MUGHAL GARDEN

INTRODUCTION

Mughal gardens are one of the most exquisite contributions

of the Mughal dynasty to landscape architecture. They are
renowned for their symmetrical layouts, elaborate water
channels, and lush greenery, embodying the Persian concept
of paradise on Earth. These gardens have influenced
landscape design across South Asia and beyond.
 HISTORY
A. Persian Influence (Pre-Mughal Era)
The concept of Char Bagh (four-part garden) originated from Persia and
was introduced to India by the Mughals.
Persian gardens, particularly those from the Achaemenid and Sassanian
periods, featured geometric layouts with water channels symbolizing the
rivers of paradise.
B. Timurid Influence (Central Asia)
The Mughal emperors descended from the Timurid dynasty of Central
Asia, whose capital, Samarkand, had gardens laid out in the Persian style.
Babur, the first Mughal emperor, brought the tradition to India, as he
longed for the gardens of his homeland in Ferghana (present-day
Uzbekistan).
C. Babur’s Introduction of the Mughal Garden (16th Century)
Babur, after his conquest of India in 1526, introduced formal Persian
gardens in North India, as he was dissatisfied with the lack of planned
gardens in the region.
VIEW OF TAJ COMPLEX WITH
He built Bagh-e-Nilofer (Lotus Garden) and Bagh-e-Gul Afshan in Agra
THE MEHTAB BAG ACROSS THE
and later developed Ram Bagh (oldest surviving Mughal garden in India). RIVER YAMUNA
 EVOLUTION
A. Babur (1526–1530) – The Foundation of Mughal Gardens
Built the first Mughal gardens in India, heavily influenced by Persian-
style Charbagh layouts.
Key Example: Ram Bagh, Agra (also known as Aram Bagh).
B. Humayun (1530–1540, 1555–1556) – Persian Refinements
Humayun spent his exile in Persia and brought back Safavid
influences. RAM BAGH, AGRA
Key Example: Humayun’s Tomb Garden, Delhi – the first garden-tomb
complex in India.
C. Akbar (1556–1605) – Fusion of Persian and Indian Styles
Under Akbar, Mughal gardens became larger and more integrated into
architectural complexes.
The blend of Indian Rajput elements and Persian layouts created new
variations.
Key Examples: Fatehpur Sikri Gardens, Akbar’s Tomb Garden
(Sikandra, Agra). FATEHPUR SIKRI GARDEN
 D. Jahangir (1605–1627) – Focus on Naturalism and Kashmiri Influence
Jahangir, a nature enthusiast, developed gardens in cooler climates
like Kashmir.
Key Example: Shalimar Bagh, Srinagar – with terraced levels adapted
to mountainous terrain.
E. Shah Jahan (1628–1658) – The Zenith of Mughal Garden Design
Shah Jahan's reign saw the most refined and luxurious gardens,
emphasizing symmetry, white marble, and elaborate water features.
Key Examples: SHALIMAR BAGH
Taj Mahal Garden, Agra – A perfectly proportioned Charbagh
layout.
Shalimar Bagh, Lahore – One of the most well-preserved Mughal
gardens.
F. Aurangzeb (1658–1707) and Later Mughals – Decline of Garden Building
Aurangzeb's reign focused more on military campaigns, leading to a
decline in garden construction.
Later Mughal rulers maintained existing gardens rather than
developing new ones. TAJ MAHL GARDEN, AGRA
 OBJECTIVE
A. Representation of Paradise (Jannat)
Inspired by Islamic and Persian notions of paradise,
Mughal gardens aimed to replicate the concept of Jannat, a
lush, well-irrigated, and symmetrical space with flowing
water.
This was derived from the Quranic description of heaven as
a place with rivers flowing beneath it (Surah Al-Rahman).
B. Aesthetic and Recreational Pleasure
The gardens were built as places of leisure and relaxation
for the Mughal emperors and their courts.
They provided cool, shaded environments in the intense
South Asian climate.
 C. Symbol of Power and Prestige
Mughal rulers showcased their dominance and
refined taste through grand garden designs.
These gardens were often attached to palaces,
