ARCHITECTURE DURING JAHANGIR
During the reign of Jahangir, architecture took a back seat as he focused more on paintings and other forms of art. However, he oversaw the
construction of some noteworthy monuments including Akbar’s tomb in
Sikandra.
Further, he developed a number of gardens during his reign, e.g. the Shalimar Bagh in Kashmir. He also built the Moti Masjid at Lahore.During the reign of Jahangir, his wife Noor Jahan also undertook some major construction projects like the tomb of Itmad-ud-daulah (father of Noor
Jahan) being an excellent example. It was during this time that white marble became the chief building material, replacing red sandstone which had been used till now.
The tomb of Itmad-ud-daulah was the first Mughal work made completely of white marble. It also has some of the finest pietra-dura works.Tomb of Jahangir was constructed by his son Shah Jahan at Lahore.
ARCHITECTURE DURING SHAH JAHAN
Under Shah Jahan, Mughal architecture reached its climax. Some of his principal works are described below:
TAJ MAHAL
Taj Mahal is the finest specimen of Mughal architecture, exhibiting the full range of grandeur and opulence.
It was constructed in the memory of his wife Arjumand Banu Begum or Mumtaz Mahal. It had all the features of Mughal architecture including the use of calligraphy, pietra-dura works, foreshortening technique, Charbagh style gardens and the use of water in thepremises for decoration.
Apart from this, some of the unique features of Taj Mahal are:
The jaali work in Taj Mahal is lace like and is extremely fine.
The carvings on the marble were low relief.
Apart from Taj Mahal, Shah Jahan constructed a number of other
monuments, gardens and buildings such as:
Red Fort in Delhi
Jama Masjid in Delhi
Shalimar Bagh in Lahore
City of Shahjahanabad
ARCHITECTURE DURING AURANGZEB
During the reign of Aurangzeb, Mughal architecture declined. Being a puritanical, he did not take an active interest in the pursuit of art and architecture.
Although, Aurangzeb commissioned the construction of Bibi-ka-Maqbara in memory of his wife Begum Rabia-ud-Daurani.
It is situated in Aurangabad and is described as a poor imitation of Taj Mahal.
RAJPUT STYLE OF ARCHITECTURE
The Rajput constructions of the period were also influenced by the Mughal style, but were unique in size and scope of their constructions.
They generally undertook the building of imposing palaces and forts.
Some of the unique features of Rajput architecture are as follows:
They used the concept of hanging balcony (jharokha), which were constructed in all shapes and sizes.
The cornices were built in the shape of an arch such that the shadow took the shape of a bow.
SIKH STYLE OF ARCHITECTURE
Sikh style of architecture developed in the region of modern day Punjab. It
was heavily influenced by Mughal style and Rajput style of architecture.
Some of the features of Sikh school are:
Use of multiple Chhatris or kiosks on the top of the construction.
Use of shallow cornices and onion dome.
The buildings had fluted domes, which were generally covered with brass and copper guilds for decoration and support.
The arches were decorated by the use of numerous foliations.
Example: Shri Harmandir Sahib or Golden temple (constructed during in 16th–17th century).
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