It is commonly believed that during Aurangzeb's reign, similar to other court-sponsored cultural arts, there was a notable decline in architecture.
It is said that he not only exclusively commissioned religious buildings like mosques but also played a role in the destruction of numerous temples.
Notable mosques from Aurangzeb's era include the Moti Masjid in Delhi Fort, a mosque (Idgah) replacing the Keshav Dev Temple in Mathura (destroyed in 1669-70), and the impressive Badshahi Mosque in Lahore.
(Fig.: Bibi ka Maqbara)
Features:
Devoting himself fervently to the propagation of Islam and what can be termed as the 'Islamization of the Mughal architectural style’.
Aurangzeb's mosques exhibit distinctive architectural features, such as a focus on vertical elevation with minarets, as observed in the Jami' Masjids at Mathura, Merta, and Varanasi.
The ornamentation is organically rich, borrowing elements from palace architecture.
Tomb of Rabia Daurani/Bibi ka Maqbara, Aurangabad,(constructed in 1660-61). Although resembling the Taj Mahal, it is built with verticality.
Tomb of Aurangzeb at Khuldabad (Maharashtra) marking the end of monumental mausolea within Charbaghs.
Instead, burials occur within courtyards of mosques or shrines.
While Aurangzeb's palace mosque displayed intricate floral patterns reminiscent of Shah Jahan's palace pavilions, the symbolism of the 'semi-divine' ruler was no longer emphasized.
Less expensive materials like stucco replaced marble and inlaid stone, and forms once reserved for the ruler alone, such as the baluster column and bangala canopy, found their way into non-imperially patronized monuments.
This indicated both a reduced imperial intervention in architectural patronage and a devaluation of the imperial symbolism established by Shah Jahan.
Mathura Idgah, served as a symbol of Mughal authority over rebellious forces.
He commissioned the construction and repair of serais, wells, bridges, and structures vital for the welfare and security of the state.
The fortification efforts, including defensive gates and walls, aligned with Aurangzeb's territorial expansion goals.
