This is a class lecture on Islamic Architecture in India. Architecture of Mughal Dynasty has covered in this lecture. Course Title: Architectural Heritage-IV Architecture Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna

1. Arch 2205 | Architectural Heritage – IV | Part-B
| Kowshik Roy | Part Time Lecturer | Architecture Discipline | Khulna University |
Islamic Architecture in India
Shah Jahan
(1628-1658)

2. 4/27/2017 2
Shahjahani Order
Under Shahjahan, Mughal architecture took a new aesthetic and entered
its classical phase.
Architectural ideal
Uniformity of shapes
Symmetry
Composition
(centralized scheme)
Bilateral Symmetry
on both side of
central axis (qarina)
Figure 01: Symmetric Taj Mahal Plan

3. 4/27/2017 3
Shahjahani Column
Multi-faceted column with a ‘muqarna’
(multi faceted) capital,
A cusped-arch base (base in the shape of
an inverted cushion capital, whose four-
flat faces are outlined like a cusped arch).
Shahjahani Order
Figure 02: Shajahani Column
The naturalistic
flowery motifs
2- dimensional
ornamentation
The chief Dado
ornaments
3-D ornamentation

4. 4/27/2017 4
Shahjahani Arch:
Multi lobbed arch commonly use in Shahjahan period.
Basic geometry of arch follows to Mughal typical tudor arch.
Shahjahani Order
Figure 03: Shajahani Arch

5. 4/27/2017 5
Shahjahani Minarets
Formal points of view
The use of multiple minarets – as 3D
compositional Element.
Form Semantic point of View
The frequent use of minarets as a
symbol of Islam may be Shahjahan’s
more orthodox attitude toward
religion.
Upward tapering cylindrical /
Octagonal shaft
Surrounded by one/more balconies
Terminated by a Chhatri
Shahjahani Order
Figure 04: Shajahani Minaret

6. 4/27/2017 6
Figure 05:Taj Mahal areal view
Taj Mahal, Agra
Mausoleum of the emperor shahjahan’s well beloved consort, Arjuand Banu
Begum, known as Mamtaj Mahal
Tear on the face of eternity

7. 4/27/2017 7
Taj Mahal, Agra
Planning scheme
Tomb itself the enclosure of Mughal garden to get rich depth and
perspective.
The master plan of whole conception takes to form a rectangle aligned
north-south of 1900’ x 1000’
Central area divided off a square garden of 1000’ side.
Entire composition is enclosed within a high wall with octagonal pavilions at
each corner.

8. 4/27/2017 8
Figure 06: Master Plan of Taj Mahal
Fatehpur Sikri, Agra

9. 4/27/2017 9
Taj Mahal, Agra
Architectural Features
Like most Mughal tombs, the basic elements are Persian in origin.
The tomb located of four isolated minarets at the corner of platform to
create 3D space of Taj within a frame.
The tomb is a large white marble structure standing on a square plinth and
consists of a symmetrical building with an iwan (an arch-shaped doorway)
topped by a large dome and finial.
The base structure is a large multi-chambered cube
with chamfered corners.
Marble relief of life like rose buses drooping lovingly in salute to the
emperor’s beloved.
Complete art of Islamic calligraphy is employed to define and border the
soffits the arches in continuous band.

10. 4/27/2017 10
Figure 07: Plan of Tomb, Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal, Agra
Main camber
Minarate

11. 4/27/2017 11
Taj Mahal, Agra
Architectural Features
Complete art of Islamic calligraphy is employed to define and border the
soffits the arches in continuous band.
The tomb is composed of octagonal chambers interconnected each
other.(9-fold)
Minarets (4 nos.) of 137’ with 3 balconies with chhatri at the top composed
at each corner of broad platform.
The shape of dome is typical bulbous shaped with a drum.
The main chamber houses the false sarcophagi of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah
Jahan; the actual graves are at a lower level.

12. 4/27/2017 12
Taj Mahal, Agra
Figure 08:Front elevation of Taj Mahal

13. 4/27/2017 13
Figure 09: Cross-section of Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal, Agra
Double dome
to reduce
internal space
height.
Actual
grave