Mughal Music

The Mughals really did have a great influence over the music of South Asia. They brought with them a unique mix of musical styles from many cultures including the Persians, Hindu, and the existing Indian music. All of this resulting in several variations on musical style including some which today are known as Indian classical music which are still popular with some. They also brought some new musical instruments to the area such as the Raga, Sarod, and Tambura. Many of these can still be seen in Pakistani music today.

I find it interesting how the Mughals were able to leave such a lasting impact on some many aspects of life in South Asia. The music they left behind is rich with many sounds and different from really anything else I have heard. While I would not listen to it normally I do find it enjoyable.

Fort Agra

Fort Agra was one of the first major projects undertaken by the Mughal Emperor Akbar. Fort Agra took over fifteen years to build. It stands at the edge of the Yamuna River. Today most of the fort remains intact, though some was torn down during several wars in the 1600's.

At the time, Fort Agra was a massive show and foot hold of power in the Mughal Empire. It contained the empires largest treasury, served as the home of the emperor, it also served as the entrance point for foreign dignitaries.


The fort also stood as an artistic peice. As you can see from the above image, the building is covered in ornate stonework and rich geometric patterns. The interior is also laced with intracit columns and tilework. It was also surrounded by and filled with many gardens which contained many rare species and many others that were brightly colored.



Really I find Fort Agra to be as facinating as the Taj Mahal. It may be much less known but also has a rich history of being a keystone to an empire. I also find it amazing that Akbar also had such a strong influence over how the building was built and desighned. Books indicate that he had to approve even the smallest details before they could be carried out.

Different Forms of Mughal Art

I think one of the most interesting contributions the Mughals brought to India was there different forms of art. Not only was painting a huge part of art, but they also formed calligraphy, jewelry and mosaics. Although calligraphy was associated with painting, in some cases it was considered more important than any other works of art. I think most people see paintings and sculptures as the most skillful and important pieces of art, but for the Mughals this was not true. The penmanship of manuscript was considered of higher value because it was a combination of drawings with meaningful writing. Sometimes calligraphy was seen on the backs of paintings, even if it had no realtion to that painting. Without the Mughals bringing their cultural diversity and intelligence to India, some of these interesting aspects would not exist!

The Rise and Fall of the Muhgal Dynasty

The start of the Mughal Dynasty and how they came to power is very important to their history and influence on Pakistan. It started with one man, Zahir Al-Din Muhammad Barbur who invaded Punjab several times before he finally won in 1526. Alhtough he only had this one area of India, he expanded his territory and spread throughout the country taking over more and more land. Barbur invaded India because of a family tradition to recover their lost posessions. After the death of Barabur, his son took over and throughout the years and many different rulers, the dynasty was formed.
However, the Mughal Dyansty could not rule forever, so in 1757 we start to see a decline when the British established control over India by defeating the India Army. Although the Mughals had taken over India, they were able to centralize their governments and contribute to their culture and society.

Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal # Agra India
http://www.flickr.com/photos/12708811@N07/2992188425/


The Taj Mahal was built during the Mughal Empire. It is known to be the most fascinating piece of Architecture built during Mughal's reign. The Taj Mahal was built in 1632 by Shah Jahan. What I found to be incredibly interesting is that the Taj Mahal actually took about 21 years to build. Today a building like that can be strung together in just a few short years. Another neat fact is that it was built as a memorial for Jahan's wife after she died. The Taj Mahal is an amazing piece of architecture with thousands of vivid paintings along with beautiful art everywhere. Just another great thing that the Mughal Empire created!

History of the Mughals

Below are some interesting fact on the history of the Mughal Empire:

• Ruled India from 1526-1857
• Pakistan was part of India during the reign of the Mughal Empire meaning, the cultural perspectives along with the history carried over to Pakistan when it became its own country.
  
• Zahir al-Din Muhammad Barbur was responsible for the invasion of Punjab on several occasions. When he finally won, he continued to take over parts of India slowly.
  
• The Mughals are famous for their Architecture, Art, and Music. To this day, the Mughals culture is used in both Pakistan and India.

Mughal Art and Architechture

The Mughals were known for their amazing artwork. But they did more than just paint. They included art in everything they did, from calligraphy to paintings to their buildings and gardens. In a previous post I talked about Mughal architecture. In this it can be seen that there is a tremendous amount of effort that goes into not only making the buildings functional, but in making them beautiful as well. Looking back at the Jali, or screens, we can see that many many hours went into carving these, inlaying stones, and creating patterns and designs. Another prime example of beauty in architecture is the Taj Mahal, built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife. This building is well known for its amazing gardens and spectacular architecture.

The rule of the Mughals saw a rise and fall in the arts from emperor to emperor. Some took more interest in the arts than others, others tried to change the style of the art.

Overall I find the art of the Mughals to be facinating and amazing, but most of all I am astounded by how they incorporated it into their way fo living, so much of the art was useful. Not to mention how they brought it into their form of architecture. Even modest homes incorportated many aspects of the artictic architecture. All of this I find amazing given the technology of the time.

More Mughal Music

The Mughal empire played a big part in the music of India. During their rule, Indian classical music was well known and emerged into two separate traditions of the north and south due to Islamic influence. New classical music, Khayal and Ghazal transformed during the time of the Mughal rule. The khayal form of music is said to be a mix of musical theory and Persian musical expression.

Also new instruments were introduced like the Sitar, Sarod, and Tabla. The Sarod and Sitar are the most commonly used instruments for classical music in northern India. They are instruments with strings, somewhat resembling a guitar. Tabla are Indian drums made out of wood and steel or iron and are used in many traditional and classical songs. Classical music was very popular when the Mughals were ruling especially when Akbar was in power because he was very into the arts. Here is a video of two men playing Tabla drums and a Sarod!

Mughal Literature

During the Mughal Period there was a tremendous amount of literature that was created. The main focus on literature during this time period was religion. This Carried on into today's society because religion plays a vital role of the people of Pakistan. Many libraries were established due to the Mughal's great interest in literature. Also, during the Mughal period many things were translated; the Hymns that were eventually evolved into the music that is listened to still today. Something I found interesting was that everything was written on palm leaves until the 16TH Century when printing was established. The Mughal's are overall known for their historical works, their translations such as the hymns, and poetry and novels. The Mughal's were very dedicated to their education and always took great pride in their knowledge and literature.

Quad-e-Azam Library, Lahore, Pakistan

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sarfrazh/2599957383/

Mughal Music

Music is very popular in the Pakistan Culture. Pakistan Music dates back from the Vedas which are texts that date back from 4000-1000 B.C. The Vedas texts contain about a thousand hymns. From these hymns evolved the music that is still played in today's Pakistan Society. Due to the Muslim invaders during the 12Th Century music in the Northwest changed, whereas the music in the south stayed the same. Due The actions of the northwest invaders there are now two different types of music; Karnatic which is the type of music in the south and Hindustani is listened in the Northern parts of India. In Pakistan today the music is very interesting. I Happen to enjoy the beat and style of the music. Most songs I have heard really want to make me Dance. Below is a video on Pakistan's more modern music. You can see all the spectators dancing and having a great time. I hope everyone enjoys the music as much as I do!

Mughal Architecture

The Mughals had a profound effect in architecture in South Asia. The style they brought was also combined with the style of the architecture that was already in place. This resulted in several features which are seen consistently in most buildings from the era.

Here are some examples:

Jharokha - This is a style of overhanging balcony which was commonly used by the Mughals. It could be used for decoration (such as the example to the left), or they could be used to position archers to protect the building. So these balconies are combined with both style and function.





Chhatri - These are elevated dome pavilions. They are usually supported by columns and elaborately decorated and painted. They tend to stand on a raised platform. Chhatri means umbrella, named for the shape of the dome. They can also be placed on buildings as decoration or as a pavilion to enjoy on the roof.






Jali - These are decorated screens which have geometric or ornamental patterns included in them. They can be made with either wood or stone. They were at one point carved out entirely by hand. The Mughals used inlaying to incorporate the use of semi-precious stones and marble to create even more intricate patterns.







The Mughals were also known for their use of gardens in both building and landscaping. Such gardens surrounded important buildings as a sign of power and beauty. Examples of this can be seen around the Taj Mahal and in the image to the right.

The Mughals brought some amazing aspects to Indian and Pakistan architecture, so much of which is still used and seen today. It is these traits that we most often think of when we think of architecture from this region.

Mughal influence on Art/Architecture

Akbar was the first Mughal to do Persian translations because of his interest in literature and religion, which many emperors later followed.

After the death of Akbar, an active member of the arts, his son Jahangir took over from 1605-1627. He had a strong artistic taste preferring simple paintings. Calligraphy samples and paintings were well known during his era and he believed he could recognize any painter's works.


However the man, Shah Jahan, known in India for his architectural achievements came to power in 1628. He commissioned a tomb for his wife after her death in 1631 and was completed sixteen years later. This tomb is called the Taj Mahal and is one of the best known monuments in India and in the world. There is an eightfold garden and pool in front and the building is made out of white marble, which makes it stand out even more. The tomb was made in the architectural style of a mosque, which was brought to India by the Mughals. It consists of domes and minarets, following the traditional mosque style. The Mughals were very influential to India and made a big impact on their art and architecture.