Question

Give a note on architecture during Akbar’s reign.

Answer 1

Mughal architecture under Akbar was a distinctive Indo‑Islamic or Indo‑Persian synthesis that blended Persian-Afghan structural forms with native Hindu decorative and construction techniques; this fusion produced bold, monumental buildings mainly executed in red sandstone with selective use of marble and inlay work. Akbar’s architects made extensive use of arches and domes introduced from Persian and Arabic traditions while adapting local features such as chhatris (elevated kiosks), bracketed eaves and carved floral and geometric motifs derived from Hindu and Jain art, resulting in a new, syncretic style exemplified most notably by the Agra Fort and the new city of Fatehpur Sikri.