Tomb of Itimad Al-Dawla Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Tomb of Itimad Al-Dawla - Research Paper Example 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 cu lture. 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 ha llmarks 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 regard ed 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