Akbar period architecture is the building style that developed in India under the patronage of the Mughal emperor Akbar (1556-1605). The style is best exemplified by the fort at Agra (built 1565-74) and the magnificent city of Fatehpur Sikri (1569-74), but fine examples are also found in the gateway to the Arab Sarai Delhi (c. 1560), the Ajmer fort (1564-73), the Lahore fort with its outstanding decoration (1586-1618), and the Al-lahabad fort (1583-84, now largely dismantled).
The architecture of the Akbar period is characterized by a strength made elegant and graceful by the rich decorative work. Many elements from the Hindu tradition were absorbed in the decorative work.
The fortress-palace of Agra is impressive for the massive enclosure wall, its entire length of 1,1/2 miles (2,1/2 kilometres) faced with dressed stone. The main entranceway, known as the Delhi gate, is attractively decorated with white marble inlay against the warm red sandstone.
The capital city of Fatehpur Sikri is one of the most notable achievements of Islamic architecture in India. The city, deserted only a few years after it was built, is a great complex of palaces and lesser residences, religious, and official buildings,, all erected on top of a rocky ridge 26 miles west of Agra. The Divan-e Khass, or Hall of Private Audience, is arresting in its interior arrangement, which has a single massive column encircled by brackets supporting a stone throne platform, from which radiate four railed balconies. The Jodha Bai palace and the residence of the prime minister, Birbal, again show in their niches and brackets features adopted from Hindu religious and secular architecture.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment