What Were the Sources for the Design of the Taj Mahal?
What were the sources for the design of the Taj Mahal?
Conceived as both an instrument of propaganda and of an earthly replica of the house of Mumtaz in paradise, the Taj Mahal is considered one of the most beautiful and symbolic buildings in the world. It is the finest examples of Mughal architecture, a style that merges elements from Persian, Islamic and Indian architectural styles, and a style that greatly influenced the Hindu community. Throughout history, the origins and sources that were used for the design of the Taj Mahal and the effect that the Mughals had in India over architecture, has been of argument. I examine such views to suggest the direct and indirect sources of influence for both the style and design of the Taj Mahal.
Before attempting to draw from the sources of which the Taj Mahal’s design was based, one must first look at the general outlook on Mughal art in India. They had both a love for colour and for elaborate decoration, adopting many different manners. In the art and architecture of Akbar’s period, an attempt was made to sough cultural fusion. This period shows the first evidence of Hindu symbols being used in Mughal architecture. Many icons and symbols from ancient times in modified and original form were used as decorative motifs throughout the Mughal period, but with a complete change of policy with the reign of Aurangzeb (who was puritan at heart, hating everything Islamic), these motifs became only for aesthetic effect rather than symbolic. But along with these motifs, typical Islamic elements – geometry, calligraphy and arabesque features – continued to appear.
The Taj Mahal is an example of this emergence of rich architecture. It is said that many holistic symbols of Hindus had been followed in designing the Taj Mahal, and, some would say most importantly, the lotus.
The lotus is a holy symbol of Indian cultural heritage. It is mentioned in all Hindu scriptures and is highly sacred, as one can see with Lord Brahama and
Conceived as both an instrument of propaganda and of an earthly replica of the house of Mumtaz in paradise, the Taj Mahal is considered one of the most beautiful and symbolic buildings in the world. It is the finest examples of Mughal architecture, a style that merges elements from Persian, Islamic and Indian architectural styles, and a style that greatly influenced the Hindu community. Throughout history, the origins and sources that were used for the design of the Taj Mahal and the effect that the Mughals had in India over architecture, has been of argument. I examine such views to suggest the direct and indirect sources of influence for both the style and design of the Taj Mahal.
Before attempting to draw from the sources of which the Taj Mahal’s design was based, one must first look at the general outlook on Mughal art in India. They had both a love for colour and for elaborate decoration, adopting many different manners. In the art and architecture of Akbar’s period, an attempt was made to sough cultural fusion. This period shows the first evidence of Hindu symbols being used in Mughal architecture. Many icons and symbols from ancient times in modified and original form were used as decorative motifs throughout the Mughal period, but with a complete change of policy with the reign of Aurangzeb (who was puritan at heart, hating everything Islamic), these motifs became only for aesthetic effect rather than symbolic. But along with these motifs, typical Islamic elements – geometry, calligraphy and arabesque features – continued to appear.
The Taj Mahal is an example of this emergence of rich architecture. It is said that many holistic symbols of Hindus had been followed in designing the Taj Mahal, and, some would say most importantly, the lotus.
The lotus is a holy symbol of Indian cultural heritage. It is mentioned in all Hindu scriptures and is highly sacred, as one can see with Lord Brahama and
References: - Havel, E.B. (1913). Indian Architecture: Its Psychology, Structure and History - Lall, John (1992) - Petruccioli, Attilio (2006). Rethinking the Islamic Garden - Stielin, Henri (1994) (Paperback) - Tillotson, G. H. R. (1990) (Paperback). Mughal India (Architectural Guides for Travelers) - Volwahsen, Andreas (1990)