Integration/Interpretation: The Stylistic Motifs of Mughal Architecture at Fatehpur Sikri

This thesis argues that the ornament of Fatehpur Sikri, imperial city of the Mughal emperor Akbar, was created by and for a transcultural audience as a subtle means of unification. Scholars have largely characterized Fatehpur Sikri as a site that epitomizes the blend of Hindu and Islamic architecture. Inherent in this description is the assumption that these visual elements are distinctly religious and mutually exclusive, identified as solely Hindu or Islamic. Yet the integration of various types of imagery is indicative of more dynamic cultural interactions. I have used photographic documentation to classify and analyze the ornamental elements present in three structures at Fatehpur Sikri. My analyses of these elements’ usage and placement, in conjunction with those from surrounding Indian structures, suggest not only a unique Akbari repertoire but provides insight as to the structures’ purposes.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Arts

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Art History

Year dc:date.available

2011

Author dc:creator

• Barlow, Glenna

Contributors dc:contributor

• Dina Bangdel

• Mughal
• architecture
• motif
• ornament
• ornamentation
• decorative
• Akbar
• Fatehpur Sikri
• Islamic
• South Asian
• Arts and Humanities

Statement dc:rights

• © The Author

Identifier

https://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/etd/201

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholarscompass.vcu.edu:etd-1200