LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE OF KASHMIR DURING MUGHAL PERIOD.

Abstract

The gardens symbolize the artistic and cultural ideals of a nation more picturesquely and in more subtle manner than is ever possible in the case of its architectural movements the gardens of Kashmir mirror the outlook and taste of their builders in a truly elegant style. Thus the Mughal architecture which was first developed at the core with capital cities like Delhi, Agra, Fatehpur Sikri and Lahore being adorned with lofty buildings in sandstone and white marble and with a number  of gardens on Central Asian and Persian style, it later diffused towards the periphery. An assimilation of regional architectural elements with Mughal architecture took place, given rise to number of new architectural style in different parts of India. One such unique style was encountered after the Mughal conquest of Kashmir in 1586 A.D. produce the most satisfactory effects in the gardens, the Mughals made extensive use both of flowers and trees. The glory of Kashmir garden is at its height in spring when irises, daffodils and gigantic tulips are flowering in mass against a background of the blossom of fruit trees and the new foliage of the immense Chinars.