TGPSC G1 – 2024

MTS 5.0
DAILY ANSWER WRITING
MODEL ANSWER
DAY – 34 INDIAN HISTORY
1) Different rulers have contributed to the evolution of Mughal architecture in India.
Discuss with examples.

Approach
▪ Introduction: Start with a short note on Indo-Muslim Architecture in India.
▪ Body:
o Discuss about the different rulers contribution to the evolution of Mughal
architecture in India.
▪ Conclusion: Conclude Appropriately.

INTRODUCTION

The Indo-Islamic-Persian style was the distinguished and chief characteristic feature of the
Mughal architecture. This style combined elements of Islamic art and architecture, which
were introduced to India by the Delhi Sultanate.

BODY

The contribution of Mughal Empire to architecture can be ascertained by tracing its

evolution across various Mughal rulers,

1. Humayun:
a) The reign of Humayun which lasted up to the middle of the sixteenth century
is marked by a heterogeneous picture of Mughal architecture. The Timurid
style can be seen in almost pure imports such as the mosque at Kachpura, Agra.
2. Akbar: Mughal architecture started gaining importance during the rule of Akbar.
a) Most of Akbar’s buildings are built with red sandstone, spared at times
through marble inlay. Fatehpur Sikri constructed in the late 1500’s bears
evidence to the era of his royal heritage.
b) In Gujarat and many other places the presence of a style, which is a mixture of
Muslim and Hindu characteristic features of architecture can be found. The

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 great mosque is one such embodiment of architectural brilliance which can be
unmatched in elegance and grandeur.
c) Humayun’s tomb and Akbar’s tomb at Sikandra are some other examples of
architectural magnificence which highlights the Mughal architecture. The
tomb placed in a garden at Delhi has a complex ground plan with octagonal
chambers at center, which is joined by an elegantly facade archway,
surmounted by cupolas, kiosks.
3. Jahangir: The period of Jahangir as Emperor is considered to be the richest period of
Mughal culture.
a) Jahangir brought the significant change from sandstone to marble in his
monuments of architecture.
b) Jahangir’s style was more Persian, like his great mosque at Lahore.
c) Akbar’s mausoleum was built during his rule.
d) Jahangir played an exceptional role in the development of gardens. “Verinag”
and “Chashma-Shahi” are gardens built by Jahangir.
e) The Gardens of Shalimar and other pavilions on the shore of Kashmir's Dal
Lake were also built by him.
Extensive use of white marble as a material was one of the striking features of
Jahangir’s time.
4. Shah Jahan: It was Shah Jahan who elevated the Mughal architecture:
a) He began a series of monumental architectural projects in Delhi. The imperial
capital Shahjahanabad was built by him between 1639 and 1648.
b) The city itself was surrounded by a wall of sixty feet. In the middle of the city
he built for himself a palace along with the buildings that were associated with
imperial administration within the Red Fort.
c) Besides the buildings, he built for himself the Peacock Throne, made of gold
and covered in rare jewels which cost over five million dollars. He also
constructed Jama Masjid of Delhi and the Moti Masjid.
d) Shah Jahan's most famous project was the Taj Mahal in Agra. With the
amalgamation of both Persian and Indian architectural styles, the tomb and
the grounds brought the Muslim idea of paradise into reality.
5. Aurangzeb: During the reign of the orthodox Aurangzeb, there was a decline of the
arts.
a) The Mughal academy was dispersed and many artists started looking towards
Rajput courts for patronage.
b) However, the famous Badshahi Mosque was built by Aurangzeb which had the
biggest praying area in the world till the construction of Faisal Mosque in
Islamabad.

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 c) During Aurangzeb’s reign (1658-1707), brick and rubble with stucco
ornamentation replaced squared stone and marble as the building materials
of choice.
d) Aurangzeb was also responsible for additions to the Lahore Fort; building one
of the 13 gates. Bibi Ka Maqbara, the burial place of Aurangzeb’s wife, Rabia-
ud-Durrani, at Maharashtra’s Aurangabad is an imitation of the Taj at Agra,
and, due to its similar design, it is popularly known as the Mini Taj of the
Deccan.

