MUGHAL ARCHITECTURE UNDER

AKBAR’S RULE

SUBMITTED TO- SUBMITTED BY-

Ar. DEVINA AGARWAL AMIYE RANJAN
CHANDAN KUMAR
MAYANK NIGAM
SHAAZ BAZMI
 MUGHAL EMPIRE: AKBAR

• Akbar came to throne in 1556 after the death of

this father Humayun.
• At that time Akbar was only 13 years old.
• Akbar began at Agra, which city for the time is
known as the capital of his empire.
• Akbar was a great patron of architecture art
literature.
• Mughal architecture began with Akbar who
showed his passions for buildings by planning
and construction splendid edifices.
• During his region Mughal architecture took a
new forms.
• Akbar made free use of both Hindu and Persian
style.
• The use of red sandstone inlaid with marble
and painted designs on walls and ceilings are
the silent feature of Akbar buildings. MUGHAL EMPIRE
• Akbar constructed numerous fort , towers,
palaces, mosques, mausoleums and gateways.
 ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES OF MUGHAL STYLE UNDER AKBAR

• The style of buildings that evolved under this ruler was chiefly ARCADED FAÇADE

executed in red sandstone with the insertions of white marble

.
• Principle construction was a Tudor arch (mainly as a
decorative arcading).
• The style was accurate and Trebeated in almost equal
proportions. Concept of symmetry is followed.
• The pillar shaft were usually many sided.
• Capitals were invariably in forms of bracket support. TUDOR ARCH

• Ornamentation carved or boldly carved pattern were

common.
• Painted design is also introduce at this time. The bulbous
domes.
• The slender minarets at four corners, Large halls.
• Massive vaulted gateway and delicate ornamentation.
 ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES OF HUMAYUN TOMB:
• ARAB SARAI (guesthouse at HUMĀYŪN TOMB):
• Literally meaning the Sarai (rest house) for the
horses, the structure stands adjacent to the
AFSARWALA mosque and was built by Bega Begum
around 1560-1561 CE, ostensibly built for the
craftsmen who came for the construction work. It
could accommodate 300 Arabas.(in Persian ‫ارابه‬
means: Cart or Gari (vehicle).
• The Arab Sarai Gate was built in 1560-61 AD.
• The 14 metre high gateway led to the walled
enclosure which housed the Persian craftsmen who
came here to build HUMAYUN'S Tomb.
• The Red Sandstone and White Marble inlay work add ARAB-SARAI WOODEN DOOR
AT ARAB-SARAI
a striking touch to the gateway, though it was built by
Delhi quartzite stone.
• The wooden door at the entrance is huge and worth
seeing. Seen plenty of them on forts in Maharashtra.
It houses a small chor darwaza, for individual persons
to pass by, main Door only be opened during
ceremonies. The iron on the door is rusted. ROOMS FOR THE CRAFTSMEN FACTS OF ARAB-SARAI

