Correct Answer - Option 2 : Architecture
With parent cultural roots from Ottomans, Safavids and Mongoloids Mughals came to India and settled here after Babur won the Battle of Panipat in 1526.
- Unlike Delhi Sultanate who gained their legitimacy from the Caliph, the Mughals assumed legitimacy of rule appropriating symbols, motifs through Art and architecture, appropriating legitimacy of Sufi Shaykhs and by acculturation with local cultures- like Rajputs, Deccani Sultans and so on.
Mughals have major contributions in shaping present day India. Starting from cuisines, to Clothing designs, weapons- the gun powder, music, literature, art and architecture. Even certain legislations of British India were inspired from Mughal conventional Laws. But of all things, Mughals are most famously known for their contributions in the field of architecture.
- Around the globe people recognise India and Mughals from one image and one name- the Taj Mahal by Shah Jahan built in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal.
- The Taj Mahal was a project that drained much of Mughal treasury but also gained them utmost symbolic appropriation of legitimacy to rule the subjects.
- The four fountains of Taj Mahal resemble the four streams of Jannat of Honey, Milk, Water and Wine. The Chaharbagh denotes the garden of heaven.
- All over the walls of white marbled Taj Mahal are quotes from Quran written as calligraphy on the walls.
- Apart from Taj Mahal the other important Architectural contributions of Mughals are- the Red Fort, the Fatehpur Sikri, the Agra Fort, the Mughal capital cities like Shahjahanabad, Aurangabad, Agra and so on.
Therefore, the most apropriate answer is option 2.
- Mughal Sculpting was not famous separately. Mughal Sculptures were famous as part of architecture, ornamental pieces of jewellery, utensils or weapons and so on.
- During the Mughal era, there was a lot of engagement and appreciation of music.
- Babur is rumoured to have written songs.
- Akbar was appreciated good music and patronised famous musicians like as Tansen of Gwalior and Baz Bahadur of Malwa who performed in his court.
- Music, both vocal and instrumental, was a favourite of Shah Jahan's. Jagannath and Janardhan Bhatta were two of the greatest Hindu musicians of his day.
- Mughal Paintings and ateliers have earned great name for it self from its Persian/ Iranian/ Safavid influence. When Humayun returned from Safavid empire to reassume his position as a Mughal ruler he brought with him two artists- Mir Sayyid Ali and Abdur Samad.
- In Jahangir's time the famous painters were Ustad Mansur, Abul Hasan, Bishandas.
- Mansur made animal paintings and Govardhan served in ateliers of Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan.
