ORNAMENTAL HORTICULTURE (2+1)

Key features

Terraces: Terraces are components to maintain the proportion of land for extended view irrespective of topography of the area 7, 8 or 12 terraces symbolize 7 planets, 8 paradise and 12 zodiacal signs. The entrance is located at the lowest terrace. As the Mughal emperors came from a hilly country, the idea of building a garden in terraces came to them naturally.

Running water (Nahars): Water is the life and soul of Mughal garden. Love for running water made the Mughals to select sites close to hill sides and rivulets for their gardens.

• The idea of constructing canals and tanks to keep the water brimming to the level of paths on either side was borrowed from Persians.
• Water channels were paved with tiles of brilliant blue color to reflect the sky and give impression of depth.
• Various patterns were used for paving the marble stones and style so that running water is thrown up and broken into ripples. At dusk, tiny lighted lamps were placed behind the water falls so that diffusion of light through the water creates a very pleasant sight.

Site and design: A perennial river, the slope of a hill and river banks were the places selected for this purpose. A typical Mughal garden is square or rectangle in shape. It is not merely a garden but serves the purpose of fort, residence and a place for recreation.

High protecting wall: Mughal gardens are protected by a high strong wall. The top of the wall is adorned with serrated battlements. The presence of high wall was for protection against enemy and hot winds of summer.

Entrance: Entrance is generally tall and gorgeous. Doors are huge and strong wooden structure studded with heavy iron nails and spikes. Heavy gates are provided to protect the kings and gardens from enemy attack.

Baradari: It is a canopied building with twelve open doors i.e., three in each direction. From baradari, one can sit and enjoy the fresh breeze and watch dark clouds and birds in the sky. The masonry pillars of baradari were painted with designs of flowers in vases and the floor was furnished with thick carpets and cushions.

Scented flowers: The flowers in Mughal gardens are mostly scented in nature and highly colourful. The colourful effects are created by massing mixed coloured annuals. Mixed colours have been preferred rather than mono, complementary or contrast colours.