MUGHAL GARDENS

MUGHAL GARDENS are a group of gardens built by the Mughals in the Islamic style of
architecture. This style was influenced by Persian gardens. Significant use of rectilinear layouts are made within the walled enclosures. Some of the typical features include pools, fountains and canals inside the gardens.
The founder of the Mughal empire, Babur, described his favourite type of garden as a charbagh. India, Bangladesh and Pakistan have a number of Mughal gardens which differ from their Central Asian predecessors with respect to "the highly disciplined geometry". An early textual references about Mughal gardens are found in the memoirs and biographies of the Mughal emperors, including those of Babur, Humayun and Akbar. From the beginnings of the Mughal Empire, the construction of gardens was a beloved imperial pastime.

Aerial view of the main part of the Mughal Gardens, with the palace in the background.

 Mughal Garden in Delhi is spread over an area of 13 acres and is a combination of the former Mughal style with that of the British style. Mughal Garden is designed by Sir Edwin Lutynes for Lady Harding.

Mughal Garden is a British garden inspired by the Mughal style and that is why you can come across some Mughal style canals, fountains and terraces. Mughal Garden is divided into 3 sections - rectangular, long and circular gardens also known as Pearl garden, Butterfly garden and Circular garden.
Mughal Garden has 4 waterways with a lotus-shaped red sandstone made fountain at their intersection. The whole Mughal Garden is a place of scenic beauty.. Mughal Garden is distinct from other gardens in the sense that it comprises of a large variety of trees and flowers such as marigold, rose, bougainvillea, sweet william, viscaria, etc. Main garden-Two channels running North to South and two running East to West divide this garden into a grid of squares. There are six lotus shaped fountains at the crossings of these channels. Wheresas the energetic fountains rising up to a height of 12 feet create soothing murmur that enthralls the visitor, the channels are so tranquil in their movement that they seem frozen. In the channels at appropriate times of day can be seen reflections of the imposing building and the proud flowers. There are wooden trays placed on stands in the centre of the channels where grain is put for the birds to feed upon.

PLAN OF MUGHAL GARDEN

Terrace garden

There are two longitudinal strips of garden at a higher level on either side of the Main Garden forming the Northern and Southern boundary. The plants grown are the same as in the Main Garden. At the centre of both the strips is a fountain which falls inwards forming a well. On the Western tips are located two gazebos and on the Eastern tips two ornately designed sentry posts.
Long Garden or the 'Purdha Garden' This is located to the West of the Main Garden, and runs along on either side of the central pavement which goes to the circular garden. Walls about 12 feet high this is predominantly a rose garden. It has 16 square rose beds encased in low hedges. There is a red sandstone pergola in the centre over the cental pavement which is covered with Rose creepers, Petrea, Bougainvillea and Grape Vines. The walls are covered with creepers like Jasmine, Rhyncospermum, Tecoma Grandiflora, Bignonia Vanista, Adenoclyma, Echitice, Parana Paniculata. Along the walls are planted the China Orange trees. Around the circular garden there are rooms for Office of the horticulturist, a green house, stores, nursery etc.