Mughal Sculptures

Mughal Sculptures

Mughal Sculptures came into existence with Babur and continued till the reign of Aurangzeb.

The Mughal sculptures emerged in India during 16th and 17th centuries. This school of architecture brought in the Persian influence on Indian art and architecture. The Mughal sculptures specifically refer to those art pieces that were created from the Babur era. The sculptures during Babur era include the sculpture of Kabuli Bag Mosque, sculpture of Jami Masjid, Sambhal (Rohilkhand) and the sculpture of Lodi Fort Mosque, Agra. The monuments constructed by Muslim rulers before this were purely in the Persian style. But the Mughal architecture and sculptures also reflected an Indian touch.

Kabuli Bag Mosque, Indian Sculptures

Due to an amalgamated style a separate set of features of Mughal sculptures evolved. These features were also apparent in the sculptures during Humayun Era. It was under the Mughal emperor, Akbar that the Mughal art and sculpture truly flourished. The Mughal architecture thus witnessed the construction of some of the most opulent buildings in its history. The sculptures during Akbar era comprised calligraphy and thick foliage designs. Architectural elements like domes, chhatris, jharokhas and arched gateways were primarily used. The tradition of constructing grand buildings continued. This is evident from the architecture and sculptures during Jahangir era.

But the Mughal architecture and sculptures reached their zenith under the rule of Shah Jahan. The sculptures during Shah Jahan era are reminiscent of the passion of the emperor for art and architecture. The Taj Mahal was built by the same emperor. However the sculptures during Aurangzeb era show a downward slide. These sculptures were simpler and style and lacked the love and passion of the early emperors.

One of the most prominent features of Mughal architectures was that it was successful in influencing the native style, especially the Rajput sculpture and architecture.

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