Some of the country's finest forts and palaces lie in this region. Forts often served both as defensive buildings and as self-sufficient walled cities, built along natural outcrops or near rivers. Palaces
were with either part of a fort complex, or individual royal residences with public and private spaces separated by gardens and courtyards. Later, during the Raj, fortified palaces gave way to stately mansions inspired by European models. The beautiful graden tombs, of which the Taj is the most famous example, were a Mughal innovation. In contrast to these are rural houses that blend into the landscape. These eco-friendly structures, based on indigenous building skills are well-insulated, and both cheap and easy to build.
Forts
Most Mughal forts, built of red sandstone with marble trimmings, contained a city complex, with private and public areas and were seats of imperial power. Rajput forts, like Amber and Gwalior , on the other hand, follow a different plant and their solid bastions were built primarily for self-defense.
Palaces
Some of the region's most spectacular palaces date to the 19 th century in a style that imitated English stately homes. The older, medieval palaces nestle within forts and had separate quarters for men (mardana) and women (zenana) and landscaped gardens and private mosques or temples.
The Garden Tomb
The charbagh is a terraced garden that surrounds the tomb to give its austere lines a soft focus. The Taj Mahal, set at the edge of one, is the most famous example of this style.
Humayun's tomb is one of the earliest Mughal garden tombs, which were set on a raised plinth within a charbagh. Other features include a private mosque and crypts for other royal graves.
Traditional Houses
Indian villages usually live in simple houses made of local material, often mud and thatch. They have cool, shaded interiors and are brightly decorated on the outside. Building materials come from the land and are renewed annually at Diwali.
Havelis
The haveli, a multi-storeyed mansion for wealthy merchant families, was usually built around one or more courtyards which formed a focal point for the domestic activity of the joint family. Shekhawati's painted havelis are examples of this architectural style.
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