CONCLUSION

Mughal architecture was remarkably symmetrical and a decorative amalgam of Persian,

Turkish, and Indian architecture. Distinctively known for its Indo-Islamic style that
developed in northern and central India under the patronage of Mughal emperors from the
16th to the 18th century, its decline that began during Aurangzeb’s reign was accelerated after
his death.

EXTRA MILE
Characteristics of Mughal Architecture in India
Mughal architecture in India is characterized by grandiosity, symmetry, and a blend of
Persian, Islamic, and Indian elements. It often features extensive use of marble and
sandstone, intricate inlay work, and ornate carvings. Notable structures include large
domes, expansive courtyards, and ornamental gardens.
Mughal architecture is distinguished by bulbous domes, slender minarets with cupolas at
the four corners, enormous halls, massive arched doorways, and exquisite ornamentation.
Except for Aurangzeb, all of the early Mughal rulers were master architects. Indian
architecture was heavily influenced by Persian forms after the Mughals arrived. Mughal
mausoleums, mosques, forts, gardens, and towns were all magnificent. Both in structure and
character, Mughal structures follow a consistent pattern.
Mughal architecture is a distinct Indo-Islamic architectural style that emerged in northern
and central India from the 16th to the 18th centuries under the patronage of Mughal
monarchs.
It’s a stunningly symmetrical and decorative mash-up of Persian, Turkish, and Indian
architecture.
The Mughals were also known for developing gorgeous gardens in the Persian char bagh
style, in which quadrilateral gardens were divided into four smaller portions by walkways
or running water.
The Mosque also features three onion-domed domes, which are common in ancient Persian
and Timurid architecture.

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The usage of Red Sandstone is another feature that can be found throughout the Mughal
Empire’s architecture. The distinctive reddish tint of this sandstone can be found in various
notable buildings across the empire, including the appropriately titled Red Fort.

2) Explain in detail about the cultural contribution of the Vijayanagara rulers.

Approach
▪ Introduction: Introduce about Vijayanagara Empire.
▪ Body:
o Explain in detail about the cultural contribution of Vijayanagara Empire.
▪ Conclusion: Conclude Accordingly.

INTRODUCTION

The Vijayanagara kingdom which was established by Harihara and Bukka brothers who used
to be feudatories of the Kakatiyas had emerged as a strong kingdom. Later on, they had
emerged a rising power in that territory and contributed a lot to the cultural perspectives.
Cultural contributions of the Vijayanagara rulers: They built religious temples in Dravida
style and secular monuments in Indo-Persian style.

BODY

The cultural contributions of them include,

1. The temple building activity gained momentum during the Vijayanagara rule. The
chief characteristic of the Vijayanagara architecture were the construction of tall Raya
Gopurams or gateways and the Kalyana mandapam with carved pillars in the temple
premises.
a) Virupaksha temple: Sri Krishna Devaraya repaired it, may be Sangamas built
it who were the only vaishnavaites of that time.
b) The prakaras of the temples were sculpted by the various events of famous
Itihasas like Ramayana and Mahabharata. Example: Hajara Ramalaya
2. The sculptures on the pillars were carved with distinctive features. The horse was the
most common animal found in these pillars.
3. Large mandapams contain one hundred pillars as well as one thousand pillars in some
big temples. These mandapams were used for seating the deity on festival occasions.
Musical pillars were constructed in the Vittalaswamy temple. A monolithic chariot
was also sculpted inside this temple.
4. Many Amman shrines were added to the already existing temples during this period.
The most important temples of the Vijayanagara style were found in the Hampi ruins
or the city of Vijayanagara.

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 a) Vittalaswamy and Hazara Ramaswamy temples were the best examples of this
style.
b) The Varadharaja and Ekamparanatha temples at Kanchipuram stand as
examples for the magnificence of the Vijayanagara style of temple
architecture.
5. The Raya Gopurams at Thiruvannamalai and Chidambaram speak the glorious epoch
Vijayanagara. They were continued by the Nayak rulers in the later period.
6. The metal images of Krishna Deva Raya and his queens at Tirupati are examples for
casting of metal images.
7. Music and dancing were also patronized by the rulers of Vijayanagara.
8. Different languages flourished in the region with a great development in Sanskrit and
Telugu literature. The peak of literary achievement was reached during the reign of
Krishna deva Raya. He himself was a scholar in Sanskrit and Telugu. His famous court
poet Allasani Peddanna was distinguished in Telugu literature.
9. Mural paintings were found on the roof of few temples. Example: Veerabhadra
temple; A large sized is found outside this temple Thus, the cultural contributions of
the Vijayanagara rulers were many sided and remarkable.

