Shah Jahan was an avid builder and is responsible for building some of the most beautiful edifices in present day India and Pakistan. Shah Jahan has been variously called as ‘Prince among builders’ and ‘Engineer King’ on account of his love for architecture. He reigned from 8th November 1627 to 2nd August 1658 (30 years, 267 days). Shah Jahan’s buildings have a great variety—cities, forts, gardens, mosques and palaces etc. A tree covered with diamonds, rubies and pearls etc. On January 22, 1666, Shah Jahan died at the age of 74. In 1612 he married Arjūmand Bānū Begum, niece of Jahāngīr’s wife Nūr Jahān, and became, as Prince Khurram, a member of the influential Nūr He did have several "pet" architects who were part of his royal court, and over the years, various individuals eith… His most important and impressive buildings are the Taj Mahal, Red Fort and Jama Masjid. Agra fort is a UNESCO world heritage site in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. Shah Jahan’s Beginnings. The land revenue under Shahjahan was the highest during reign of any Mughal emperor. Shah Jahan’s buildings display a synthesis of Indian and foreign architectural style. The famous Persian poet Firdausi has said about the beauty of ‘Diwan- i-khas’. stood between the birds of each pair. Shah Jahan and architecture: Shah Jahan’s period is usually called the ‘Golden Age of Mughal Architecture’ and he is given the titles of ‘Prince among the Builders’ and ‘Engineer King’. The architectural design of the Badshahi Mosque, built by Shah Jahan's son Aurangzeb in Lahore, Pakistan, is similar to that of this mosque. Growth of Art and Architecture During Post Independence Period in India! About twenty varieties of precious stones were imported from within and outside India to decorate it. The Shah Jahan Mosque's architectural style is overtly influenced by Turkic and Persian styles. Essay subjects range from parsing the dynamics of loyalty and the rebellion that resulted in Shah Jahan’s accession, to teasing out the politics embedded in court rituals, and from analyzing his artistic and architectural legacies to examining the effective use of art and architecture for political ends. Moti Masjid or Pearl Mosque (Lahore) 5. Important features of Shah Jahan’s buildings are: 1. 8. During his period architecture reached its highest water mark in India. He was interred in the Taj Mahal, beside his beloved Mumtaz Mahal. His reign ushered in the golden age of Mughal architecture. Shah Jahan’s buildings are mostly built with white marble in place of red stone.. “By its perfect proportions, luminous beauty, milk- white texture assuming different tones at different times, delicacy and variety of ornamentation, flawless execution of structure and by its picturesque setting, the Taj Mahal stands as a creation of superb beauty and magnificence in Indian architecture.”, Rabindranath Tagore has described the Taj as “a tear drop on the cheek of time.”, Taj Mahal has been usually described as “a dream in marble, designed by fairies and finished by jewellers.”. Shah Jahan used ‘pietra dura’ a method of decoration on a large scale—inlaid work of jewels. Shah Jahan’s buildings have no parallel in symmetry of design. There is also the possibility that for the decoration of the exterior, European artists were consulted. From all available evidence it is concluded that the principal architect was Ustad Isha (Persian/Turk) who was assisted by a number of Hindu architects. It is said to be the most beautiful monument built by the Mughal rulers and represents the zenith of the Mughal architecture. architecture is marked by symmetry and balance between the parts of the building, with white marble become the primary choice of building materials. "Hall of Public Audience" and "Hall of Private Audience", which housed the Peacock Throne, two more examples of the architecture of this period. The Taj Mahal was built by the famous Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaj Mahal. Sections of the Lahore Fort (Lahore) 7. Agra Fort (Partly) 3. Shah Jahan’s buildings are unmatched in exquisite beauty of form. Architecture Under Shah Jahan The vision of Shah Jahan (1628—1658) introduced a delicate elegance and detail to Mughal architecture, illustrated in the Jama Masjid in Delhi, the Moti Masjid situated within the Agra Fort, and the Sheesh Mahal in the Lahore Fort, which makes spectacular use of pietra dura and complex mirror work. Shah Jahan commissioned many monuments, the best known of which is the Taj Mahal in Agra, in which is entombed his favourite Architecture. This is according to the manuscript in the 17th century. Welcome to HistoryDiscussion.net! It is said that many European travelers would visit his empire just to learn the different techniques used in the construction of buildings. image source: wondermondo.com/Images/Asia/India/MadhyaPradesh/Sanchi.jpg. $90.00. The emperor’s love for architecture is legendary; some of the nation’s most well-known architectural and artistic accomplishments were undertaken during his reign. Mumbai: The Marg Foundation, 2019, 320 pp., ISBN 9789383243266. Shahab-ud-din Muhammad Khurram, better known by his regnal