When one looks at the Mughal Architecture, one admires the scale and proportion of the building, landscape and views, material and colour, and details. These details comprise of  geometry, calligraphy and embellishments which adds a fragile essence to the architecture which leaves admirers in awe. In Islamic art, geometry is among the expressions of ornamentation which is used in everyday objects to architecture. These patterns originate from harmonious subdivisions of circles, wherein the use of the shape is a way of expressing the unity of the religion. Each division of circle leads to a unit which is repeated in an underlying grid which then awakens a pattern, which is seen on floorings, jalis, domes and railings. These patterns are further embellished to make it sophisticated and beautiful.

 

“Geometry enlightens the intellect and set one's mind right” - Ibn Khaldun

 

The College project went on to explore the complex geometric patterns in Mughal Architecture. Understanding patterns which emerge from a circle further repeating and developing into the beautiful architecture was one of the key factors as the project aimed to explore, understand, decode and categorize the complex geometries involved in making the Mughal Architecture (for example: Jalis, Flooring, Arches etc.). The objectives were to understand the evolution of the Islamic geometry, its history and cosmology. The project finally created an archival of these patterns.