Shah Jahan has been variously called as ‘Prince among builders’ and ‘Engineer King’ on account of his love for architecture. This website includes study notes, research papers, essays, articles and other allied information submitted by visitors like YOU. Shah Jahan’s buildings have no parallel in symmetry of design. "Hall of Public Audience" and "Hall of Private Audience", which housed the Peacock Throne, two more examples of the architecture of this period. 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 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’. 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. 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. Famed for aesthetics, Shah Jahan was a patron of arts. The major part of Agra fort was built by Akbar from 1565 to 1574. 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. SHAH JAHAN. 30 lakhs. 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. 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. 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.”. 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 … image source: wondermondo.com/Images/Asia/India/MadhyaPradesh/Sanchi.jpg. Growth of Art and Architecture During Post Independence Period in India! Architecture, he was also known as the Patronage of the Arts. On January 22, 1666, Shah Jahan died at the age of 74. Shah Jahan's active involvement in the design and production of Mughal architecture had far exceeded that of any other Mughal emperor. The fort is built alongside the Yamuna River and stretches almost 2.5 km. Taj Mahal is renowned primarily for its unrivaled Mughal structure. 3. Shah Jahan used ‘pietra dura’ a method of decoration on a large scale—inlaid work of jewels. 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. TOS4. The Taj Mahal was built by the famous Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaj Mahal. Privacy Policy3. His reign ushered in the golden age of Mughal architecture. 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’. These buildings are extremely beautiful and soft. In 1739, Nadir Shah who invaded India, carried it away with him to Persia. The following monuments were also constructed by Shah Jahanduring his rule: 1. Biography of Aurangzeb, Emperor of Mughal India. One of the most important buildings constructed by him is the Taj Mahal, which was built in … Shah Jahan spent his last eight years gazing out the window at the Taj Mahal, attended by his daughter Jahanara Begum. He was the fifth ruler of the Mughal dynasty. “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.”. 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. 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. A tree covered with diamonds, rubies and pearls etc. It is said that many European travelers would visit his empire just to learn the different techniques used in the construction of buildings. About twenty varieties of precious stones were imported from within and outside India to decorate it. He was interred in the Taj Mahal, beside his beloved Mumtaz Mahal. Shah Jahan’s buildings have a great variety—cities, forts, gardens, mosques and palaces etc. Probably it is the only memorial in the world to reflect the eternal love of a king for his queen. A tradition relates that Shah Jahān originally intended to build another mausoleum across the river to house his own remains. $90.00. Sections of the Lahore Fort (Lahore) 7. There is also the possibility that for the decoration of the exterior, European artists were consulted. 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’s buildings are unsurpassed in grandeur. Some historians have credited Shah Jahan himself as being the true architect of the Taj Mahal. The Jahangir Mahal is an impressive structure and has a courtyard surrounded by double-storeyed halls and rooms. The throne had an enamelled canopy supported by 12 pillars, each of which bore two peacocks inlaid with gems. This throne, a celebrated work of art was used for sitting in the court by Shah Jahan. Shah Jahan’s buildings combine firmness and vastness with beauty and delicacy. 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. 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. He was the third son of the Mughal emperor Jahāngīr and the Rajput princess Manmati. Shah Jahan's personal involvement in architecture and urban planning appears to have motivated others, especially high-ranking ladies of the court, to build. Jama Masjid (Delhi) 4. architecture is marked by symmetry and balance between the parts of the building, with white marble become the primary choice of building materials. 4. 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 The Shah Jahan Mosque's architectural style is overtly influenced by Turkic and Persian styles. Shah Jahan’s buildings display a synthesis of Indian and foreign architectural style. Ebba Koch and Ali Anooshahr, eds., The Mughal Empire from Jahangir to Shah Jahan: Art, Architecture, Politics, Law and Literature. Architecture. 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. 8. Contents Introduction 3 Chapter 1 7 Taj Mahal: Shah Jahan’s symbolism of his eternal love 7 1.1 Who Built It? Red Fort or Lal Quila (Delhi) 2. Welcome to HistoryDiscussion.net! Calligraphy on Taj Mahal. His most important and impressive buildings are the Taj Mahal, Red Fort and Jama Masjid. Shah Jahan commissioned many monuments, the best known of which is the Taj Mahal in Agra, in which is entombed his favourite Shah Jahan’s buildings are located at different places like Agra, Ahmedabad, Ajmer, Delhi, Lahore, Kabul and Kashmir etc. 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. Mumbai: The Marg Foundation, 2019, 320 pp., ISBN 9789383243266. Another example of Shah Jahan period architecture found in the Red Fort in Delhi, India. Agra fort is a UNESCO world heritage site in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. The architectural design of the Badshahi Mosque, built by Shah Jahan's son Aurangzeb in Lahore, Pakistan, is similar to that of this mosque. They possess the lustre of a gem and light of the moon. This is the only magnificent monument in the world which reflects the eternal love of a king for his queen. 7. 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. “As it was the proud statement of Augustus that he found Rome built of bricks and left it of marble, similarly Shah Jahan had found the Mughal cities of stones, he left them of marble”. 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. During his reign the Mughal Empire was a rich center of arts, crafts and architecture. Important features of Shah Jahan’s buildings are: 1. 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. Themes initially established in the buildings of his predecessors were finely honed and reached maturity under Shah Jahan. 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. Shah Jahan had a natural love for magnificence, which was reflected in the buildings that he constructed. It is said to be the most beautiful monument built by the Mughal rulers and represents the zenith of the Mughal architecture. The architecture of the fort clearly indicates the free adoption of the Rajput planning and construction. He reigned from 8th November 1627 to 2nd August 1658 (30 years, 267 days). The chief designer of this mesmerizing monument was Ustad Ahmad, who was an architect in the court of Shah Jahan from Lahore. Shah Jahan and his Empire 13 2.1 Religious Changes 14 2.2 Political Changes 15 Conclusion 17 Bibliography 18 Introduction Shahanshah Shahab-ud-din Muhammad Shah Jahan I, Shah Jahan was the 5th emperor of the Mughal Empire after Babur, Humayun, Akbar, and Jahangir. That structure was to have been constructed of black marble, and it was to have been connected by a bridge to the Taj Mahal. Their "proof" is his intense personal interest in this project, plus his self-education and expertise in architecture. Important features of Shah Jahan’s buildings are: 1. Takht-e-Taus 9. The famous Persian poet Firdausi has said about the beauty of ‘Diwan- i-khas’. 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. 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. 6. Shah Jahan’s buildings are unmatched in exquisite beauty of form. The building stands in the midst of a formal garden. Shah Jahan’s Beginnings. A Closer Glimpse on the Awesome Architecture. stood between the birds of each pair. “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,”. Architecture of this Mosque The Jama Masjid has the best mix of marble and limestone. As observed by the noted art critic Percy Brown. 9. An important feature of the building is the massive dome and the four slender minarets linking the platform to the main building. 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 erected many splendid monuments, the most famous of which is the Taj Mahal in Agra. 2. Shah Jahan’s buildings have great strength. According to one writer, “It suggests the struggle of the soul above worldly entanglements.”. 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. He came from a long line of successful Mughal emperors, including his grandfather Akbar the Great, and was the third son of Emperor Jahangir. 5. Our mission is to provide an online platform to help students to discuss anything and everything about history. Marked as one of the seven wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal is the best work ever produced by the Mughal architecture. Shahjahan Mosque (Thatta) He did have several "pet" architects who were part of his royal court, and over the years, various individuals eith… Agra Fort (Partly) 3. Moti Masjid or Pearl Mosque (Lahore) 5. Jama Masjid built at Delhi was constructed with red stone for the use of the royal family. The architectural beauty and magnificence of the Taj Mahal has never been surpassed. Shah Jahan’s buildings have beautiful balance among different parts. He was the founder of Shahjahanabad, now known as \"Old Delhi\". The calligraphy on the Taj Mahal is beautiful. Before sharing your knowledge on this site, please read the following pages: 1. High towers and domes are its special characteristics. His reign is, in fact, called the Golden Age of the Mughal Architecture. According to Travernier about 20,000 men took about 22 years to complete it and it cost about three crores of rupees. Like his grandfather, Akbar the Great, Shah Jahan was passionate about architecture. Constructed in the memory of his beloved wife Arzuman Bano Begum or Mumtaz Mahal. This is according to the manuscript in the 17th century. During his period architecture reached its highest water mark in India. Shah Jahan was equally interested in gardens. Taj Mahal in Agra, India is a prime example of this type of architecture. Content Guidelines 2. Shalimar Gardens (Lahore) 6. Shahab-ud-din Muhammad Khurram, better known by his regnal name, Shah Jahan, was the fifth Mughal emperor, and reigned from 1628 to 1658. Shah Jahan, whose name means “King of the World,” was born in what is now Pakistan in 1592. Shah Jahan's personal involvement in architecture and urban planning appears to have motivated others, especially high-ranking ladies of the court, to build. This interactive animation explains about the reign of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan and his contributions to Mughal art and architecture. Shah Jahan is credited as the chief architect of the Taj Mahal. Shah Jahān, Mughal emperor of India (1628–58) who built the Taj Mahal. 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. Jahangir Mausoleum 8. Under his reign, the Mughal Empire reached the peak of its cultural glory. The beauty of the black inscriptions over the white marble is an attractive feature of the edifice. The period of his reign is considered as the golden age of Mughal art and architecture. Shah Jahan has been variously called as ‘Prince among builders’ and ‘Engineer King’ on account of his love for architecture. The land revenue under Shahjahan was the highest during reign of any Mughal emperor. 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. 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