The Mughals: Things to Think About

So, after all of that, how DO the Mughals communicate their sense of empire through their art and architecture? Here are a couple of project ideas to help you think about this problem.

Empire through Portraits
Look through some magazines for pictures of the US president that, in your mind, communicate America's empire. You can define empire for America on your own terms, and we suggest that you use the images you find to help shape that definition as well. Once you have a selection, think about how these images come together to form an image not just of the president but also of America and its role in the world. How does it differ from the Mughal images of emperors? What is similar?

Empire through Tombs
You have been commissioned to build the tomb of a recently-deceased world leader or prominent figure of your choosing (Princess Diana for example, or someone else--the person doesn't have to be dead already). What kinds of elements would you incorporate? What would the building look like? Would it reference other structures that remind you of that person? How would you incorporate the achievements you associate with that person? Where would the tomb be located? Would there be any landscaping around it? How would the public approach the tomb? Think about the decisions the architects to the Mughal emperors made in their tomb design, and see if you can make wise and thoughtful choices in yours. Explain how your tomb parallels or deviates from the model discussed here in the Mughal Empire.

Mughal Tombs | Mughal Portraits | Mughal City
Short Quiz | Bibliography and Related Sites