Buland Darwaza at Fatehpur Sikri
The Mughal emperors were not only great patrons of painters, but were also great patrons of architecture. They have left their mark in Indian architecture.
Babar did not like Hindu architecture as it was asymmetrical and too ornate. Islamic architecture has always emphasised symmetry and simplicity of form and line. Akbar not only adopted the Hindu love for ornamentation, but also combined it with the Islamic concepts of pristine architecture.
Tired of the intrigues of Agra, devoted to the sufi Saint Salim Chisti, Akbar founded Fathepur Sikri near Agra. After the planned cities of the Indus Valley Civilisation, this happens to be the first planned city of India. The Buland Darwaza, the tallest gate of its time, was built to commemorate Akbar's victory over Gujarat. It was a political statement to proclaim that the Mughals have come to stay in Hindustan.
But Akbar spoke not in a language of confrontation, but in a language of conciliation. His architecture depicts the Hindu architecture as well. Notice the two lotuses on top of the arch. His architecture speaks about his cosmopolitanism and pragmatism.
Babar did not like Hindu architecture as it was asymmetrical and too ornate. Islamic architecture has always emphasised symmetry and simplicity of form and line. Akbar not only adopted the Hindu love for ornamentation, but also combined it with the Islamic concepts of pristine architecture.
Tired of the intrigues of Agra, devoted to the sufi Saint Salim Chisti, Akbar founded Fathepur Sikri near Agra. After the planned cities of the Indus Valley Civilisation, this happens to be the first planned city of India. The Buland Darwaza, the tallest gate of its time, was built to commemorate Akbar's victory over Gujarat. It was a political statement to proclaim that the Mughals have come to stay in Hindustan.
But Akbar spoke not in a language of confrontation, but in a language of conciliation. His architecture depicts the Hindu architecture as well. Notice the two lotuses on top of the arch. His architecture speaks about his cosmopolitanism and pragmatism.
Himachal Packages - Book your Himachal tour package at best price with Himachal Tours And Travels. Click now to get exclusive deals on Himachal holiday packages with airfare
ReplyDelete