Architectural Marvels: Taj Mahal and Jama Masjid

Architectural Marvels: Taj Mahal and Jama Masjid

In north India, the Mughal period saw a dramatic rebirth of Islamic architecture. Persian, Indian, and diverse regional styles were combined under the influence of the Mughal emperors to produce works of remarkable beauty and finesse.

Taj Mahal: It was constructed in Agra by Shah Jahan as a mausoleum or tomb for his deceased wife Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal’s chief architect was Ustad-Ahmad Lahori who built this 7th Wonder on the banks of river Yamuna. The Taj Mahal is considered the best example of Mughal architecture, a combination of Indian, Persian, and Islamic forms, because of its perfect proportions and seamless incorporation of ornamental elements. Twin mosques, magnificent landscapes, and a museum are among the other attractions.

Taj Mahal complex:

• It has its entrance through a huge red sandstone gateway, the opening arch of which strikingly outlines the mausoleum
• It has a Chaar Bagh style, built with paths in a zig-zag manner with watercourses, mixed with pools and fountains

• The structure is situated on the northern end of the bagh to make it in consonance with the riverbank
• At the corners of the terrace stand 4 tall, tapering minarets, 132 ft high
• The main building is roofed with a drum and dome and 4 cupolas forming a gorgeous skyline
• The plinth, walls, and drum-dome are inappropriate proportion to each other
• A red sandstone mosque is erected in the east and to provide a sense of balance to the white marbled tomb
• A contrasting feature is provided by these marbles which surround the red sandstone structure. These marbles were mined from Makrana in Rajasthan

Tomb structure:

• It is a square with chambers forming 8 sides, gaps with deep arches
• The structures consisting of contrasting planes produced a mix of shades and various effects

Interior arrangements:

• The mausoleum consists of a crypt below and a vaulted, octagonal tomb chamber above, with a room at every angle, each of them connected with corridors
• Jalis carved in the arched voids of the interiors via which the light reaches every part of the mausoleum
• With the help of a double dome, the ceiling is as high as the façade creating a void

For providing appropriate effects for both the interior and exterior surfaces of the Taj Mahal, 4 types of embellishments have been used, these are:

1. Jalis and beautiful volutes (spiral ornament on a pillar) and jalis are delicately carved on both the high and low reliefs. Stone carvings are also present.
2. Creation of arabesques with Stone inlay technique of  Pietra Dura (yellow marble, jade and jasper) on walls and tombstones.
3. Geometric and symmetrical designs with tessellation. 
4. Calligraphy is used along with the inlay of jasper in white marble to carve out Quranic verses.

Jama Masjid: In medieval times, a city had one Jama Masjid, which became the mainstay of the lives of the people, both Muslim and non-Muslim living in the immediate surroundings. This happened because of the concentration of a lot of commercial and cultural exchanges.

Jama Masjid, the Indian subcontinent’s second biggest mosque, is also a magnificent example of Mughal architecture. Jama Masjid and its courtyard are situated on a ledge more than 30 steps above the street, providing the mosque with a commanding view of the surrounding region.

• Usually, such a mosque was huge, having an open courtyard, surrounded by cloisters on three sides
• In the west lies the Qibla Liwan. The mihrab and the mimbar for the Imam were present here
• While offering prayers, people faced the mihrab as it pointed in the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca

Conclusion

Mughal architecture, with its ideal combination of Islamic, Turkish, Indian, and Persian components, has created masterpieces that never cease to astound visitors. The Mughals built a lot of magnificent first mosques, tombs, and palaces in India throughout their 300-year reign, leaving their imprint on the country’s historical splendour for all time.