Heritage of The Mughals

We've driven all over Northwestern India in a white Ambassador, India's classic car. From Rishikesh to Agra and into Rajasthan we've seen evidence of the tremendous monuments left by the Mughal Empire during the 15th through 17th century. The most famous of these is the Taj Mahal in Agra, which some say is the most beautiful structure in the world. When I finally laid my eyes on the real thing, I, too, felt it one of the most beautiful buildings I have ever seen. Its cool white marble surface emits a solemn, peaceful energy.

The most photographed view of the Taj Mahal is from the front gates. From that position the geometric gardens, pools and fountains stretch towards the dominating mausoleum. Built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb for his beloved wife, Wumtaz Mahal, it sits like a meditating priestess, surrounded by four minarets at each corner. The name, Taj Mahal, fits the structure well. It means "Crown of the Palace".

We entered the grounds before sunrise and at this early hour the area was still quite. Only a few other tourists were visiting and we felt able to appreciate its beauty fully. Seeing the Taj in photos is one thing, but being up close, touching the intricate inlayed prayers and patterns with your finger, is a whole other level of appreciation.

The sacred Persian scripts, as well as the motifs of flowers and animals were all laid out using 28 gems and minerals gathered from all over India, China, Tibet and the Middle East. The primary material used in the structure is white Rajasthan marble, which has been so precisely cut and put together that not even the smallest insect could crawl inside.

In addition to the Taj, there are a number of old forts and palaces left behind by the Mughals in Rajasthan. Forts seem to be built on strategic desert hilltops and mountains, and are recognized for their historic and artistic significance. We visited the Amber (pronounced "Amer") Fort located outside Jaipur, Junagarh located in Bikaner, and Meherangarh in Jodhpur. Each one of these forts is huge, with outer walls typically soaring up to 100 meters. Inside, they all boast splendid palaces and residence. The layout is a maze of corridors and rooms.

Each fort and palace comes with its own presentation. The most enjoyable to us was Meherangarh in Jodhpur, which provides a well-documented audio tour. The fort is still managed and operated by the local Maharaja himself. Rajasthani style decorations are a common feature in these Forts. Stone, mud, ash, minerals, glass and mirrors are used to create geometric patterns and motifs of flowers and animals. They are a fusion of exotic India and Persian cultures with local customs suitable to the land.

The Mughals left behind these monuments with stunning beauties and endearing stories. They show not only their artistic and often-poetic sensibilities, incredible mathematical and architectural skills, but also their capacity to combine all of these to express themselves. While these may not necessarily represent the current Muslim cultures, the Mughals' heritage provides a hint for understanding them through their past.