Another postcard arrives, so here’s an excerpt to share:
As indicated in previous postcards, Mughal architecture is a mixture of Islamic, Indian, Turkish and Persian styles with a preference for red sandstone and marble as the construction materials. It is characterised by symmetry, geometrical shapes and intricate detail. The buildings feature pointed arches, massive vaulted gateways, minarets, bulbous domes, roofs lined with dome-shaped pavilions called ‘chhatri’ and windows protruding from the building’s wall called ‘jharokha’.
It sounds beautifully diverse! Here’s more to whet the travel appetite:
Mosques have large courtyards, whilst other buildings are surrounded by gardens on all four sides. Wall decorations include Arabic scriptures, floral or geometric patterns inlaid in marble with semi-precious stones and perforated lattice screens in ornamental patterns. Ceramics, glass and mirrors may line the interiors. Representation of figurative images are forbidden in Islamic decoration and as such they do not feature in Mughal architecture. In their place are stylised flowers and naturalistic decorations as observed from nature.
aka gringita 