Persian

influence
ON MUGHAL
ARCHITECTURE
Presented By:-

Al Zabi Hanif (887)

Lihi T Chophy (054)

Rishu Singh (191)

Ritika Swami (307)

Shreya Rajput (280)

 Table of Contents
Sr
Member Name Section title
No.

1 Al Zabi Hanif Introduction

2 Lihi T Chophy Structural Features Of Persian Influence

3 Ritika Swami Aesthetic And Decorative Features Of Persian Influence

4 Shreya Rajput Case Studies

5 Rishu Singh Conclusion

05
 INTRODUCTION
“If there is a paradise on Earth, it is this, it is this, it is this”
- Amir Khusrau

The Mughal Empire left behind a legacy of vast

architecture that blended persian and indian elelments.

The strong Persian influence can be admired through the

sight of grand domes, charbagh gardens, calligraphy,
miniature paintintings and detailing in stones and marble.

05
Double domes - a marvel of
engineering and design

CONSIST OF AN INNER AND OUTER SHELL WITH A GAP IN

BETWEEN

ALLOWS FOR A MAJESTIC INTERIOR WITHOUT

COMPROMISING INTERNAL PROPORTIONS

OFTEN TOPPED WITH A LOTUS FINIAL AND A BRASS OR A

LOTUS SPIRE

ENHANCES ACOUSTICS AND TEMPERATURE REGULATION

WITHIN THE STRUCTURE

EXAMPLES : HUMAYUN’S TOMB, TAJ MAHAL

10
Minarets - slender tower of faith

slender, tapering towers used more for ornamentation than for

calling to calling

serve as vertical accents, enhancing the monumentality of

structures

often placed at four corners of tombs and mosques

decorated with intricate tile work and calligraphy

examples : Jama Masjid - twin minarets flanking the prayer hall

Taj Mahal - four elegant minarets surrounding the Main tomb
Iwans - grand entrances and
spaces
VAULTED HALLS OR SPACES , WALLED ON THREE SIDES WITH ONE OPEN
SIDE

TYPICALLY FRAMED BY LARGE, POINTED ARCHES AND FLANKED BY

DECORATIVE PANELS

USED TO EMPHASIZE THE ENTRANCE OR THE CENTRAL PRAYER SPACE

OFTEN RICHLY DECORATED WITH TILES, CARVINGS, AND CALLIGRAPHY

EXAMPLES : BULAND DARWAZA , JAMA MASJID

Arches - graceful curves
shaping sacred spaces
TYPICALLY POINTED OR MULTI-CUSPED, REFLECTING
PERSIAN AESTHETICS

USED STRUCTURALLY IN GATEWAYS AND HALLS,AND

DECORATIVELY IN FACADES

FRAMED WITH INTRICATE INLAY, FLORAL MOTIFS, OR

CALLIGRAPHY PANELS

SYMBOLIZED TRANSITION OR FLOW IN ISLAMIC

ARCHITECTURE

EXAMPLES - RED FORT , ITMAD-UD-DAULAH’S TOMB

Muqarnas - intricate vaulted
decorations

STALACITE-LIKE ORNAMENTATION USED TO

TRANSITION BETWEEN SURFACES
ADDS DEPTH, INTRICACY,AND A PLAY OF LIGHT AND
SHADOW
TYPICALLY FOUND IN DOMES,NICHES,AND
UNDERSIDE OF ARCHES
SYMBOLIZES DIVINE COMPLEXITY AND THE HEAVENS
IN ISLAMIC ART
USED MORE FOR DECORATION THAN STRUCTURE IN
MUGHAL BUILDINGS
EXAMPLE - WAZIR KHAN MOSQUE , SHEESH MAHAL
IN LAHORE FORT
Aesthetic and Decorative
features of Persian Influence:

Miniature Painting: Persian miniature painting greatly

influenced the development of Indian miniature painting,
particularly during the Mughal era

Carpets and Textiles: Persian carpets are renowned

worldwide, and their designs influenced the carpet-making
industries in places like Kashmir and other parts of India.

