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Akbar's Tomb

Date

Authors

Frederic, Louis
Photographer: Arthur Llewellyn Basham

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Volume Title

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Abstract

Description

This mausoleum was erected in 1613 by Jahangir to the memory of his father. It deliberately departs from conventional Muslim art in that it has no dome. The room containing the marble cenotaph is situated in the top of the building, which has three storeys. Countless pavilions adorn the terraces around the storeys and somewhat counteract the solid appearance of the mausoleum. Some authors claim it was never completed and that a dome, indispensible in Mughal art is needed to establish its balance. But why, then, was the room in the upper storey so perfectly finished, all in white fretted marble? In the centre, large vaulted recesses on either side of the ground-floor give access to the tomb. Like all Mughal mausoleums, this one is situated in the middle of an immense square garden which is entered through monumental gates.

Citation

Source

Type

Archives Series

Basham Collection

Date created

1959

Access Statement

License Rights

This item is provided for research purposes. Contact the Australian National University Archives at butlin.archives@anu.edu.au for permission to use.

DOI

Restricted until

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