CONCLUSION

The rulers of Vijayanagara are regarded as great protectors of Hinduism. A large number of
temples, schools, and maths were built under their patronage. Temples became very
elaborate in structure and organization during this period; even old temples were
augmented by the addition of pillared halls, pavilions, and other subordinate structures.
Vijayanagara kingdom contributed in various fields like arts, literature and architecture.

EXTRA MILE
Vijayanagara Style of Architecture
Throughout its reign, the Vijayanagara Empire constructed numerous temples. Granite was the
primary material employed by the empire, while soapstone was used for the reliefs and
sculptures that adorned the temples.
The Hoysala, Chola, and Chalukya empires, as well as other earlier empires, provided the
architectural inspiration for the Vijayanagara Empire, which combined these aspects to produce
its own distinctive architectural compositions.
They adopted the Dravidian architectural style and then added certain distinctive elements,
giving it the name Vijayanagara style.
Local firm granite was the preferred building material because of its durability, much as it had
been for the Badami Chalukyas.
Strong fences surround the Vijayanagara temples, which are distinguished by elaborately
pillared Kalyana mandapa (marriage halls), tall rayagopurams (carved colossal towers at the
entrance of the temple), and life-size statues of gods and goddesses.

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During Krishna deva Raya’s rule, the Dravida style gained popularity, and during the following
two centuries, many South Indian temples were built in this style.
Mortar combined with other materials is typically used in Vijayanagara courtly architecture.
Typically constructed of mortar and stone shards, Vijayanagara courtly architecture frequently
features secular designs with Islamic-inspired arches, domes, and vaults.
Distinctive elements of Vijayanagara architecture
Temples honoring numerous monarchs were built throughout the Vijayanagara Empire, and
their entrances were adorned with gigantic gates known as Raya Gopurams. These gates featured
intricate carvings that significantly adorned their surface.
Horses were the most popular theme for the carved pillars in open pavilions with platforms
supporting monolithic statues, like Ganesh.
Elaborately pillared Kalyana mandapa (marriage halls)
The image of the god to whom the temple was dedicated was kept in the garbhagriha, the most
sacred room in the temple, which was situated in the heart of the structure.
Amman Shrines, which were shrines dedicated to the god’s bride or wives

3) Discuss the contribution of the Delhi Sultans and Mughals to language and
literature. Explain how their patronage of the arts fostered a rich cultural synthesis in
the subcontinent.

Approach
▪ Introduction: Contextual Introduction
▪ Body:
o Discuss the contribution of the Delhi Sultans and Mughals to language and
literature.
o Explain how their patronage of the arts fostered a rich cultural synthesis in
the subcontinent.
▪ Conclusion: Conclude Accordingly.

INTRODUCTION

The Delhi Sultanate (1206-1526) and the Mughal Empire (1526-1857) were pivotal in the
evolution of language, literature in India. The Delhi Sultanate marked the beginning of
Muslim rule in India, leading to the establishment of Persian as the court language and the
introduction of Islamic artistic traditions.

BODY

Contribution to Language

1. Persian Language:

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 Introduction of Persian: Under the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal Empire, Persian
became the official court language and significantly influenced the linguistic
landscape of India.
Literary Works: Many classical Persian texts and poetry were produced, including the
works of poets like Amir Khusrau, who integrated Persian with local languages.
2. Urdu Language:
Formation: The Mughal period saw the emergence of Urdu, a language that evolved
from the fusion of Persian, Arabic, Turkish, and local Indian languages, reflecting the
multicultural nature of the Mughal court.
3. Development of Prose and Poetry:
Literary Growth: Both periods contributed to the development of diverse literary
genres, including historical chronicles, romantic poetry, and philosophical treatises.
4. Influence on Local Languages:
Vocabulary Enrichment: Persian and Arabic words were absorbed into various
regional languages, enriching their lexicon and literary expressions.
5. Administrative and Legal Language:
Persian as Official Language: Persian was used for administrative, legal, and
diplomatic correspondence, affecting the bureaucracy and documentation of the
period.

