Friday 11th       11.00 a.m. to 12.15 p.m.

Residence of:  Anu Toshniwal

Guests welcome

EARTHLY PARADISE: TOMBS OF THE MUGHALS

The Mughals built truly grand monuments, commensurate with their might and wealth. In their architecture one sees the development and refinement of what could be termed as ‘Indo-Islamic’ architecture, taken to technical perfection. Their imperial tombs were placed in a char-baug and lavished with rich decorations. Today Smita Dalvi will trace the accounts of the Mughals through examining the architecture of their tombs which aspired to create earthly replicas of heavenly gardens. She will recreate the patronage and personality of each of the Great Mughal via the buildings that commemorate them. Smita Dalvi’s area of special interest is Islamic architecture and aesthetics and has published several papers and articles in architectural and cultural journals. She has lectured on these topics extensively in India as well as in some foreign universities and cultural centres. In 2007, she was awarded the fellowship of 'Fulbright Visiting Specialist: Direct Access to the Muslim world'. She explores syncretism and inter-sections in art, architecture and society. She is an avid traveller and photographer. Currently, she is pursuing her doctoral studies at IIT- Bombay. 

Amisha Himatsingka