• All that remains are just ruins of rooms where

the craftsmen used to stay, they worked on making
of HUMAYUN'S Tomb.
Agra Fort
 INTRODUCTION
● Agra Fort located in Agra, Uttar
Pradesh is a UNESCO world heritage
site, it represents the first major
building project of Akbar.
● Built in AD 1565-1575, the fort, apart
from other important units, contains
Jahangir Mahal, Khas Mahal, Diwan-i-
Khas, Diwan-i-Am, Machchi Bhawan
and Moti Masjid. (AD 1630-1655).
● Agra Fort Many extant buildings were
erected by Shah fort was originally a
brick fort known as Badalgarh, held by
Raja Badal Singh Hindu Sikarwar Rajput
king (c. 1475).
● After the First Battle of Panipat in
1526, Mughals captured the fort and
seized a vast treasure, including the
diamond later known as the Koh-i-
Noor.
● Agra Fort has strong and lofty surrounding walls. Each wall is 70m.high and is separated by a
12 m. deep moat, near Amar Singh Gate with two lookout towers, forming the entrances to
the Fort.
● The supporting arch, is crowned with a large blind arch flanked by false painted windows. It is
decorated with Hat relief and geometrical designs.
● The Fort is provided with four gateways. From the foundations to the battlements, the
fortress is composed of hewn stone, each polished to a mirror like sheen and with its red hue.
● The Fort was completed in about eight years time (1565 -73) under the supervision of Qasim
Khan Mir Barr-wa-Bahr.
● The Agra Fort stands on a plain ground, unlike a hill fort. The judicious and harmonious
combination of the features gives this fort a substantial aesthetic character.
● Besides being a strong military structure, it is also a good example of early Mughal
architecture. The Agra Fort is a reflection of Akbar’s personality; robust, dynamic and
imaginative.
 AGRA FORT - ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES
• Architectural style:- Akbari style.
• Agra fort is the first example of to be
produced being the fortress-palace of
Agra.
• It has the largest fortified wall.
• Its plan is irregular semi circular in
shape with its chord of 21 feet in
length lying parallel to the river
Yamuna.
• Great part of agra fort was constructed
by akbar starting in 1565 ad.
• It is a massive and grand structure.
• Its massive enclosure wall consists of
solid sandstone rampart of 70 ft in
height and nearly one and a half miles.
• From top to bottom the fire red sand
stone linked by the iron rings are
joined so closely that a hair can not
enter through it.
 AGRA FORT - ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES
• The entrance to the fort is from two gateways.
• The main entrance is from the delhi gate,
which was a ceremonial entrance to the fort.
• The other smaller gateway is called the hathi
pol or elephant because of two huge elephants
on both the sides.
• Akbar build fortress wall and the Jahangir
mahal at agra fort.
• Front consists of two octagonal tower joined
to the archway .
• At the back elegant facade with arcade.
• Ornamentation is rich and varied consisting of
patents in white marble inlay against the warm
red sandstone is most effective.

Arched
entrance, DELHI GATE, AGRA FORT

with two
huge
bastions
 AMAR SINGH GATE
● The main entrance viz. the Hathi
Pol has an open space at the Delhi
Gate, having a magnificent court
with overhanging colonnades.
● The bastions of the amar singh
Darwaza are smaller and less
ornate.
● Their lower portions are divided
into oblong and arched panels,
covered with multi-colored, glazed
tiles in beautiful geometrical
designs.
● The panels of the upper parts are
plain.
● Each bastion is covered by an
umbrella like structure [chhatris]
made of heavy piers instead of
slender pillars, a circular overhang
[chajja], and with an inverted
lotus, hemispherical cupola.
 AMAR SINGH GATE
● A tall multi-storied Gate of red
sandstone on the eastern side,
having a small pointed arched
entrance is built over a high plinth
with a rectangular small platform
supported on stone brackets.
● The arch is outlined by white
marble inlay work in geometrical
design.
● The facade of the Gate is flanked
by two arched panels decorated
with marble inlay.
● There are square panels on both
sides above which there is a long
rectangular panel with six small
holes.
● Over these panels are three
loopholes of temple ‘shikhar’ style
with a parapet of wide flame-like
design.
 AKBARI MAHAL

Plan

● At the southeast corner of the Agra Fort, overlooking the river are the remains of the Akbari
Mahal.
● The oldest building of the Fort originally had a portico (deorhi) on the western side whose
lower walls still exist.
● The portico opens into the spacious rectangular courtyard paved with red sandstone slabs.
● The courtyard, surrounded by large living rooms and a double storied pavilion is connected
with rooms on the eastern side with flat roofs.
● The interior hall has several windows overlooking the river. The style of architecture of the
pavilion and the rooms is of trabeate order; four-centered arches, placed aesthetically are
used as decorative arcading.
● The walls are notable for stone carvings and double brackets.
JAHANGIRI MAHAL
● The Jahangiri Mahal, despite its name, was
built by Akbar. The Jahangiri Mahal is the only
portion of the Fort walls, apart from the
Gates, distinguished by the ornamental
treatment accorded to its eastern facade.
● The architectural setting of the Jahangiri
Mahal is defined by clarity, simplicity and
integrity of its different components.
● Exquisite surface ornamentation includes
marble inlay and intricate geometrical and
floral patterns.
● The large facade of the palace is most
remarkable for its projecting portico, whose
lotus parapet is decorated with beautiful
merlons in relief: A rectangular opening with
carved panels and projecting balconies
supported on circular pillars.
● Elegant brackets with Bengal slanting roofs on
both sides of the deep, pointed, shapely arch
are decorated with marble lined niches and six
pointed stars.
 Jahangiri Mahal
● The monotony of the wide eastern walls is
broken by a series of rectangular openings
(darichas) overshadowed by parapet walls
with merlons and pillared ‘chhatris’ on
both corner bastions.
● Below are a series of marble inlaid outlines
of rectangular panels and marble lined
niches with lotus buds and marble arches
that spring from the elephant trunk.
● Below the niches are the square and
rectangular panels outlined by marble inlay
work. PLAN OF JAHANGIRI MAHAL
● The entire structure is constructed in
‘lakhauri’ bricks and veneered by finely
dressed and carved red sandstone slabs on
a one meter high plinth.
JAHANGIRI MAHAL

