Aurangzeb and Later Mughal Architecture and Art

Aurangzeb and Later Mughal Architecture

During Aurangzeb's reign (r. 1658 - 1707), brick and rubble with stucco ornamentation replaced squared stone and marble as the building materials of choice. 

Aurangzeb was responsible for additions to the Lahore Fort and also built one of the thirteen gates, which was named for him, and the Badshahi mosque, a structure constructed from brick with red sandstone facades.

 In general, however, Mughal architecture had begun to decline during Aurangzeb's reign, a process that would accelerate after his death.

Art and Architecture during Mughal Reign

 Mughal architecture is a remarkably symmetrical and decorative amalgam of Persian, Turkish, and Indian architecture.

 Mughal architecture first developed and flourished during the reign of Akbar the Great (ruled 1556 - 1605). Akbari architecture was known for its extensive use of red sandstone as a building material. Humayun's Tomb, the sandstone mausoleum of Akbar's father, was built during this period.

Mughal architecture reached its peak in refinement and attention to detail under Shah Jahan (r. 1628 - 1658). Shah Jahan commissioned the famous Taj Mahal, a white marble mausoleum dedicated to his wife Mumtaz Mahal.

 Mughal architecture declined after the death of the emperor Aurangzeb in 1707.