Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah - Research Paper Example

? Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah The tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah is a seventeenth century architectural marvel located Agra city within Uttar Pradesh state (Gupta, 2003). The name of the tomb, translated in English as ‘the pillar of the state,’ or the ‘the Lord Treasurer’ derives from a Persian Amir, Mirza Beg, who lived in exile and was famously referred to by the name because of his leadership (Gupta, 2003). The Amir’s daughter Nur Jahan commissioned the tomb and named it after her father. Over the times, the tomb has attracted different meanings with various names used to refer to it. Some of the names include ‘Jewel Box’ and ‘Baby Taj. These names evoke strong cultural meanings and have always been used to refer to various aspects that signify the historical and social contexts of the tomb. The top was built in the seventeenth century. Generally, the tomb is regarded as being representative of the period of transition in Mughal architecture (Sagar, 1992). It combines the architectural designs of the first phase of this architecture and the second phase. The elements of transition are always witnessed in the use of red sandstones while the second phase was effectively realized with white marble. Generally, this tomb represents all the artistic and architectural elements of seventeenth century Indian-Islamic architecture that combined influences from a range of other civilizations that had brought strong impacts on India’s cultural life. The tomb of Itimad ut Daulah is widely regarded as having set the trends that would later define the progress and development of Indian architecture. In essence, it was assumed that some of the influences that brought together the elements of art would be captured in the expression of art as a representation of both religion and culture. Preceding works of architecture took up the skills and designs of this tomb and evolved them in ways that were symptomatic of the transition of architectural works (Chandra, 2003). It is on this ground that the tomb is regarded as having set the pace for the Taj Mahal. Marble was mainly used to emphasize on the aesthetic value of the structure. The architecture was largely made to capture the aspect of nature as it fitted within the concept of architectural beauty. The tomb of Itimad ut Daulah was designed with numerous outbuildings and features a range of gardens all around it. Ultimately, the design was made to mirror certain aspects of beauty as represented within the cultural values and aesthetics of Indian and Islam. The tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah is located close to a river known as Yamuna. The proximity to the river was meant to enhance the aesthetical elements of the tomb, particularly from the natural aspect of beauty. Merging architecture with nature was one of the hallmarks that defined the quality of the seventeenth century Indian architecture. The magnificence and size of the tomb are brought out in ways that offer strong hints of affluence and power. In some way, these qualities might be used to offer glimpses into the extent of the economic power of the Indian state as it reflected in the seventeenth century. In essence, some of the issues that attend to the aspect of power might be understood in terms of the manner in which the material aspects of the culture and economic life are represented. It is also possible to tell much about the socio-cultural, political, and cultural life by observing some of the symbols that feature in the marble decorations. For instance, images of wine bottles and vases of bouquets feature prominently among the decorations. Such images are important signs that bring out the society represented as one the cherished high values and some kind of good and ostentatious lifestyles. In essence, the tomb could be regarded as some kind of a giant symbol or signifier that illustrates the totality of life as lived through the economic, political, and cultural front. The determination of these forces might be considered as one of the most manifest signs that could create meaning within the structure of society as represented by a work of architecture. Some of the precious stones that were used in enhancing the aesthetic qualities of the tomb include cornelian, lapis lazuli, topaz, jasper, and onyx. In many parts of the world, they were used to symbolize economic power since many of them were used readily as the medium of exchange. They were regarded as symbols of power and affluence both at the level of the individual and at the state level. In essence, it was regarded that some of these symbols represented the aspirations of the communities as represented within the framework of culture and social welfare of the state. The tomb is often regarded as carrying some significant element of India’s historical journey and cultural heritage. Nur Jahan intended it to represent a resting place for his father, a significant figure in the country’s political history, together with her mother. Therefore, it remains an important relic to the cultural life of the society. It represents the aspirations of the people as experienced through the political processes over the centuries. As such, the tomb effectively captures an aspect of historical significance from the perspective of the genealogy of India’s political leadership. A second utilitarian aspect of the Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah is that it is meant to serve the purpose of recreation. The beautifully manicured vegetation and the multiple waterways that fill up its grounds are meant to nourish the eyes of those who visit the site. Presently, the tomb remains one of the most frequently visited places in India (Singh, 2008). It offers important insights into the greater Indian culture with regard to a close attachment with nature. The pompous and the magnificent aspect of the layout also hint at the caste society, which is structured in a way that assigns greater significance and respect to people of power and influence than the governed. By extension, it could be argued that political power in this state was necessarily associated with wealth and influence. It also offers some clarification in the manner in which leadership was necessarily hereditary in the sense that the former leader’s daughter had sufficient influence to determine the course of the country’s destiny. Another important feature of the tomb could be seen in the manner in which it captures the diverse influences that merged to create the nature of the society as reflected within the seventeenth century. Aspects of the building show Persian culture, and the culture of foreign lands, which the Indians had already met. From this perspective, the tomb provides a potent illustration of the cultural shifts and the early influences that determined the course of culture. The hexagonal pillars on all the four corners of the tomb, the shape, and size of the doors, and the design of decorations illustrate strong influences from Iranian culture (Singh, 2008). The Iranian motif merges with the Islamic designs of the architecture to complete the image of strong Arabic culture that influenced the architecture behind the tomb. The tomb fits within a definite historical epoch and manifests strong cultural and social influences. In this manner, it might be held that the Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah is a potent illustration of India’s history, cultural life, cultural influences, political life, and economic influences as lived by the civilizations of the seventeenth century. Most of the features involving the design and architecture of the building were suited to the precise dimensions of cultural, economic, and political rhythms that existed at the time of its construction. References Chandra, S. (2003). History of architecture and ancient building materials in India, part I & II. New Delhi: Tech Books International. Gupta, S. (2003). Monuments of India. New Delhi: Har-Anand. Sagar, K. C. (1992). Foreign influence on ancient India. New Delhi: Northern Book Centre. Singh, U. (2008). A history of ancient and early medieval India: From the Stone Age to the 12th century. New Delhi: Pearson Education. Read More