🔆 Architecture Under Akbar
📍 Architectural Style
🟢 Akbar encouraged a hybrid architectural style, combining the arcuate system with indigenous trabeated architecture.
🟢 Buildings mainly used red sandstone. There was widespread use of trabeated construction, while arches were used more for decoration than structural support.
🟢 Domes were generally of the Lodi type, sometimes hollow but never technically of a true double order. Pillars had multifaceted shafts, while their capitals invariably took the form of bracket supports.
🟢 Decoration included boldly carved or inlaid patterns of coloured stones known as opus sectile. Akbar’s appreciation of indigenous artisans is most evident in the buildings of Fatehpur Sikri.
📍 Agra Fort
🟢 Constructed between 1565–74, Akbar’s Agra Fort was built mainly of red sandstone. The source notes the use of depressed stone, including in the ramparts.
📍 Fatehpur Sikri
🟢 Founded as a token of gratitude to Sheikh Salim Chishti, the city was begun in 1569 and completed in 1574.
🟢 Its buildings, including the Akbari Mahal, were characterised by red sandstone, trabeated construction and restricted ornamentation. Jahangiri Mahal is also located here.
🟢 The Panch Mahal, a five-storeyed palace, is among the most typical and well-known structures of Fatehpur Sikri.
🟢 The Diwan-i-Khas or Hall of Private Audience is noted for its unique design.
🟢 The Jama Masjid is exceptionally large and imposing. Its southern gateway, the Buland Darwaza, was added after Akbar’s victory over the Deccan.
🟢 The only building at Fatehpur Sikri built of white marble is the tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti, Akbar’s spiritual preceptor.
📍 Temples Under Akbar
🟢 Nilkanth Temple or Imarat-i-Dilkhusha was built in 1574 AD on Akbar’s orders by Shah Badgah, governor of Mandu. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is located amid the Nilkanth valleys.
🟢 Raja Man Singh and Akbar built the Govind Dev Temple at Vrindavan.
📍 Mains Question
Q. Akbar’s architecture represented a conscious synthesis of Persian-Central Asian and indigenous Indian traditions. Discuss with suitable examples.
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September 2, 2026 444 3
