Sculptures During Aurangzeb Era

Sculptures During Aurangzeb Era

Sculptures during Aurangzeb Era were primarily restricted to the religious buildings.

Shah Jahan, the Mughal Emperor, was succeeded by Aurangzeb in 1658 AD. The Mughal tradition of building opulent buildings came to a halt with Aurangzeb's ascend to the throne. Being an orthodox Muslim he restricted his creative urges to mosques and tombs. As a result the sculptures during Aurangzeb era lacked the early Mughal elegance. The monuments built during Aurangzeb's reign also reflect his basic principles. The Mughal emperor led a life of an ascetic and preferred a simple lifestyle. This simplicity has been transferred on the monuments built by him in Delhi.

Moti Masjid, Indian Sculpture

The architecture and sculpture of Moti Masjid (Delhi) was created during his reign. This monument is part of the important buildings in Red Fort. Carved out of white pristine marble this mosque was basically built as a private place for worshipping for the emperor himself. The usual features of Mughal sculpture and architecture are, however, apparent, especially, the Persian influence.

The detailed inlay works define the sculpture of Badshahi Mosque. For a change re sandstone has been used to construct this mosque. It is considered one of the finest architectural specimens from Aurangzeb era. Aurangzeb is also accredited with the construction of Bibi Ka Maqbara. This is one of the sculptures during Aurangzeb era that was created in imitation of the Taj Mahal. But beyond doubt the sculpture of Taj Mahal supersedes it in craftsmanship.

Recently Updated Articles in Indian Sculpture


•	Temple Sculpture of Khajuraho Temple Sculpture of Khajuraho is composed of finely grained stone; this temple pragmatically endorses the eroticism. Khajuraho Temple is located in Central India in the state of Madhya Pradesh.

•	Sculpture of Konark Temple The temple is designed to achieve the shape of a colossal chariot with seven horses and twelve wheels of the Sun God. The temple of the Sun at Konark is magnificent in its construction and if often referred to as the “Black Pagoda”.

•	Saptamatrika Sculptures of South India The Saptamatrika is a South Indian sculpture that is said to contain energies of the deities of the Hindu pantheon. Saptamatrika Sculptures of South India dates back to 3rd century B.C. In most of the ancient temples of South India, the sculptures of the Saptamatrikas are found.

•	Khajuraho Erotic Figures Khajuraho Erotic sculptures are an integral feature of the Khajuraho Temple. However, the erotic carvings have been done only outside the temple. These temples are one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

•	Lion Capital at Sarnath Lion Capital at Sarnath was set up by Emperor Ashoka of Maurayan era. It has four lions sitting back to back and is said to represent the wheel of Law.

E-magazine

Subscribe to E-Magazine on Art & Culture