The Architecture of the Mughals in India

The Mughal Empire was established in India at the beginning of the 16th century and flourished for almost 3 centuries before its decline in 1858. The most remarkable period of the Mughal Empire was during the reign of Sultan Jalal El Din Akbar, or Akbar the Great, who ruled from around the middle till the end of the 16th century. The Mughals have left a number of interesting monuments that are included in several travel packages to India. Almost all Mughal kings gave special attention to building and architecture as they symbolized how great their ruling period was and how strong they were. According to their beliefs, the power and the glory of a man, or a king, were assessed according to his architectural achievements. Tourists who travel to India still admire several buildings that were constructed during the Mughals era. The Mughals even linked the legitimacy of the kings of their empire with architecture. They believed that the king is the vicegerent of god on earth and he represented how perfect and great a man should be. This is why their architectural achievements were magnificent and survived to grab the attention of many tourists who spend their vacations in India. When Baburs, the first Mughal Sultan, took control of Delhi in 1526, he had several architectural ambitions. However, the only remaining monuments established by the founder of the Mughals Empire, which are sometimes explored by some of the travelers who tour India, include a few water wells, a garden pool, and three small mosques. After the death of Baburs, his oldest son, Humayun became the Sultan of the Mughal Empire. He had some impressive building constructed. However, only a few ruins remained until today. This includes a mosque featured with its Timurid features including a long high portal and a prayer area that included a dome. In 1533, Humayun began constructing his citadel in Delhi which became one of the main landmarks of the Mughals Empire architecture which is quite distinctive. Many travelers who spend their ,vacations in India are particularly interested in their buildings and establishments. A whole new era began when Akbar, the most famous and glorious Mughals’ Sultan became the ruler of the Empire in 1556. His first architectural project was the construction of a tomb for his father, Humayun which was quite impressive. He also built a citadel in his new capital in Agra. These monuments welcome hundreds of vacationers who travel to India. The most notable building established during the ruling period of Akbar is the Jahangir Mahal, a palace specified to house the ladies of the royal family of the Mughals. Located inside the Agra Fort, the characteristics of the Mughals architecture were quite evident in this palace including the features of its courtyard, interiors, and even the façade. This palace is often included in many India travel packages that include a visit to Agra. Another notable historical site dating back to the ruling period of Akbar is Fatehpur Sikri, a city founded by Akbar in 1572. Many sections of this city survived until today as evidences of how great and prosperous this city once was. A number of specially tailored travel packages to India include many of the buildings constructed during the ruling period of the Mughals.