THE HISTORIC PRECEDENCE TO FLORAL IMAGERY IN MUGHAL ARCHITECTURE

Abstract: The Mughal dynasty traces its roots to the Timurids. Thus the development of the Mughal visual culture was informed by Timurid traditions and there were contemporary influences as well. The paper is a research at the chronological evolution of vegetal motifs in the history of the Islamic world so as to trace the influence on Mughal decorative motifs with emphasis on floral motifs in the architecture of Mughal monuments in India. The paper looks at the surface treatment in architectural structures from the early period. Method of chronological study has been adopted to classify them patronage wise. Particular flower species are identifiable which thus trace their root to Central Asia. The material, technique and colour has been studied and attached symbolism if any has also been analyzed.

Keywords: Visual art, Floral motifs, Symbolim in decoration, Architecture.