Art 173
Sept. 30, 2009
Akbarnama (Biography of Akbar, 1590-1602)
Abu’l Fazl, author
Jahangir (r. 1605-1627)
Allegorical Portrait of Jahangir (attr. Bichtir)
Shah Jahan (r. 1627-1658)
Taj Mahal (1632-1639)
Amanat Khan (calligrapher)
Texts Associated with Taj Mahal
From imperial records:
“...the superintendents of construction of royal buildings, in company with the wonder working architects, lay before the critical royal eye plans of proposed edifices. The royal mind, which is illustrious like the sun, pays full attention to the planning and construction of these lofty and substantial buildings, which in accordance with the Arabic saying, ‘Verily our relics tell of us’ speak with mute eloquence of His Majesty’s God-given aspiration and sublime fortune -- and for ages to come will serve as memorials of his abiding love of constructiveness, ornamentation and beauty”
From south arch of gate:
Return thou unto thy Lord, well-pleased, and well-pleasing unto Him.
Enter thou among my servants,
And enter thou My Paradise
from Koran
On cenotaph of Mumtaz Mahal:
1. “Forgive then, those who turn in Repentance, and follow Thy Path; ... And allow them O Lord! to enter the Gardens of Eden which Thou hast promised unto them.”
2. “Fear ye not! Neither be ye grieved! But rejoice ye in the Paradise which ye have been promised!”
both from Koran