The legacy of the Mughals is unparalleled in a country like India and is a part of our daily lives. They ruled from 1526-1857, which is nearly 3 centuries. In the first hundred years, the Mughal empire was at its most powerful! The succession went thus: Emperor Babur, Emperor Humayun, Emperor Akbar, Emperor Jahangir, Emperor Shah Jahan, and Emperor Aurangzeb! Here are some of the best things that the Mughals left us!
1) Architectural Marvels– This is the first and foremost thing. In Delhi and Agra especially, as well as in other places in India, one is sure to find magnificent architectural structures dating back to the Mughal period, which tell a fascinating history, built by the different Mughal emperors. These include Humayun’s Tomb (by Emperor Humayun), Fatehpur Sikri (by Emperor Akbar), and Red Fort and Agra Fort (by Emperor Shahjahan). Other than these, Itmad Ud Daula in Agra (by Nur Jahan, for her mother), Bibi ka Maqbara (by Emperor Aurangzeb) numerous others. Not only are they all architectural marvels, in terms of the innovations, details and carvings, and tessellations, but their tall towering outlook gives these cities a scenic appeal! Then there is the ultimate beauty, which makes India, what it is, the Taj Mahal!
2) The Taj!- The Taj Mahal, built by Shahjahan for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, in 1631, is probably something that everyone in the world should get to see! It is mesmerizing. Studded with stones, and carved entirely of marble, it shines and glows in the sun, and symbolizes eternity, beauty, and love! It is the heart-throb and pride of all Indians!
3) Breathtaking Designs – One of the legacies is their sense of design and intricate patterns, depicting flora and fauna! Today, one sees them even taken up by designers to decorate shawls, kurtas, and more. But the tessellations and carvings at these architectural structures are where it takes influence from. They are extremely sophisticated, and attractive. These clothes are undoubtedly something you would want to buy just after seeing it!
4) Paradisical Gardens – The Mughals introduced a new type of garden that is the char bagh style, which can be seen today at the Humayun’s Tomb and Taj Mahal! These gardens symbolized paradise!
5) Other cultural aspects- Other than architecture, the Mughals also introduced other major aspects, such as massive advancements in Indian classical music, paintings that will the viewer gape in amazement, and magnificent manuscripts! Another major aspect is food. Mughlai food was introduced and patronized by them, which you can help yourself to at Chandni Chowk, a marketplace commissioned by Shah Jahan!
