A 4 days long educational tour to Agra, Fatehpur Sikri and Delhi was organized in the end of January 2018 comprising of 18 students of 1^st year and 2 faculty members. The emphasis of the tour was to understand the concepts of planning, construction techniques and characteristic features of Mughal architecture. The highlights of the study tour are as below:

Day 1: Agra (Agra Fort, Itmad-ud-Daula Tomb and Taj Mahal)

The students had a taste of history with a panoramic view of the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. The students were mesmerized by the view of the Taj Mahal and the enormous size of Agra Fort. The intricate detailing in stone and the construction of white marble inlaid with semi-precious stones (including jade, crystal, lapis lazuli, amethyst and turquoise) was well appreciated by the students. They could relate all the elements and principles of design like balance, proportion, scale etc.

Day 2: Fatehpur Sikri

The whole fort is planned on the natural contour of the place and is divided in three parts comprising of the religious section, palace and the courts in descending order. It is characterized by a very unique style of architecture with Hindu, Muslim, Christian and Jain influence. As with most Mughal royal capitals, this too has a Diwan-e-khaas and Diwan-e-aam surrounded by Mughal gardens.

Day 3 & 4: Delhi (India Gate, Qutub Complex, Lotus Temple, Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi Haat, Parliament Library and Red Fort)

Excellent examples of Mughal architecture can be seen in Qutub Complex, Humayun’s Tomb and Red Fort in Delhi. The students understood the planning concepts along with the characteristic features of Mughal architecture in these monuments.

Students got the golden opportunity to visit the Parliament library and to understand the interconnectivity of various spaces used in the building along with the various security measures taken.