Mughal Architecture in India Flashcards
1
Q
What is the char-bagh?
A
- Literally means ‘four gardens’
- Notion of four rivers
- Milk, wine, honey, water
- Each river part of the absolute paradise, and can be conceived as paradises in themselves
- Reminders of the transcience of this world, the greatness of the afterlife
2
Q
The Alhambra, Granada, Spain, palace from 1238
A
- Created for Mohammed the First
- Fortified palace
- Sits on own natural acropolis
- Series of halls and courtyard
- Water intrinsic to the design - form of axis
- Scalloped arches in the courtyards
- Walls consist of calligraphic poetry
- Series of mural, coloured mosaics on the walls
- Intellectual contemplation, introspection, circumambulation
- Human figure not allowed to be depicted
3
Q
What is a muqarna?
A
honeycomb projections from the ceilings that resemble stalactites.
4
Q
Humayun’s Tomb, Dehli, India, 1565
A
- Follows char-bagh form - axial route to the pavillion
- Entry uses red sandstone - stone inlays
- Outergate projects forward - welcoming
- Low base, arcaded podium
- Climaxed by bulbous dome (dome of heaven), on cylindrical drum
- Stone, not tiles, used in interior
- Elaborate plasterwork on dome’s double shell interior (quite low)
5
Q
Fatehpur Sikri, Agra, India, 1570
A
- Great, foritifed city complete with walls
- Thanksgiving for the birth of a son
- Giant couryards and palaces, made of red sandstone
- Repetitive floral motif
- Domes placed over sites of prayer
- Imperial gate 1573 - decorated with chatra - dome like structures
- Contains ornamental pools, or tanks
6
Q
What is a chhajja?
A
Projecting or overhanging eaves, usually supported on large, carved brackets - climatically responsive, provides shade
7
Q
What is a jali?
A
Carved screen windows, often containing calligraphy
8
Q
Taj Mahal, Agra, India, 1630
A
- Tomb dominates the landscape
- Char-bagh forecourt
- Chatra extends beyond primary architecture
- Entrance gate reminiscent of fhatepur sikri
- Tomb sits on a podium of sorts
- White marble material, create the impression of floating
- Minarets extend the architecture
- Characteristics, decorative stone inlays
9
Q
Red Fort, Dehli, India, 1640
A
- Collection of round parks, series of char-bagh gardens
- Practical, but also constant reminder of afterlife
- Like a mini city
- Spaces for entertainment, prayer, bathing
- Bangla roof - stone version of the hut
- Same elements present - chajja, chatra, jali, red sandstone, extensive gateway, entallio (decorative stone inlay)
10
Q
A