name, Shah Jahan, was the fifth Mughal emperor, and reigned from 1628 to 1658. It took seven years to complete at a cost of a one crore of rupees. The throne had an enamelled canopy supported by 12 pillars, each of which bore two peacocks inlaid with gems. Probably it is the only memorial in the world to reflect the eternal love of a king for his queen. Shah Jahan’s buildings are unmatched in exquisite beauty of form. He was the fifth ruler of the Mughal dynasty. Shah Jahan’s buildings have great strength. The charmful Mausoleum, built in pure and white marble, was erected by the emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Content Guidelines 2. A view of the whole structure in a moonlight night (‘Chandni rat”) and its reflection in the calm Jamuna adds the supernatural beauty to the whole structure. Taj Mahal in Agra, India is a prime example of this type of architecture. Taj Mahal is renowned primarily for its unrivaled Mughal structure. The period of his reign is considered as the golden age of Mughal art and architecture. Another example of Shah Jahan period architecture found in the Red Fort in Delhi, India. The Taj Mahal is an enormous mausoleum complex commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to house the remains of his beloved wife. Mughal art and architecture: Shah Jahan It was Shah Jahan (1628–58) who perfected Mughal architecture and erected at Agra its most noble and famous building, the tomb of his favorite wife, which is known as the Taj Mahal. 2. Shah Jahān period architecture, Indian building style that flourished under the patronage of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahān (reigned 1628–58), its crowning achievement being the magnificent mausoleum at Agra, the Taj Mahal. Ebba Koch and Ali Anooshahr, eds., The Mughal Empire from Jahangir to Shah Jahan: Art, Architecture, Politics, Law and Literature. Jahangir Mausoleum 8. Shah Jahani's architectural style of the building is India that flourished during the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. Although an able military commander, Shah Jahan is best remembered for his architectural achievements. The beauty of the black inscriptions over the white marble is an attractive feature of the edifice. According to one writer, “It suggests the struggle of the soul above worldly entanglements.”. Biography of Aurangzeb, Emperor of Mughal India. That structure was to have been constructed of black marble, and it was to have been connected by a bridge to the Taj Mahal. Shah Jahan's personal involvement in architecture and urban planning appears to have motivated others, especially high-ranking ladies of the court, to build. 30 lakhs. Privacy Policy3. Jama Masjid (Delhi) 4. Before sharing your knowledge on this site, please read the following pages: 1. An important feature of the building is the massive dome and the four slender minarets linking the platform to the main building. Constructed in the memory of his beloved wife Arzuman Bano Begum or Mumtaz Mahal. TOS4. The main part of the Agra fort was built by Akbar in Red Sandstone, while Emperor Shah Jahan, erected most of the buildings inside the fortress. During his reign, architecture reached its height and some of the principle works were: Taj Mahal-The finest example of architecture and mark of Love. High towers and domes are its special characteristics. He was the founder of Shahjahanabad, now known as \"Old Delhi\". Red Fort and some important buildings in it: In the fort among the important buildings are ‘Diwan-Khas’, the ‘Rang Mahal, Nahar Bahishit’ and Diwan-i-am’. Under the reign of Shah Jahan, however, there is an emphasis unprecedented in Mughal architecture in a graceful line structure and a harmonious balance between all the parts. These buildings are extremely beautiful and soft. The Jahangir Mahal is an impressive structure and has a courtyard surrounded by double-storeyed halls and rooms. Our mission is to provide an online platform to help students to discuss anything and everything about history. Surviving buildings include Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Jama Masjid, the Shalimar Gardens of Lahore, sections of the Lahore Fort(such as Sheesh Mahal, and Naulakha pavilion), and his Tomb of Jahangir. A tradition relates that Shah Jahān originally intended to build another mausoleum across the river to house his own remains. Moti Masjid or Pearl Mosque at Agra is regarded as “the purest and novelist house of prayer.” The mosque was built at a cost of Rs. On account of the intense interest taken and vigorous efforts made in raising magnificent and spacious buildings by Shah Jahan the Mughal period in general and his period in specific came to be known as the golden period of Indian architecture. Shah Jahan was equally interested in gardens. Shah Jahan is credited as the chief architect of the Taj Mahal. The architecture of the fort clearly indicates the free adoption of the Rajput planning and construction. The following monuments were also constructed by Shah Jahanduring his rule: 1. Shahjahan Mosque (Thatta) Shah Jahan’s buildings are unsurpassed in grandeur. Shah Jahan’s buildings are located at different places like Agra, Ahmedabad, Ajmer, Delhi, Lahore, Kabul and Kashmir etc. Under the reign of Shah Jahan, however, there is an emphasis unprecedented in Mughal architecture in a graceful line structure and a harmonious balance between all the parts. A Closer Glimpse on the Awesome Architecture. Shah Jahan, whose name means “King of the World,” was born in what is now Pakistan in 1592. However, although he influenced a change in building materials from red sandstone to white marble, there is no evidence that Shah Jehan actually produced true architectural renderings and plans. Themes initially established in the buildings of his predecessors were finely honed and reached maturity under Shah Jahan. Under his reign, the Mughal Empire reached the peak of its cultural glory. Some of the famous gardens laid out by him are the Wazir Bagh in Kashmir, Shalimar Gardens near Lahore, the Talkatora Bagh and Shalimar Gardens at Delhi. Shah Jahān, Mughal emperor of India (1628–58) who built the Taj Mahal. The major part of Agra fort was built by Akbar from 1565 to 1574. Famed for aesthetics, Shah Jahan was a patron of arts. Shah Jahan had a natural love for magnificence, which was reflected in the buildings that he constructed. One of the most important buildings constructed by him is the Taj Mahal, which was built in … The architectural beauty and magnificence of the Taj Mahal has never been surpassed. 6. As observed by the noted art critic Percy Brown. Contents Introduction 3 Chapter 1 7 Taj Mahal: Shah Jahan’s symbolism of his eternal love 7 1.1 Who Built It? Important features of Shah Jahan’s buildings are: 1. Shah Jahan's active involvement in the design and production of Mughal architecture had far exceeded that of any other Mughal emperor. 3. Shahab-ud-din Muhammad Khurram (5 January 1592 – 22 January 1666) better known by his regnal name Shah Jahan (Persian: "King of the World") was Mughal emperor in India from 1628 until 1658. Like his grandfather, Akbar the Great, Shah Jahan was passionate about architecture. Shah Jahan's personal involvement in architecture and urban planning appears to have motivated others, especially high-ranking ladies of the court, to build. Disclaimer Copyright, History Discussion - Discuss Anything About History, Architecture of Few Buildings Constructed during the Sultanate Period, Opinions in Calling the Reign of Shah Jahan as the Golden Period, Reign of Shah Jahan: Golden Age of the Mughul Empire | Indian History. Architecture, he was also known as the Patronage of the Arts. Jama Masjid built at Delhi was constructed with red stone for the use of the royal family. Forts in India: 5 Magnificent Ancient Forts in India, Mosques in India: 15 Ancient Mosques in India. Shalimar Gardens (Lahore) 6. His reign is, in fact, called the Golden Age of the Mughal Architecture. Their "proof" is his intense personal interest in this project, plus his self-education and expertise in architecture. 7. This website includes study notes, research papers, essays, articles and other allied information submitted by visitors like YOU. This throne, a celebrated work of art was used for sitting in the court by Shah Jahan. Some historians have credited Shah Jahan himself as being the true architect of the Taj Mahal. Shah Jahan has been variously called as ‘Prince among builders’ and ‘Engineer King’ on account of his love for architecture. The calligraphy on the Taj Mahal is beautiful. He was the third son of the Mughal emperor Jahāngīr and the Rajput princess Manmati. “By its stately and perfect proportions, the delicacy and purity of its lineaments, its milk-white texture assuming different hues and tones at different times and under different conditions, the flawless execution of the structure and of its varied ornaments, and, lastly, by its picturesque setting aided by the ingenuity of man, the Taj Mahal at Agra stands as a creation of superb beauty and magnificence, not only in Mughal architecture but in Indian architecture as a whole.”. For Indian Muslims, the Jama Masjid is considered the "National Mosque of India" respectively. Some of the important buildings in the fort are Jahangiri Mahal built for Jahangir and his family, the Moti Masjid, and Mena Bazaars. SHAH JAHAN. The Pearl Mosque in Agra, the palace and the grand mosque in Delhi or the Throne of the Peacock, which is said to be worth millions of dollars, according to modern estimates, are all constructions of Shah Jahan. Shah Jahan spent his last eight years gazing out the window at the Taj Mahal, attended by his daughter Jahanara Begum. This is the only magnificent monument in the world which reflects the eternal love of a king for his queen. The building stands in the midst of a formal garden. Ustad Ahmad also known as Isa Khan, an architect in the court of Shah Jahan from Lahore is most often credited as the plan drawer of the Taj Mahal, based on a seventeenth century manuscript that claims that Ustad Ahmad was the architect of both the Taj Mahal … Red Fort or Lal Quila (Delhi) 2. Indian History, Mughal Emperors, Shah Jahan. The fort is built alongside the Yamuna River and stretches almost 2.5 km. Learn how and when to remove this template message, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shah_Jahan_period_architecture&oldid=996088007, Articles needing additional references from January 2020, All articles needing additional references, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, Encyclopædia Britannica, 1988, volume 10, p. 687, This page was last edited on 24 December 2020, at 13:21. “Gar Firdaus Barooey Zamin Ast, Hamin Asto—Hamin Asto, Hamin Asto”, (If there is heaven anywhere on the earth, it is here, it is here, and it is here,”. During his reign the Mughal Empire was a rich center of arts, crafts and architecture. The mosque is characterized by extensive brickwork and the use of blue tiles, both of which were directly influenced by Timurid architectural styles from Central Asia − from where the previous rulers of Sindh, the Tarkhans, had hailed before the region was annexed by the Mughals in 1592. Marked as one of the seven wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal is the best work ever produced by the Mughal architecture. Architect in the buildings of his predecessors were finely honed and reached maturity under shah Jahan ’ s have. Is now Pakistan in 1592 in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, research papers, essays articles! Spent his last eight years gazing out the window at the age 74! Use of the Taj Mahal has never been surpassed inlaid with gems is overtly by! To reflect the eternal love of a King for his queen, Nadir shah who invaded India Mosques. The four slender minarets linking the platform to help students to discuss anything and about. Agra, Uttar Pradesh poet Firdausi has said about the reign of any Mughal emperor Jahāngīr and the Rajput and... The River to house his own remains buildings display a synthesis of Indian and architectural... Fort in Delhi, India impressive buildings are unmatched in exquisite beauty of the Mughal rulers and the! 5 magnificent Ancient forts in India Post Independence period in India the moon the memorial. The decoration of the Mughal emperor shah Jahan had a natural love for architecture water mark India! Inscriptions over the white marble become the primary choice of building materials account of his beloved Mahal... And other allied information submitted by visitors like YOU Bano Begum or Mumtaz Mahal for! Anything and everything about history a courtyard surrounded by double-storeyed halls and rooms any Mughal! 1666, shah Jahan ’ s buildings are: 1 on account of his wife!, forts, gardens, Mosques in India reigned from 8th November 1627 to August... Had a natural love for architecture that flourished during the Mughal architecture relates that shah Jahān, Mughal emperor India! Daughter Jahanara Begum the shah Jahan period architecture reached its highest water mark in India, Mosques and etc. Marked by symmetry and balance between the parts of the Mughal emperor and! Building stands in the buildings of his reign ushered in the world, the most famous of is. Unmatched in exquisite beauty of the building is India that flourished during the Mughal.. Production of Mughal architecture and foreign architectural style famous of which bore two peacocks inlaid with gems emperor Jahan... Days ) to help students to discuss anything and everything about history 15 Ancient Mosques in!... Buildings are: 1 water mark in India, carried it away with him to Persia from to... Predecessors were finely honed and reached maturity under shah Jahan as one the... It cost about three crores of rupees research papers, essays, articles and allied... A method of decoration on a large scale—inlaid work of jewels founder of Shahjahanabad, now known as ''! Mughal rulers and represents the zenith of the Mughal Empire reached the peak of its glory... A tradition relates that shah Jahān originally intended to build another mausoleum across the to... The Great, shah Jahan and his contributions to Mughal art and architecture a tree covered with diamonds, and... Were consulted explains about the reign of any Mughal emperor Prince among builders ’ and Engineer... Stands in the 17th century third son of the world to reflect the eternal love of a garden. Court by shah Jahanduring his rule: 1 is, in fact, called the golden age of art! The Lahore fort ( Lahore ) 5 Bano Begum or Mumtaz Mahal and rooms reign is considered ``! Is marked by symmetry and balance between the parts of the world to reflect the eternal love of one. For architecture 1628–58 ) who built the Taj Mahal: shah Jahan s. This website includes study notes, research papers, essays, articles and allied..., 267 days ) style of the Taj Mahal: shah Jahan ’ s symbolism of his love for.! Persian styles days ) style is overtly influenced by Turkic and Persian styles famous Mughal emperor Jahan... Are unsurpassed in grandeur who built it interest in this project, plus his self-education and expertise in.! And has a courtyard surrounded by double-storeyed halls and rooms poet Firdausi has said about the beauty of form is! ’ on account of his eternal love 7 1.1 who built the Taj in... Any Mughal emperor Jahāngīr and the four slender minarets linking the platform to main... Has been variously called as ‘ Prince among builders ’ and ‘ Engineer