•Parapet decorated with beautiful melon marble inlay &

in relief with stone jali. geometric & floral
pattern.
•Projecting balconies supported on
circular pillars.
•Bengal slanting roof (chajjha)
•1m high plinth
elegant brackets

Depression
•with lotus buds
connected to
•pillared chhatris on both corners' engaged water channel
bastions.
•the series of marble inlaid outlines of
rectangular panels with marble inlay work.
•The monotony of the wide
eastern walls is broken by series of
Sculptured
rectangular openings (darichas)
flower
DIWAN-I-AAM (Hall of Public Audience)

● Throughout the reign of Akbar, Public [Diwan-i-Aam] and Private [Diwan-i-Khas] audiences
were held in temporary wooden structures added with tents in the Agra Fort. An
arrangement that continued during the reign of Jahangir also.
● These halls were first built in wood (Iwan_i_Chobin),later replaced by larger structures,
painted with marble plaster.
● Shah Jahan's historians and poets described the Audience Hall as ‘Iwan-i-Daulat Khana-
wa-Khas-o-Am’ or Hall of Private Audiences and ‘Iwan-i-Chehil Sutun’ of Forty-pillared
Hall, which was the Diwan-i-Aam.
● The Diwan-i-Aam, built in red sandstone on a raised platform (1.25m) in a rectangular plan
measuring 61.77 m by 20.12m. The total large pillars are 48.
● The Hall is open on three sides with multi foiled arches, except the eastern side; within
which is the structure of the jharokha, the celebrated throne [Takht-i-Murassa] which was
the seat of the Emperor for giving public audiences
Fatehpur Sikri
 FATEHPUR SIKRI
• Capital city 26 miles west of agra.
● Secular buildings are of trabeated nature while
• Enclosed an irregular rectangular area 2
Jami masjid is arculated.
miles long,1 mile broad.
•the palace complex is laid out on the two lower
• An arrangement of broad terraces and platforms, covering approximately 250 square
stately courtyard around which are meters.
grouped numerous palaces and •City on a sandstone out crop,runs from north-
pavilions. east to south west but most buildings are aligned
• Sandstone was used majorly . facing north and south to accord with the fixed
•Main approach was from Agra through orientation of the great mosque.
Agra gate leading to diwan-I-aam.
• The whole complex is spread in three
plateaus on receding levels with
respect to the topography of the
ridge. The mosque complex is located
on the uppermost level of the ridge.
• Extending down the slope of hill to
the northern side were
offices,saraies,ornamental gardens,
stables,etc.
• The middle plateau is the most
private, housing the residential
buildings: the northern palace (Birbals
Palace), the Shaqh-i Isbal (Jodh Bai’s
Palace), the Sonahra Makan (Miriam’s
Palace), the guest house (hospitalia)
and the stables (Shahi Bazar and Mina
Bazar).
• The lowest plateau is occupied by the
public and semi-public areas of the
palace complex, (Diwan-i Am),(Diwan-
i Khass), the Ank Michauli and
Astrologer’s Seat, the Panck Mahal,
• Most of the buildings of the public and
semi-public area face east, while the
Khwabgah faces north.
ARCHITECTURAL FEATURE OF BULAND DARWAZA:
• BULAND DARWAZA is a triumphal archway
built in place of the southern entry to Jami
masjid after Akbar’s victory in deccan.
• Height is 134 feet. Approached by a steep Crowning the
façade is a
flight of steps 42 feet high, the entire perforated
composition rises to a height of 176 feet parapet behind
which rises a
above roadway. range of 13
• Across its front it measures 130 feet while kiosks

from front to back it is 123 ft. central large face

greater part of its
• Appearance of aspiring and overwhelming surface is
occupied by an
strength. arched and
• Its position is critic as it is approached domed recess

through what were probably service Islamic

quarters and also it dominates and throws inscription

out of balance the scheme of the mosque to

which it is attached.
• Central plane is rectangular and 86 feet
across.
• Narrower faces on its wings are in 3 stories BULAND DARWAZA

with varied openings in each stage.