Gardens: The concept of the Persian garden, characterized by

its quadrilateral layout (Chahar Bagh), was introduced to India
by the Mughals. This influence is visible in the layout of famous
gardens like the Shalimar and Nishat Bagh in Kashmir
 Persian Calligraphy
Charbagh
Architecture
Persian Calligraphy: Persian calligraphy meaning "four gardens") is a Persian and
and colored tilework (known as Kashi Kari) Indo-Persian quadrilateral garden layout
played a major role in Mughal architectural
based on the four gardens of Paradise
ornamentation. Quranic verses, Persian poetry,
and floral motifs were inscribed on walls, domes, mentioned in the Qur'an. The
and gateways. Examples could be seen as Taj quadrilateral garden is divided by
Mahal, Agra: Features exquisite Persian walkways or flowing water into four
calligraphy by Amanat Khan, a Persian smaller parts. They are found in
calligrapher. Jama Masjid, Delhi: The mosque’s
countries throughout Western Asia and
walls and entrance arches contain Persian
inscriptions South Asia, including Iran and India
04
"Walking Through History: Case Studies
from Delhi’s Mughal Monuments"
Persian Influence on Indian Architecture During the Mughal Reign
Introduction
Our exploration took us to Humayun’s Tomb, Red Fort, and
Jama Masjid—three iconic monuments from the Mughal era.

These visits weren’t just academic; they felt like walking

through living museums of Indian history and culture.

Each monument tells a story of how Persian design

sensibilities blended with Indian aesthetics to create
something unique.

From intricate tilework to grand domes and garden layouts, we

saw how architecture becomes a language of art, identity, and
power.

This journey deepened our appreciation for India’s rich

heritage and its ability to absorb and reinterpret cultural
influences.
Humayun’s Tomb – Paradise
in Stone
First example of the Persian-style Charbagh (four-part
garden) layout in India – symbolizing paradise.

Features a striking double dome, reflecting Persian

architectural innovation and spiritual symbolism.

Surrounded by symmetrical gardens, intersected with

water channels – designed to create peace and harmony.

Intricate jali (lattice) work, Persian-style glazed tiles, and

red sandstone details add delicate beauty.

Inspired later Mughal monuments, including the Taj

Mahal.
 Red Fort – Poetry in
Power
The Red Fort’s layout reflects Persian-influenced symmetry and
charbagh-inspired courtyards.

Designed as more than just a fortress—it’s a symbol of imperial

grandeur and cultural refinement.

The Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience) features the famous

Persian inscription:“If there is paradise on earth, it is this, it is this, it
is this.”

Showcases exquisite marble inlay work, decorative arches, and

floral motifs drawn from Persian aesthetics.

Blends political power with artistic grace—a true statement of the

02
Mughal worldview.
Jama Masjid – Spirit
and Structure

12
 Final Reflections
Mughal monuments are not just Persian influence was not
historical structures—they are simply copied; it was
living expressions of India’s adapted and reimagined
cultural depth. in the Indian context.

The fusion of Persian These visits helped us

symmetry and aesthetics with understand how art, faith,
Indian tradition and
Above all, these monuments show
and politics intertwined
craftsmanship created a India’s ability to embrace diversity
to shape the Mughal
unique architectural identity. and create beauty from it.
world.

“These are not ruins of the past—they are reflections of who we are.”
 CONCLUSION
Persian influence on Mughal architecture is one of the defining features of the Indo-
Islamic architectural style that flourished during the Mughal era. The Mughals, with
roots in Central Asia and strong cultural ties to Persia (modern-day Iran), brought
with them Persian artistic traditions that blended with Indian elements to create a
distinctive architectural identity.

The influence is particularly evident in the use of large domes, minarets, iwans
(vaulted halls), and intricate ornamental detailing. Persian garden design, known as
the charbagh—a quadrilateral layout symbolizing paradise—was widely adopted, most
notably in the layout of the Taj Mahal. The use of white marble, inlay work with semi-
precious stones (pietra dura), calligraphy in Persian script, and geometric and floral
motifs reflect Persian aesthetic ideals
Thank You!