PERSIAN ARCHITECTURE: A SOURCE OF INSPIRATION FOR MUGHAL IMPERIAL MOSQUES IN NORTH INDIA

Abstract

India and Persia have had a strong socio-cultural relationship since the ancient period. There had been a cultural link between the two countries. Indo-Persian cultural amalgamation enhanced with the advent of Islam in the Indian subcontinent. The syncretism of these two cultures influenced all aspects of life, including literature, art and architecture. This paper discusses the influence of Persian architecture on Mughal imperial masques in North India. A review of literature from various scholars on possible influencing factors is presented, accompanied by an observation-based analysis of the architectural features of Persian mosques. Subsequently, the paper identifies and examines various Persian architectural elements existing in Mughal mosques in India. Findings indicate that Persian architecture significantly influenced Mughal mosques in North India and the use of locally available materials made these mosques unique in their architectural styles.