• Semi dome of the large arched recess is
carried on 5 surfaces in form of half
decagon.
• Ornamental inscription on the façade.
ARCHITECTURAL FEATURE OF BULAND DARWAZA:

• The BULAND DARWAZA or the magnificence

gateway is made of red and buff sandstone,
decorated by carving and inlaying of white
marble.
• On the outside a long flight of steps sweeps
down the hill giving the gateway additional
height.
• An inscription on the central face of the
BULAND DARWAZA throws light on Akbar's
religious broad mindedness.
• The BULAND DARWAZA towers above the
courtyard of the mosque.
• The BULAND DARWAZA is semi octagonal in
FLIGHT OF STAIRCASE
plan and is topped by pillars and chhatris. ARCHED ENTRY

BULAND DARWAZA choes early Mughal

design with simple ornamentation.
• There are thirteen smaller domed kiosks on
the roof, stylized battlement and small
turrets and inlay work of white marble.
ARCHITECTURAL FEATURE OF SALIM CHISTI MUSOLEUM :
• The mausoleum was built by Akbar as a mark of
his respect and reverence for the saint and it
was completed in the year 1580-81.
• Raised on about a meter high platform, there is
flight of five steps to reach its entrance porch.
• The tomb consist of a square exterior of 24ft
side which contains a mortuary chamber of 16ft
side is placed in the center of the main hall,
whole covered by a low semicircular dome.
• Around the outside a wide verandah is carried
,its roof supported on pillars with the
interspaces filled with perforated screen, the
whole exterior measuring 48 feet.
• On the southern face a porch is projected on SALIM CHISTI MUSOLEUM

pillars and there are carved brackets to sustain

the extremely wide eaves.
ARCHITECTURAL FEATURE OF SALIM CHISTI MUSOLEUM:

