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HISTORY
What were the main types of gardens and parks created by the Mughals?
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The Mughal rulers of India were known for their love of gardens and parks, and they created several notable types during their reign from the 16th to 18th centuries. The main types of Mughal gardens and parks included:
Charbagh Gardens:
These were the most characteristic Mughal garden style, featuring a quadrilateral layout divided into four equal parts by walkways and flowing water channels.
The four parts were meant to symbolize the four rivers of paradise described in Islamic texts.
Examples include the Taj Mahal gardens in Agra and the Shalimar Gardens in Lahore.
Pavilion Gardens:
These gardens were built around ornate pavilions, often set on raised platforms or islands in the center of the garden.
The pavilions served as pleasure retreats, audience halls, or tombs for the Mughal royalty.
Examples include the Tomb of Humayun and the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah in Agra.
Hunting Parks:
The Mughals established large enclosed parks for hunting wild game like deer, boar, and leopards.
These parks were surrounded by high walls and contained meandering walkways, pavilions, and water channels.
The Shalamar Gardens in Srinagar and the Wah Gardens in Rawalpindi were examples of Mughal hunting parks.
Pleasure Gardens:
These were less formal gardens designed for leisure, entertainment, and relaxation of the Mughal elite.
They often featured ornamental pools, fountains, flowerbeds, and shaded walkways.
The Nishat Bagh in Srinagar and the Pinjore Gardens near Chandigarh were examples of Mughal pleasure gardens.
The Mughal gardens and parks showcased the dynasty’s love of nature, architectural grandeur, and Islamic design principles. They became an influential part of the Mughal cultural legacy in South Asia.
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