tombs, and mosques, reflecting the wealth and
sophistication of the empire.
D. Functional and Environmental Benefits
Mughal gardens served practical purposes, such
as controlling microclimates, conserving water,
and promoting biodiversity.
The water features and shaded avenues reduced
heat, making the environment more comfortable.
 KEY FEATURES
A. Charbagh Layout
A quadrilateral garden divided into four sections by
water channels.
Represents the Islamic concept of paradise.
B. Water Features (Symbolism of Life and Purity)
Flowing water in pools, canals, fountains, and
cascades.
Often sourced from rivers or artificially created
aqueducts.
C. Terraces and Pavilions
Multi-level terraces (especially in Kashmir and Lahore
gardens).
Pavilions (baradari – open-air structures) provided
resting spaces.
 KEY FEATURES
D. Exotic Flora and Fauna
Gardens featured fruit-bearing trees (mango,
pomegranate), flowers (roses, jasmine, lilies), and
cypresses (symbolizing eternity).
Encouraged biodiversity and provided shade.
E. Symmetry and Axial Planning
Highly symmetrical geometry, reflecting order and
harmony.
Walkways and water channels formed a central axis.
 CLASSIFICATION
RECTANGULAR PEARL GARDEN
1. Rectangular Layout – Symmetrically divided into sections with
pathways.
2. Water Features – Central pools, fountains, and flowing water
channels enhance aesthetics.
3. Lush Greenery – Includes flower beds, fruit trees, and shaded
avenues. SHALIMAR BAGH, KASHMIR
4. Pavilions and Seating Areas – Used for leisure and royal
gatherings.
5. Marble and Decorative Elements – Often adorned with white
marble fountains and carved stonework, resembling a pearl-like
elegance.
Example:
Shalimar Bagh (Lahore & Kashmir) – Showcases the rectangular
garden style with terraced layouts and Mughal aesthetics.
LONG BUTTERFLY GARDEN
1. Elongated Layout – A long, narrow garden with symmetrical
divisions.
2. Curved or Angled Pathways – Designed to resemble a butterfly’s
wings or movement.
3. Floral Arrangements – Colorful flower beds and ornamental plants
enhance the aesthetic appeal.
4. Water Features – Small fountains, pools, or canals add to the Mughal RASHTRAPATI BHAVAN,
garden's paradise theme. NEW DELHI
5. Pavilions and Seating Areas – Provided for royal relaxation and
appreciation of nature.
Significance:
Symbol of Beauty and Grace – The butterfly shape represents
delicacy and nature’s elegance.
Enhanced Visual Appeal – Designed for aesthetic pleasure and
symmetry, aligning with Mughal artistic traditions.
CIRRCULAR GARDEN
1. Circular Layout – The garden is designed in a round shape, often with
a central water feature.
2. Symmetry and Radial Divisions – Pathways and planting beds radiate
outward in a balanced, geometric pattern.
3. Water Features – Fountains, pools, or canals are arranged in the
center, symbolizing paradise.
4. Floral and Greenery Elements – Includes flower beds, fruit-bearing
trees, and shaded walkways.
5. Pavilions and Seating Areas – Constructed around the garden for
leisure and relaxation.
Example:
Pinjore Gardens (Yadavindra Gardens), Haryana – Features a circular
garden section with traditional Mughal elements. YADAVINDRA GARDEN,
Significance: HARYANA
Represents infinity, unity, and the celestial world, aligning with
Mughal and Persian garden symbolism.
TERRACE GARDEN
1. Multi-Level Design – Divided into ascending
terraces.
2. Water Features – Cascading waterfalls, fountains,
and pools between levels. SHALIMAR BAGH, KASHMIR

3. Symmetry – Maintains geometric alignment and

axial planning.
4. Lush Greenery – Includes flower beds, trees, and
shaded pavilions.
Examples:
Shalimar Bagh, Kashmir – Built on three terraces
with flowing water.
Pinjore Gardens, Haryana – Features multiple PINJORE GARDENS, HARYANA
terraces and pavilions.
 EXAMPLES

RED FORT GARDEN

HUMAYUN’S TOMB TAJ MAHAL

GARDEN GARDEN