• The pillars have honeycomb capital, and brackets

springing from their patterned shafts.
• The serpentine brackets or struts with the spaces
between the curves filled in with perforated
foliations, emerging from the pillars carved with
stylized peacock tail pattern and sloping eaves add
to the magnificence of the porch.
• The door of the main chamber is carved
elaborately with arabesque patterns and boasts of
Quranic inscriptions.
• Originally was built in red stone but later changed
SALIM CHISTI MUSOLEUM STRUCTURAL SYSTEM.
in white marble.
ARCHITECTURAL FEATURE OF JAMI MASJID, FATEHPUR SIKRI:
• It is the sacred complex of the fortified city built by
Akbar between 1571-85.
• A congregational mosque organized around a
large courtyard having pillared cloisters on the
three sides, it was the largest mosque in India at
the time of its construction having a rectangular
area of 542 feet by 438 ft.
• It includes the enclosure of the mosque itself,
containing the prayer hall, the tomb of Salim
Chishti in the north, and Approximately ten
meters to the east of this tomb is the larger tomb
of Nawab Islam Khan.
• The main imperial entrance to the mosque
complex, called the BADSAHI DARWAZA
("Emperor’s Gate") is located along its eastern
edge, opposite the prayer hall, and was likely used
by royal palace residents.
• On the southern side of the courtyard, known as
the BULAND DARWAZA ("Lofty Gate").A
multistoried, semi-octagonal structure, it JAMI MASJID, FATEHPUR SIKRI:
measures about 40 meters east-west and 20
meters north-south and contains large rooms,
passages, and stairways. The exterior (southern)
elevation of the BULAND DARWAZA rises to a
height of 40 meters above the level of the
mosque’s court.
ARCHITECTURAL FEATURE OF JAMI MASJID, FATEHPUR SIKRI:
• The center of the west of the courtyard is
dominated by the sanctuary which has a huge
central liwan leading on to a domed area in front of
the main mihrab. Two
colonnade hall
• Either side of the central dome are two smaller on either side
with side 2
domes each covering the area in front of a smaller square
mihrab. chambers
crowned with
• Its entry (eastern) elevation of the hall is domes
dominated by a central gateway composed of a
high recessed ogee arch set within a rectangular Central
frame arch
frame and surmounted by a row of domed chattri. is
• The interior of the prayer hall is divided into three completely
out of
bays; the central bay is square and measures 12.5 proportion
meters per side and is topped by a single dome Central nave with a single
with rather
low slung
supported on squinch. nave.
side wings.
• Within each bay, 9 mihrabs are found along the
qibla wall, for a total of 27 mihrab niches in the LARGEST MOSQUE IN INDIA
DIMENSION:(157*132)
entire prayer hall.
• The central mihrab niches are ornamented with
inlay stone work, glazed tiles, and carved and
painted inscriptions.
• The mihrabs located in the colonnade on either
side occur in a double-story pattern
 Fatehpur Sikri
• Entrance (Diwani-i-Amnm)
• Diwan-i-khas
• Daulat khana
• Panch Mahal
• Anup Talao
• House of the turkish sultana
• House of Miram
• Palace of Jodha Bai
• Garden
• House of Birbal
 Diwan-E- Aam
•The first court of the palace complex
towards the Diwan-i Amm, the
entrance to Akbars private residence.
•An oblong complex comprising a
large quadrangular space, 112.38
meters north-south and 55.20 meters
east-west, it is wrapped by a
colonnaded passageway (dalan)
composed of one hundred and eleven
bays.
•Mughal fusion of Hindu and Muslim
architectural styles was embodied in
spacious courtyards, wide palaces,
and open pavilions, quarried from the
local sandstone and cooled by
numerous water channels, ponds, and
tanks.
 Entrance (Diwan-e-Aam)
• The dalans, constructed from red sandstone, are set on a raised plinth and are composed of
square stone columns with plain bases and slightly molded capitals. These are surmounted
by simple brackets supporting stone lintels and a continuous eave (chhajja).
• The Emperor’s pavilion is a small rectangular structure of red sandstone, measuring 9.27 by
6.65 meters, positioned symmetrically to the enclosure and projecting slightly into the
courtyard.
• In plan, it is a single chamber with stone walls 1.10 meters thick surrounded by a portico,
3.05 meters wide. The flat-roofed chamber itself rises above the porticos.
• The portico is shaded by a stone-tile roof (khaprel) resting upon carved brackets, above
which runs the same carved parapet as the one over the dalans. The eastern portico is
divided by two exquisitely carved three-part trapezium screens, with the Emperor’s seat in
the center.
 Diwan-i-Khas
• The free-standing structure situated in the center of the courtyard.

paneled plinth 0.75 m

high
A large and substantial pillar occupy the central
position of the audience hall with its massive
expanding capital supporting a circular stone
This is a two-storey building having a flat terraced roof. It has platform.
a balcony and chajja supported on heavy corbels . The whole arrangement signifies his ‘ dominion over
four quarters’.

Bridges radiate along each diagonal

of the hall connecting to the hanging
galleries which surround the upper
portion.

Series of 36 closely set voluted and

pendulated brackets carrying the
throne platform.

variously patterned shaft

of the pillar
Built in red sandstone, it is a square, symmetrical building The emperor would sit enthroned on the central
measuring 13.18 m side on the exterior. its 4 elevations platform while listening to arguments.
are identical .
 HIRAN MINAR
• The Hiran Minar is located north and west of
the Hathi Pol, outside of the palace complex,
just north of the imperial caravanserai.
• Measuring twenty-one meters in height, the
towers plan is octagonal at its base, circular
after the height of 3.91 meters, and topped
with a chhatri.
• The circular part of the tower is decorated
with stone spikes in the form of elephant
tusks.
• Traditionally it was thought to have been
erected as a memorial to the Emperor Akbar's
favourite elephant.
• A circular balcony projects on stone corbels
from the upper part of the tower.
• Exterior close-up view of Its exact function is
unknown, but it may have been a lookout
tower showing surface or a distance marker
for travelers.decorations and projecting HIRAN MINAR
elements
 ANUP TALAO
• The Anup Talao, or "peerless pool," was completed in 1576 on a wide platform
(chabutara) to the north of the Khwabgah (imperial apartments) in the Mahal-i
Khas courtyard.
• A square island platform stands in its center. Another name for the Anup Talao,
the "Char-Chamad," refers to these four bridges.
• The tank served to cool the air . It formed part of a system of mini-tanks and
canals built on the eastern platform of the Khwabgah.
• The tank measures 29.26 meters per side and is 3.66 meters deep.

