Here’s a list of reliable books that include rich information on Mughal art and
architecture (many of them are considered standard references in history
and art history studies):
📚 General Works on Mughal Art & Architecture
1. Percy Brown – Indian Architecture (Islamic Period)
Classic survey of Indo-Islamic and Mughal architecture.
Covers major monuments with illustrations and plans.
2. Catherine B. Asher – The Architecture of Mughal India (The New
Cambridge History of India)
Scholarly and detailed.
Focuses on major buildings from Babur to Shah Jahan and later Mughals.
3. Ebba Koch – Mughal Architecture: An Outline of Its History and
Development 1526–1858
Comprehensive study, especially strong on Shah Jahan’s reign and the Taj
Mahal.
4. R. Nath – History of Mughal Architecture (multi-volume series)
Very detailed, technical work with references to inscriptions, construction
methods, and symbolism.
5. Satish Grover – Islamic Architecture in India
A concise, illustrated overview of Indo-Islamic styles including Mughal
developments.
📚 On Mughal Painting & Decorative Arts
6. Milo C. Beach – The Imperial Image: Paintings for the Mughal Court
Excellent study of Mughal miniature painting, with rich color illustrations.
7. Annemarie Schimmel – The Empire of the Great Mughals: History, Art
and Culture
Covers not only politics but also art, architecture, calligraphy, and cultural
life.
8. John Seyller – Workshop and Patron in Mughal India: The Freer
Ramayana and Other Illustrated Manuscripts of 16 th Century
Focused on Mughal manuscript painting.
9. Abdus Salam – Calligraphy and Islamic Culture
Discusses the role of Persian calligraphy and its impact on Mughal art.
📚 Specialized Works (Gardens & Decorative Techniques)
10. James L. Wescoat & Joachim Wolschke-Bulmahn (eds.) – Mughal
Gardens: Sources, Places, Representations, and Prospects
A rich collection on the history and symbolism of Mughal gardens.
11. Wayne E. Begley & Z.A. Desai – Taj Mahal: The Illumined Tomb
A focused, scholarly study of the Taj Mahal’s architecture and symbolism.
12. Mark Zebrowski – Deccani Painting (for regional influence and
continuation of Mughal styles).
✅ Together, these works give a complete picture of Mughal contributions to
painting, calligraphy, architecture, gardens, decorative arts, and cultural
exchange.
Would you like me to make you a shorter “Top 5 Must-Read” list (student-
friendly, exam-focused), or a detailed research list (for writing
assignments/books)?
