India is a remarkable cultural cradle where Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim, Persian and Christian influences have converged for centuries. The state of Rajasthan, for example, boasts exceptional heritage reflected in the sumptuous buildings that adorn its cities.

The Mughal Empire ruled in India from the 16th to the 18th century. To build their mausoleums and mosques, the Mughal rulers relied on Indian builders and expert sculptors, accustomed to carving stone temples. One decorative element in particular linked craftsmen from these two great civilizations: flowers. In India, flowers have always been an inexhaustible source of inspiration for artisans, influencing paintings, weaves, sculptures and engravings.

Here are a few examples of the finest collaborations—results of a formidable fusion between Mughal and Hindu artistic movements, showcasing all the beauty created by mutual respect and a shared vision.

© Jérôme Galland – © Pinterest

© Jérôme Galland

The technique of Pietra dura

Created by the Florentines at the end of the 16th century, the technique of Pietra dura (literally “hard stone” in Italian) consists of inlaying semi-precious stones into marble. To do this, the motif must first be drawn; the craftsman then cuts each stone to match the design and works the depth so that every piece fits perfectly.

A remarkable display of precision and craftsmanship, it is the layering of different stones and their colors that brings the motif to life.

Originally carved by Hindu artisans, these motifs were later executed using this technique—brought from Europe by Emperor Shah Jahan. Materials such as red sandstone and lapis lazuli were used, giving unique relief and brilliance to already ornate buildings.

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Flowers mixed with geometric patterns

Under the Mughal Empire’s influence, the grace of Persian architecture blended with Hindu forms. Red sandstone, capitals, cornices and kiosks were tempered by the geometric rigor of Islamic design, avoiding monotony through the interplay of differently colored stones.

Hindu columns were decorated with Muslim-inspired geometric patterns and intermingled with Islamic arches. Symbolizing cooperation between Hindu and Muslim artisans, floral motifs combined with Islamic geometric designs. Hindu artists even engraved Quranic calligraphy alongside sculpted lotus flowers.

© Jérôme Galland

© Jérôme Galland – Pinterest

Mughal miniatures

In 1544, Sher Shah, an Afghan, and his brother Mirza Kamran inflicted heavy defeats on Emperor Humâyûn, forcing him into exile in Persia. There he discovered the art of Iranian miniature painting and fell in love with it.

On reclaiming power, Humâyûn brought back Persian artists and painters. His son, Emperor Akbar—tutored by a Persian—set up a workshop where Persian and Hindu craftsmen collaborated. From this fusion sprang the Mughal school and its exquisite miniatures: court, hunting and war scenes, portraits of princes and nobles, all rendered in extremely fine detail, with refined colors and gold applied by brushes of just a few hairs.

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© Jérôme Galland

The Red Fort, the political heart of Delhi

Begun in 1526 by the first Mughal emperor and brought to splendid refinement by Shah Jahan, Akbar’s grandson, the Red Fort’s design epitomizes Hindu-Mughal collaboration, fusing Islamic, Persian, Timurid and Hindu traditions.

Also known as the Palace-Fort of Shahjahanabad (the British dubbed it the “Red Fort”), this vast complex is ringed by walls and towers. Inside are mosques, imperial palaces and marble pavilions. The fort itself forms an octagon, its walls inlaid with Indian floral engravings.

The Red Fort remains profoundly symbolic for Indians: each August 15, the Prime Minister addresses the nation here on Independence Day, and it has hosted countless marches for sovereignty and freedom.

© Jérôme Galland – © Pinterest

The Taj Mahal, a symbiosis of Hindu-Muslim art

From 1632 to 1648, Emperor Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal as a tribute to his beloved wife, who died in childbirth. The red sandstone mausoleum, clad in white marble, is adorned with lapis lazuli and other precious stones, and features black Pietra dura calligraphy bands. Its shifting hues—mourning, peace and purity—capture the spirit of India.

A marvel of harmony, its perfect symmetry broken only by the reflecting pool, the Taj Mahal—“Crown Palace” in Persian—symbolizes the shared heritage born of Hindu-Muslim collaboration.

© Pinterest

© Pinterest

Each season, we are inspired and nourished by beautiful floral motifs which we use on our Indian cushions, our table linens, and our travel accessories. Our designs reflect our rich Indian heritage, blending the softness of stems and petals with bold geometric borders for a unique contemporary aesthetic.

It is this spirit of mutual influences that Jamini has always been committed to promoting: an Indian art of living meeting French elegance.

© Jérôme Galland

Sources

http://dp.mariottini.free.fr/carnets/inde/arts-moghols.htm
https://whc.unesco.org/fr/list/231/
https://www.inde-en-ligne.com/fort-rouge-new-delhi/