a raised seat (chabutra, 3.66 m2) in its center

The Anup Talao is a red sandstone masonry tank, square in
plan and bilaterally symmetrical.
Stone bridges, 0.61 meters wide and supported by stone
columns with bracket capitals, span 10.06 meters from
the center of each side of the platform to the side of the
tank.
The island platform (9.14 m2) is flanked by a jaali balustrade
 ANUP TALAO
•Two consecutive series of six broad stairs step down from the sides of the tank to
the original water level (0.96 meters, or just below the twelfth step).
• The tank was originally filled via one water channel from the waterworks near the
Elephant Gate to the west: the water was carried via a stone duct north of Birbal’s
Place , Miriam’s Garden, and the Kothi.
•A second channel came from the eastern waterworks.
•Overflow was diverted to the tank found north of the building with a central
column (Ekastambha-Prasada), to keep the level of water in the Anup Talao
constant.
 The Turkish Sultana’s House

• The most elaborately carved building in Fatehpur Sikri. It’s often attributed to the Turkish
wife of Akbar.
• It is more probably the Hujra-I-Anup Talao’, mentioned by Badauni, a pleasure pavilion
attached to the Northeast of the Anup Talao and might have been used by the Turkish
queens for this purpose.
• Intricately carved like wood, this building is also known as superb jewel casket and each
of its stone slab has a different design such as arabesque designs on the pillars of
verandah and bell shaped, floral and herring-bone carvings on the brackets supporting
the roof.
• Square in plan, the pavilion measures 3.96 per side on the interior, and features a khaprel
ceiling.
 The Turkish Sultana’s House

•Along its west elevation is a rectangular portico, 2.64 by 4.07 meters, with the same floor-
ceiling height as the main chamber and supported on piers that are square in section and
octagonal columns.
• Carved in floral and geometric patterns, the main chamber is one of the most richly
ornamented structures of the entire complex.
•Opulent carvings adorn dado panels, columns, pilasters, double columns, brackets, and friezes.
•Every square meters of the interior dado panel is covered with vegetable and animal motifs
with distinctive borders of hexagons and swastikas. These panels depict scenes from forests,
orchards, and gardens, ingeniously crafted.
•The pavilion has three windows, each of which are filled with exquisite white marble tracery.
 PALACE OF JODHA BAI corner of the
palace above the
jharokha
• The Shabistan-i Iqbal, or Principal windows is
protected by a
Haram Sara, is the largest and best- chhajja, which is
preserved of the residences of the isurmounted by a
imperial zenana (harem sara). square base
supporting an
• From the exterior, the palace octagonal drum
appears massive. and a shallow
dome
• Entrance allowed through a jharokhas
(projecting
guarded single monumental balconies) is
gateway in the center of its eastern supported on
four brackets with
wall having staggered doorways. a jaali balustrade.
PALACE OF JODHA BAI
•The entrance opening is in the center
of the gateway, 3.31 meters high and
2.28 meters wide and flanked by
engaged columns that support stone
brackets and a massive lintel.
•The gateway is further protected by a
small detached stone guardhouse
roofed with a gabled roof to the
southeast.
•The haram sara is a double-storied
structure composed of rooms
arranged around a big open-air
courtyard. In plan the palace is nearly
square as it measures 320 ft by 215 ft
and the enclosing walls are 32 ft high.
•On the north there is a hanging
pavilion or hawa mahal, and on the
south are service and bathing
apartments.
•At ground level, the entrance is flanked
on either side by a small decorative
arched iwan, or large niche. Above the
iwans and to either side of the band of
five arches are two jharokha windows
supported on brackets .
•Around the inner court are double-storied
residential quarters at the corners and
formal "suites" in the centers of each
side.Along the north and southern walls,
the suites are nearly identical.
•Within the enclosure every portion is self
contained with a private chapel for
devotions and roof terraces screened by
parapet for promenades.
Each part is readily accessible both for the
convenience of its occupants and for the
purpose of service.A
 • In the overall building scheme, the
forms of the north and south
apartments are similar, and likewise
the east and west apartments make a
pair.
• The chambers below could be heated
in cold weather and those above
remained airy and cool.
• Resemblance to the temple
architecture of west india particularly
in design of the niches and brackets
with their unmistakable volute forms
and the shape of the pillar shafts.
• Constructed by artisans from gujarat.
• Application of blue glazed tiles to
some of the roofs and cupolas.
• In the upper rooms the ceiling is a
form of waggon vault with groins.
 HOUSE OF MIRIAM
• West of the Anup Talao court and placed in the center of its own courtyard is a red
sandstone building known as the Sunehra Makan (Golden House), on account of its
rich interior murals. It is also popularly named "Miriam's Kothi" (residence).
• In size it is less than 1/16 th part of the palace.
• Consists of arrangement of rooms in two stories but with no central courtyard or
other extraneous amenities.
• In terms of function, this structure, with its open and formal character, profuse
ornamentation, and lack of bathroom facilities, was likely not used as a residence
but rather as a drawing room (baithak) where Akbar would receive his court artists.
• Measuring 18.24 by 14.75 meters on the exterior, it is bilaterally symmetrical along
its long (north-south) axis. Divided into 5 bays along the north-south axis, the
building has two main parts.

