Mughal Architecture: Did you mean...?

The urdubegis were a group of female warriors in the Mughal Empire, who protected the zenana, the harem of the emperor. Although the origins of female bodyguards go back to the beginning of Indian civilizations, the urdubegis were a Mughal...

Gothic cathedrals are some of the most recognizable and magnificent architectural feats. With soaring towers and softly filtered light streaming through stained glass windows, everything about the Gothic cathedral is transportive and ethereal...

One of the lasting contributions ancient cultures have made to modern life is architecture, both in terms of surviving monuments and their influence on contemporary buildings around the world. Ambitious rulers set up pyramids in Egypt and...

The unique contribution of the Minoan civilization to European architecture is possibly most evident in the great palace structures of the major Minoan centres of Knossos, Phaistos, Malia and Zakros. Perhaps influenced by Egypt and the Near...

Adisthana - the decorative raised platform on which a temple is built. Alasa kanya - a decorative female figure. Amalaka - a large fluted stone disc placed on top of a Nagara tower taking its form from the amla or myrobalan fruit native...

Abacus - a large slab placed above the column capital to support the architrave or an arch placed above it. Akroterion - a decorative piece added to the roof of a temple at the apex and corners, usually made of clay or bronze and often in...

A later Mughal painting, as practiced at provincial centers such as Lucknow during the 18th century, where "a less imperial and more leisurely, graceful style" was adopted. This painting depicts a Mughal prince and princess, accompanied by...

A zebra presented to the fourth Mughal Emperor Jahangir (1569-1627). Opaque watercolour and gold on paper, by Mansur, 1621, Mughal. Museum no. IM.23-1925. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London

Examples of illuminated calligraphy and ornamentation from two Mughal folios. Ink with opaque watercolour and gold on paper. The calligraphy is by Mir 'Ali, 16th century, Iran; borders, (left) about 1610 – 20, (right) c. 1630 – 50, Mughal...

Portrait of Mughal Princess Nadira Banu Begum, miniature painting attributed to Balchand from the Dara Shikoh Album, folio 20, 1631-1632. Nadira Banu Begum (1618-1659) was the daughter of Sultan Parviz Mirza and wife to Prince Dara Shikoh...