MOGUL GARDENS

 Formal styles, orderly, symmetrically planned and accommodated in rectangular or square plots.
 The gardening style of Mogul was an extended plan of basic form of Char Bagh design of
paradise garden of Persia.
 Primitive plan- plot divided into four equal plots by water channels in the center. These channels
are raised above ground and used for irrigating the field. These water channels represent the
four rivers of life..
 Plots planted with trees and flowering plants. Axis- straight and central, cutting at right angles to
another axis in the centre. Sometimes axis represented by line of trees.
 Water channels are filled with running water which provides freshness and coolness to the
garden. Reflection of blue sky, stars, moon, trees – unique attraction to visitors.
 Raised level of central tank- concept of Chadar or water sheet by overflowing water from the
tank. Falling of water in spring manner- added beauty of gardens.

TERRACES

 To maintain proportion of land in view of the garden, basic plan is extended into terraces
irrespective of topography of land.
 Presence of 7,8 or 12 terraces symbolizes planets or paradise or zodiac.
 The entrance is at lowest terrace and terminal building at last terrace with the exception of
Pinjore Garden.
 Terraces are also made on flat ground by dividing land into terraces.

RUNNING WATER

 Presence of running water- life of Mogul gardens. Broad water canals are made in overall
proportion of the area. Central water course is strong and dominant. Fountains make the central
axis.
 Running water in the form of a cascade or chadar makes garden splendid. Different types of
chadar like
1. Silent or ripple chadar
2. Patterned chadar(in water ripples are at level to another level)
3. Carved marble chadar or water chute.

HIGH PROTECTING WALL

Protected by a high strong wall. Top of wall- adorned by battlements. Such high protecting walls are
necessary to provide a protection to the garden against hot winds. These walls also protected against
enemies in insecure days. Chieftains along with wives, and concubines used to take shelter in these
gardens in emergency.
ENTRANCE

Important feature which gives access to the gardens. Tall and gorgeous. Doors are huge and strong
wooden structure studded with heavy iron nails and spikes. Heavy gates provided to protect from
enemy attack.

TERMINAL BUILDING

A gorgeous and superb structure. Best example- Taj Mahal. The buildings have dynamic force which
attracts the mind of the viewers. To make balance other buildings on side are made.

BARDARI

A canopied building with 12 open doors(3 in each direction). These structures were made to enjoy
nature, black clouds, rains and fresh breexe, etc. Also used to hold parties and different programmes.
These are also stone platforms or chabutras from where the emperor could enjoy the breathtaking
beauty of the spring blossom or fruit trees. Probably would have been covered with carpet to protect
from sun.

SYMBOLISM IN MOGUL GARDENS

 Water- source of life.

 Cross, formed in the centre by intersection of water channels- symbol of meeting of humanity
with God as propounded in many religions.
 Divided into eight parts representing eight divisions of THE QURAN.
 In traditional planting of alternate cypress and flowering trees along waterways represented
immortality and renewal of life respectively.
 White Kachnar(Bauhinia alba) represented the youth and life.

PLANT MATERIAL USED BY MOGUL EMPERORS

 Plant material: selected carefully, planted giving the formal effect. Selection was dependent on
the local conditions.
 Planted fruit trees, flowering plants, shrubs and colorful annuals to give a new life to gardens.
 Fragrant flowers – maximum attraction.
 KASHMIR- chinar(Platanus orientalis), white poplar(Poplar alba), cypress, apple, peach, plum,
cherries, quince, pomegranate and fig plants.
 PLAINS- mango, grape, fig, gular, aonla, orange, peach, plum, etc.
 SPRING FLOWERING TREES- Safed Kachnar(Bauhinia alba), palas(Butea monosperma),
champa(Michelia champaka) and Chaltha(Dilenia indica), Chandan(Santalum album)
 FRAGRANT SHRUBS- Jasmium sambac, J.multiflorum, J.grandiflorum, roses, screw pine.
 FLOWERING PLANTS- carnations, hollyhock, laskspur, sunflower, cock’s comb, amaranthus,etc.