rectangular chhatri over

its northern section
A continuous stone chhajja
runs along each elevation,
supported on carved brackets
 HOUSE OF MIRIAM
• Measuring 18.24 by 14.75 meters on the exterior, it is bilaterally symmetrical along
its long (north-south) axis. Divided into 5 bays along the north-south axis, the
building has two main parts.
• The interior partitioning walls are approximately 1.2 meters thick. The hall is 5.18
meters in height and surrounded on its east, north, and west by a high colonnaded
portico that fills the outer 7 bays. From the outside, the entire building appears to
be single-storied; however, while the central hall and porticos are single-height, the
southern rooms occupy two stories.
• The carvings depict Hindu deities, symbols, and motifs such as rows of elephants,
swans, and kirtimukha (monsters, lit., "faces of glory").
• The chhatri is composed of eight columns with bracket capitals, carrying lintels
that support a projecting horizontal eave.
 PANCH MAHAL
• It is a rectangular colonnaded structure open on all sides and built from local
red sandstone.
•The Panch Mahal,also known as "Badgir" meaning wind catcher tower, was
commissioned by sikarwar rajputs .

•This structure stands close to the Zenana quarters (Harem) which supports
the supposition that it was used for entertainment and relaxation.

•This is an extraordinary structure employing the design elements of a

Buddhist Temple; entirely columnar, consisting of four storey of decreasing
size arranged asymmetrically upon the ground floor, which contains 84
columns.
• These columns, that originally had jaali
(screens) between them, support the whole
structure.

• Once these screens provided purdah (cover)

to queens and princess on the top terraces
enjoying the cool breeze and watching
splendid views of Sikri fortifications.
 PANCH MAHAL
• The pavilion gives a majestic view of
the fort that lies on its left.
• The pool in front of the Panch Mahal is
called the Anoop Talab.
• It would have been filled with water,
save for the bridge, and would have
been the setting for musical concerts
and other entertainment.
• The ground floor has 84 columns, the
first storey has 56 columns and the
second and third storeys have 20 and
12 columns respectively.
• The topmost storey has 4 columns
supporting a chhatri. There are 176
columns in all and each is elegantly
 BIRBAL’S PALACE

• It is sited at the northern end of the

zenana area at the very edge of the
complex, north and west of the
principal palace of the haram sara.
• The house is a two-storied building,4
rooms and 2 porches forming the
ground floor but with only 2 rooms
above, as the remainder consists of open
terrace enclosed by a screen.
• Constructed on a modified principal of
double dome as they have an inner and
outer shell with appreciable empty space ● There are cupolas over
in between. the upper rooms
• Thus the interior was kept cool.
• Splendidly ornamented with carving, ● Pyramidal roofs
both inside and out particularly in the over the porches,
rich character of the eaves brackets.
ARCHITECTURAL FEATURE OF LAHORE FORT:
• Introduction Citadel of the city of Lahore,
Punjab, Pakistan Located in north-western
corner of the walled city Locally called the
Shahi Quila.
• History Origin of the fort goes deep into
antiquity Evidence of existence of mud fort ,
said to be constructed in the early Hindu
period. Mud fort destroyed and rebuilt during
several invasions by Mongols and Mughals.
• Present fort of brick and solid masonry built
during Akbar's reign between 1556 and 1605.
Mughals, Sikhs and British added a pavilion,
palace or wall to the complex.
• Planning Trapezoidal plan spread over 20
acres. Two huge gates in the fortifications, one
each in the middle of the east and the west
sides.
• 1.Alamgiri Gate on the west PLAN OF LAHORE FORT.
• 2. Masjidi Gate on the east.
• The whole citadel is divided into various
sections, which are interconnected for easy
administration
 ARCHITECTURAL FEATURE OF LAHORE FORT:

