Islamic architecture though had been around in the Indian subcontinent prior to the arrival of Mogul, but it was during their reign, it gained prominence. The Mogul style of design in tune with tropical climate and choice of construction materials in their period from 1526 to 1857 left a lasting mark onthe the innovative Indian architecture.
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| Farah Bagh, Ahmednagar MH, India.miscellaneousbharat.com |
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,Farah Bagh, Ahmednagar MH India. en wikipedia.org
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| Farah Bagh, Ahmednagar MH India miscellaneousbharat.com |
The careful blend of Islamic, Persian, Arabic, Central Asian and native Indian architecture gave a stunning appearance to the structures especially in the façade. During the colonial rule, British architects like Robert Chisholm, Henry Irvin, Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker and others never hesitated to borrow and incorporate certain Indo-Islamic designs when they had constructed public buildings for the Imperial British government. A major feature of Mughal architecture is the symmetrical nature of buildings and courtyards in this regard 16th century ruler Akbar's contribution to Mogul style was vast. Many of the later Muslim rulers also followed suit - a blend of Indo -Islamic design styles.
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| Farah Bagh, Ahmednagar ,Maharashtra India. rct.uk/collection |
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| Farah Bagh, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra India.ct.uk/collection |
Above images: Farah Bagh, Ahmednagar taken from the east. The dilapidated structure has a large arched recess at the center with smaller recessed arches on two stories on either side. This was intended to have better aeration indoors in hot days. Lack of periodic repairs led to the wild growth of vegetation and deep rooted plants, creating cracks on the outer walls, roof, etc. Now plants are growing out of the cracks making the remaining building structurally weak. The site built in 1583 was in ruins after 1850s primarily due to political upheavals?
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| Farah Bagh, Ahmednagar MH India miscellaneousbharat.com |
Farah Bagh of Ahmednagar, Maharashtra used to be a self-contained palace built by Nizam Shahi rulers of Ahmednagar Sultanate for relaxation and comforts. Farah Bagh, an attractive simple structure in the center of a huge palatial complex, was finally completed in 1583 by the famous designer Salabat II, after some delay due to choice of design style.
Burhan Nizam Shah ( He ascended the throne on the death of his father Ahmad Nizam Shah I in 1508 or 1510 when he was seven years old. He died in 1553 and was succeeded by Hussain Nizam Shah I) Upon the advice of his nobles decided to build a palace. for his comfortable stay. The first design expert Salabat Khan, I died while the construction was on. The construction work resumed under the famous Salabat II, who finally completed it in 1583.. Th design was not only based on structural stability but also on the climatic condition of the region.
Located about 3 km from Ahmednagar., the two story structure also served as the residence of some of the Sultans of that region. The impressive Farah Bagh is in octagonal shape with a big hall designed in the shape of a dome; a masonry structure made of rough stones.
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Farah Bagh 1880s by Henry Cousens Ahmednagar, India.en.wikipedia.org
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A pride possession of the sultans of Ahmednagar, sultan Murtaza Nizam Shah had spent much of his time here. He enjoyed playing chess with a Delhi singer whom he called Fateh Shah. The bagh was named after him. The sultan's admiration for him led him to build a separate mahal called Lakad Mahal in the garden. The central eight-sided palace is now in ruin, but there are no traces of the pond that adorned the site in the past offering a serene atmosphere to relax. In the stretch between this lush green garden and the city there are tombs of many popular royal members.
The heritage site is now in a shambles owing to ubiquitous official negligence and ''don't care attitude'' of the ASI and the state government. The pond with a depth of 17 ft and a width of 150ft that once surrounded the octagonal castle (except for the ridge) is no more. However the 500 yard garden with many trees still exists. This area can be restored and made into a popular tourist spot. The ASI and state' heritage department must take urgent steps to save he lgacy of Ahmednagar Sultanate.
https://unacademy.com/content/ssc/study-material/general-awareness/farah-bagh-palace/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/vinayakh/15740538163
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Farah_Bagh
https://www.rct.uk/collection/2701516/farah-bagh-ahmednagar