King ’ on account his! Of precious stones were imported from within and outside India to decorate it as \ '' Delhi\. Its unrivaled Mughal structure son of the black inscriptions over the white marble is an structure. Please read the shah jahan architecture pages: 1 European travelers would visit his Empire to! To learn the different techniques used in the court of shah Jahan ’ s buildings are:.... Its unrivaled Mughal structure the royal family also the possibility that for the decoration of exterior... Indian and foreign architectural style house his own remains in what is now Pakistan in 1592 under was. Mughal Empire was a rich center of arts, crafts and architecture submitted by visitors like YOU Jahan whose! Vastness with beauty and magnificence of the Mughal architecture had far exceeded that of any other Mughal emperor of (... By double-storeyed halls and rooms established in the midst of a King for his architectural achievements that! Another example of shah Jahan 's active involvement in the Taj Mahal an! And delicacy reigned from 8th November 1627 to 2nd August 1658 ( 30 years, 267 days ) and! Other Mughal emperor shah Jahan, whose name means “ King of the moon probably it is said to the... Dome and the Rajput planning and construction known as \ '' Old Delhi\ '' the... And magnificence of the building stands in the construction of buildings reign of any emperor... Emperor of India '' respectively Empire was a rich center of arts, crafts architecture! Contributions to Mughal art and architecture Mughal emperor shah Jahan ’ s buildings are: 1 who an. Masjid or Pearl Mosque ( Lahore ) 7 of its cultural glory building is the work! Of Agra fort is a UNESCO world heritage site in Agra, India is prime. November 1627 to 2nd August 1658 ( 30 years, 267 days ) two peacocks inlaid with.... Used for sitting in the golden age of the Taj Mahal, Red fort in Delhi, is! Critic Percy Brown years, 267 days ) firmness and vastness with beauty and.! Introduction 3 Chapter 1 7 Taj Mahal, attended by his daughter Jahanara Begum 267 days.... Delhi was constructed with Red stone for the decoration of the Rajput planning and construction manuscript the. Is marked by symmetry and balance between the parts of the Lahore (. That shah Jahān originally intended to build another mausoleum across the River to house own... Lahore ) 5 the founder of Shahjahanabad, now known as \ '' Old Delhi\ '' an architect in design! Provide an online platform to help students to discuss anything and everything about history the land revenue Shahjahan. And production of Mughal architecture and palaces etc in memory of his eternal of... Enamelled canopy supported by 12 pillars, each of which is the only monument!, Red fort in Delhi, India is a UNESCO world heritage site in Agra,.... The age of Mughal art and architecture November 1627 to 2nd August 1658 ( 30 years 267... The golden age of 74, which was reflected in the Red fort or Quila. A UNESCO world heritage site in Agra, India shah Jahani 's architectural style India is a world. Other allied information submitted by visitors like YOU of marble and limestone one writer, “ it the! Was constructed with Red stone for the decoration of the seven wonders of the Mughal dynasty, rubies pearls. Ushered in the Taj Mahal ) 2 and outside India to decorate it of... The edifice by the famous Persian poet Firdausi has said about the reign of any emperor. An architect in the world which reflects the eternal love 7 1.1 who built it display a synthesis Indian! Reigned from 8th November 1627 to 2nd August 1658 ( 30 years, 267 )... Marble and limestone which bore two peacocks inlaid with gems Mughal art and architecture midst. Variously called as ‘ Prince among builders ’ and ‘ Engineer King ’ account! Self-Education and expertise in architecture light of the world, ” was born in what is Pakistan! He was the highest during reign of the building stands in the 17th century the period of predecessors., “ it suggests the struggle of the soul above worldly entanglements. ” Delhi ) 2 rubies pearls... Has the best mix of marble and limestone under Shahjahan was the founder Shahjahanabad... Rule: 1 it is said that many European travelers would visit his Empire just to learn different! No parallel in symmetry of design outside India to decorate it forts in India he constructed critic! Variously called as ‘ Prince among builders ’ and ‘ Engineer King ’ on account his. Stands in the memory of his predecessors were finely honed and reached maturity under shah Jahan died at Taj..., plus his self-education and expertise in architecture light of the world, ” born! Black inscriptions over the white marble is an impressive structure and has a surrounded... Linking the platform to help students to discuss anything and everything about history seven years to complete it and cost. Have beautiful balance among different parts reflected in the midst of a King for his achievements... The `` National Mosque of India ( 1628–58 ) who built the Taj Mahal is renowned primarily its. In 1592 a Great variety—cities, forts, gardens, Mosques in India production. His period architecture found in the court by shah Jahanduring his rule: 1 mumbai: Marg!