Why the buildings of Shah Jahan was the mixture of the finest features of Indian and foreign architecture?

1. There is lavish use of marble in the buildings constructed during his time. The buildings are abundantly decorated, are graceful and look like jewellery on a large scale. The Taj Mahal, built in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, took more than 20 years to complete.

2. The chief glory of the Taj is its massive dome and the four minarets linking the platform to the main building. This beautiful tomb in marble is one of the wonders of the world.

3. The Moti Masjid at Agra fort is built of flawless marble. ShahJahan constructed an entirely new capital at Delhi known as Shahjahanabad. Within the walls, he built the huge Red Fort.

4. The emperor’s celebrated peacock throne stood on a marble platform in the centre of the Diwan-i-Am, the Diwan-i-Khas is the most generously ornamented of his buildings.

5. The Jama Masjid built in red sandstone is a dignified and simple structure. Shah Jahan has been called the ‘magnificent builder’. His buildings represent a new composite style of architecture taking firm roots.