was known for. During Akbar’s reign, it served as a military and royal center.
The fort includes Diwan-i-Aam and Diwan-i-Khas. It hosted Akbar’s private quarters, as well as a small but significant mosque made of white marble.
Ibadat Khana was a center of discussion that Akbar built to host debates and theological dialogue. He was interested in encouraging discussions between different religious communities and it served as an infrastructural representation of religious tolerance.
Although Akbar didn’t create the city of Lahore, he certainly contributed to its development. The Lahore Fort is part of his legacy in the city.
In addition to architecture, the Empire was well-known for its love of art and music. Both creative endeavors were encouraged by the emperors and played a key role in society.
The unique blend of different regions’ traditions, styles, and heritages made the period rich and diverse in terms of its artistic output.
Akbar established a music academy. His reign is credited with the development of classical Indian music. He often gathered artists, including musicians, dancers, composers, and singers, from across the Empire.
Classical Indian music, Sufi traditions, Persian influences, and the integration of classical Indian instruments (the sitar, tabla, sarod, etc) formed a unique style of music during this period.
The artistic endeavors of the Mughal Empire were incredible. Exhibitions of the period’s work continue to be showcased in museums across the world.
One particular style of the Mughal period is miniature painting. Rooted in Persian traditions, it is one of the most iconic forms of art that came out of this period.
Miniature paintings often depicted historical moments, nature, and religious scenes, as well as portraits and other scenes that sought to capture the period of time.
Emperors often encouraged collaboration, bringing artists from across the region to work together to produce new paintings.
Calligraphy, rooted in Persian and Arabic script, was also featured in a great deal of art, showcasing the blending of styles. Inscriptions from the Quran were often inscribed on buildings and artworks.
The art of this period was extraordinary, as it captured the daily life of its elite in a unique way. It is distinct and recognizable for its depictions of the rich cultural life that existed during this period.
Sources: (The Guardian) (Victoria and Albert Museum) (Financial Times) (Apollo Magazine) (The Tribune)
See also: India's impressive World Heritage Sites
The art and opulence of the Great Mughals
Extraordinary achievements in art, architecture, and culture
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The Great Mughals were rulers from the Mughal dynasty who reigned over many areas in South Asia from the early 16th to the mid-19th century. The Mughal Empire, also commonly referred to as Hindustan, is responsible for extraordinary cultural and architectural achievements. The development of languages, the emergence of incredible literature, and the construction of iconic architectural projects, among many other cultural relics, are rooted in this time period.
In this gallery, we explore some of the significant outputs of this period. Curious to find out more? Click on!