• MASJIDI GATE:
• Presently used as main entrance Masjidi Gate -
Built in 1666 during Akbar's reign - Original
entrance to the fort - Faces the Maryam Zamani
Mosque The fortification wall is built of small
burnt bricks strengthened with semi-circular
bastions at regular intervals.
• Also known as elephant gate.
• DOULAT KHANA-E-JAHAGIR:
MASJIDI GATE
• Doulat Khana-e-Jahangir Palatial court in Lahore
Fort, popularly called Jahangir’s Quadrangle 372'
x 245' in size, is the largest of all quads.
• It was begun by Akbar and completed by
Jahangir in 1618 and contains some of the
earliest Mughal structures in the fort.
ARCHITECTURAL FEATURE OF LAHORE FORT:
• Chaar Bagh (paradisiacal garden).
• The central area of the courtyard contains a central tank
with a platform and a series of fountains.
• The buildings consist of small, flat-roofed rooms
supported by red sandstone pillars.
• The projecting members of the courtyard wings is
supported by brackets carved in the shape of elephants,
felines and peacocks.
• The main building of the court, the Khawabagh-e-
Jahangir, Jahangir's sleeping rooms, stands in the middle
of its north side.
• The style in this quadrangle is a combination of the local tradition in brick
architecture, with adaptations from the imperial style as seen in Agra and
Fatehpur Sikri.
• The iwans of this quadrangle represent the best of Akbari architecture in the
region that is now Pakistan. In fact in the rendering of the sculpted imagery in
the struts, they surpass the elements found anywhere else in the
subcontinent.
• While there are many elements that are evocative of those employed in Agra
fort or Fatehpur Sikri , there is little doubt that as the last capital built by
Akbar, Lahore represents the high point of Akbari architecture in view of the
experience gained by Akbari architects and crafts persons while building the
earlier capitals.
ARCHITECTURAL FEATURE OF ALLAHABAD FORT:

• ALLAHABAD FORT:
• Allahabad Fort was built by Emperor Akbar in 1583 AD.
• the massive fort stands on the junction of the river
Jamuna and Ganga.
• These two waterways its plan takes the form of the
wedge of irregular segment of a circle.
• It is the largest of those of its class built by Akbar as its
widest dimensions it measures nearly 3000 feet across.
But it has been unfortunately dismantled and shorn of
much of its former glory.
• Some of the preserved buildings such as zenana palace ALLAHABAD FORT
comprising of royal quarters within the fortress.
• It shows that in the architecture of this example the
trebated system of construction was consistently
maintained.
• As the chief beauty of design lies in the arrangement of
pillars around interior halls in the centre.

MAURAYAN PILAAR.
 ARCHITECTURAL FEATURE OF ALLAHABAD FORT:

• This fort has three magnificent galleries which are flanked by high towers.

• At present, the fort is used by the army and visitors have limited access to the area.
• The outer walls of the Allahabad Fort rises above the level of water.

• In addition, the fort also has Asoka Pillar which was built back in 232 B.C by Mauryan
Empire.

• This gigantic pillar is a polished sandstone with an height of 10.6 metre.

• At present, the fort is used by the army and visitors have limited access to the area.
• These pillars are designed in pairs except at the corners of the buildings when they are in group of fours
so that it forms a rich and elegant perspective.
• Above this colonnade rises a terraced roof contained within a perforated parapet surmounted by kiosks
with lattice screens.
• The style of the whole suggesting by its opulence the growing wealth and power of Akbar rule.
 AKBAR’S TOMB SIKANDRA

•The third Mughal emperor Akbar

the Great (1555–1605), himself
commenced its construction in
around 1600, according to Tartary
tradition to commence the
construction of one's tomb during
one's lifetime.
•Akbar himself planned his own
tomb and selected a suitable site
for it.
•After his death, Akbar's son
jahangir completed the
AKBAR’S TOMB SIKANDRA
construction in 1605-1613.
•THANK YOU