Contribution to Literature

1. Historical Chronicles:
Examples: Works such as the “Tarikh-i-Firozshahi” by Sirhindi and the “Akbarnama”
by Abu’l-Fazl were crucial in documenting historical events and royal narratives.
2. Poetry:
Amir Khusrau: Known as the ‘father of Urdu literature,’ his works merged Persian and
local vernaculars, creating a new poetic form that bridged cultures.
3. Prose Works:
Akbar’s Discussions: Emperor Akbar’s interest in intellectual debates led to the
compilation of texts on religion, philosophy, and statecraft.
4. Biographical Works:
Royal Biographies: The “Baburnama,” written by Babur, provided a detailed account
of Mughal history and culture from the emperor’s perspective.
5. Sufism and Mysticism:
Literary Influence: Sufi poets like Mir Dard and Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai contributed
to the mystical literature of the period, blending Islamic and local spiritual traditions.

Their patronage fostered cultural synthesis in terms of,

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 1. Mughal rulers like Akbar actively promoted interfaith dialogue and cultural exchange,
as seen in the establishment of the Ibadat Khana (House of Worship) at Fatehpur
Sikri.
2. Intermarriages between Mughal royalty and local rulers facilitated the blending of
cultural traditions and the incorporation of Hindu elements into Mughal architecture.
3. Sufi saints and Bhakti poets preached in local languages, appealing to a diverse
audience and fostering a sense of unity among the masses.
4. Mughal libraries and translation projects exposed scholars to a wide range of literary
and intellectual traditions, encouraging cross-cultural exchange.
5. The synthesis of Persian, Arabic, and local influences in the development of Urdu
language and literature exemplified the cultural amalgamation during this period.

CONCLUSION

The Delhi Sultans and Mughals left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of the Indian
subcontinent through their contributions to language, literature, art, architecture, fine arts,
and monuments. Their patronage of the arts fostered a rich cultural synthesis that continues
to shape the region’s identity today. The literary masterpieces, and artistic innovations of
this era stand as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal
Empire.

EXTRA MILE
Contribution to Art
1. Miniature Paintings:
Mughal Miniatures: Mughal emperors, particularly Akbar and Jahangir, were patrons of
miniature art, leading to the development of intricate, detailed paintings that depicted
court life, landscapes, and historical events.
2. Mughal Portraiture:
Royal Portraits: The Mughal court saw the creation of detailed and realistic portraits of
emperors, nobles, and courtiers, showcasing advances in artistic techniques.
3. Persian Influence:
Artistic Techniques: Persian artistic traditions influenced Mughal art, including the use of
vibrant colors, intricate designs, and thematic elements.
4. Integration with Local Styles:
Hybrid Art Forms: The blending of Persian and Indian artistic traditions led to the creation
of unique art forms that reflected the diverse cultural influences of the period.
5. Calligraphy:
Development: Calligraphy, particularly in Persian and Arabic scripts, flourished under the
patronage of the Delhi Sultans and Mughals, with many manuscripts and inscriptions
bearing exquisite calligraphic work.
Contribution to Architecture

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 1. Delhi Sultanate Architecture:
Qutb Minar: Built during the reign of Qutb-ud-din Aibak, this architectural marvel is an
example of early Indo-Islamic architecture.
Adham Khan's Tomb: Reflects the fusion of Persian architectural elements with local
styles.
2. Mughal Architecture:
Red Fort: A symbol of Mughal architectural grandeur, combining Persian, Timurid, and
Indian styles.
Taj Mahal: An iconic example of Mughal architecture, renowned for its intricate marble
work and blending of Islamic and Indian architectural styles.
3. Innovative Designs:
Charbagh Gardens: The Mughal emperors introduced the concept of Charbagh (four
gardens), which influenced garden design in the subcontinent.
4. Fortifications and Palaces:
Fatehpur Sikri: Constructed by Akbar, this city showcases the use of red sandstone and is
a testament to Mughal urban planning and architectural innovation.
5. Religious Structures:
Jama Masjid: One of the largest mosques in India, built by Shah Jahan, exemplifies Mughal
architectural prowess and Islamic artistic traditions.

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