Hidden Secrets of Bibi ka Maqbara- Rhythm and Harmony in Art

 

Hidden Secrets of Bibi ka Maqbara- Rhythm and Harmony in Art

    The Mughal developed the concept of beauty in their architecture. A super artistic effect in the building was obtained by its elevation, super structure and proportionate and symmetrical combination of its art. Elevation plays an important role in the total aesthetic effect in as much as a grand elevation reacts majestically upon the eyes.[1] It consists of a correct distribution of the mass on the vertical axis, in other words the design would be harmoniously set with the green plains. The Taj Mahal is relatively higher than its breadth and besides it stands on a plinth of 22 feet in height.[2] This elevation is a very important factor for the aesthetic beauty of any art. This is very defectively handled at the tomb of Humayun at Delhi.[3] A dome is likewise missed at the tomb of Akbar at Sikandara (Agra) which leaves this otherwise grand mausoleum deficient in elevation as much as weak in superstructure.[4] A beautiful construction in itself but much of its overall effect has been spoiled owing to the lack of elevation.

 

The architect Shah Jahan excelled in this art of building and Moti Masjid at the Red Fort in Agra is the best example. The Taj Mahal has been cited as a brilliant example of the creative art of construction.[5] The construction of the Shahi Masjid on the Quila-e-Arak of Aurangabad on the similar design of the Moti Masjid at Agra Fort depicts the aesthetic views of Emperor Aurangzeb.

 

The architect certainly had practical knowledge to a fair degree of the physical principles that when height is rhythmically and harmoniously combined with shadows they create extremely subtle impressions and when colours in their specific shades are combined in a particular setup, they too equally produce pleasing impressions.[6] The combination of lines, curved with straight and horizontal with vertical, is an equally important factor of architectural aestheticism. Maqbara is the true example of innovation in blending forms of one structure harmoniously set with the other in the total outcome of the Maqbara building which is so ethereal that it appears to be a form metaphorically taken out of a fantasy, a mirage or an illusion and true to the depth and intensity of aesthetic feeling.

Dr Shaikh Ramzan

M.A., M.Ed., PhD (History) Researcher

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[1] Nath, op. cit., p. 157

[2] Gavin Hamby, “Cities of Mughal India”, (Delhi, UBS Publisher’s Distributors, 1968), p. 93

[3] Nath, op. cit.,

[4] Ibid.

[5] Ibid., p. 158

[6] Ibid.