CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF THE ROLE OF

ARCHITECTURE IN THE INDIAN FILM -

JODHAA AKBAR

BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE

Submitted By:

VINYL RAJENDRAN

Uni Roll No: 10116239

B. Arch 2015-2020

ARCHITECTURE

NIZAR RAHIM AND MARK SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE

SUBMITTED TO: SUBMITTED BY:

Ar. GISHNU VINYL RAJENDRAN

ASSI.PROFFESOR, NRMSA 10116239
 CONTENTS

LITERATURE REVIEW

1. Jodhaa Akbar plot 1

2. Historical Inaccuracies 1

3. Locations 2

4. Sets Designed 2

5. Akbar period architecture 3

CASE STUDY

1. Akbar period architecture 1

1.1 Agra gort 2

1.2 Fort of Ajmer 2
1.3 Allahabad fort 2
1.4 Amer fort 3
1.5 Jodha bhai palace 3

2. Critical analysis 4
JODHAA AKBAR PLOT

Jodhaa Akbar is a 2008 Indian historical romance film, co-written, produced and directed by
Ashutosh Gowariker. The film centres on the sixteenth century love story, a marriage alliance
that gave birth to true love between a great Mughal emperor, Akbar, and a Rajput princess,
Jodhaa. Political success knew no bounds for Emperor Akbar (Hrithik Roshan). After having
secured the Hindu Kush, he furthered his realm by conquest until his empire extended from
Afghanistan to the Bay of Bengal, and from the Himalayas to the Godavari River.

Through a shrewd blend of tolerance, generosity, and force, Akbar won the allegiance of the
Rajputs, the most belligerent Hindus. But little did Akbar know that when he married Jodhaa
(Aishwarya), a fiery Rajput princess, in order to further strengthen his relations with the
Rajputs, he would in turn be embarking upon a new journey the journey of true love.

The daughter of King Bharmal of Amer, Jodhaa resented being reduced to a mere political
pawn in this marriage of alliance, and Akbars biggest challenge now did not merely lie in
winning battles, but in winning the love of Jodhaa a love hidden deep below resentment and
extreme prejudice. Jodhaa-Akbar is their untold love story.

HISTORICAL INACCURACIES

Many of the events portrayed in the movie are based on real events. Certain Rajput groups
claimed Jodhaa was married to Akbar's son, Jahangir, not Akbar.

Several historians claim that Akbar's Rajput wife was never known as "Jodhaa Bai" during the
Mughal period. According to Professor Shirin Moosvi, a historian of Aligarh Muslim
University, neither the Akbarnama (a biography of Akbar commissioned by Akbar himself),
nor any historical text from the period refer to her as Jodhaa Bai.Moosvi notes that the name
"Jodhaa Bai" was first used to refer to Akbar's wife in the 18th and 19th centuries in historical
writings.In Tuzk-e-Jahangiri, she is referred to as Mariam-uz-Zamani.

According to historian Imtiaz Ahmad, the director of the Khuda Baksh Oriental Public Library
in Patna, the name "Jodhaa" was used for Akbar's wife for the first time by Lieutenant-Colonel
James Tod, in his book Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan. According to Ahmad, Tod was
not a professional historian.N. R. Farooqi claims that Jodhaa Bai was not the name of Akbar's
Rajput queen; it was the name of Jahangir's Rajput wife.

Ashutosh Gowarikar's reaction was:

“ While making the film I did my best to go by the book. I consulted the best historians
and went through the most rigorous research. There are different names used for Akbar's wife,
Jodhaa being one of them. In fact, there's a disclaimer about the Rajput queen's name at the
beginning of the film. But to see that, the protesters have to see the film.
LOCATIONS

Filming commenced in early November 2006 at Jaipur with the climax sequence with Roshan
and Dheer, and the First Battle of Panipat.Palace scenes featuring Rai as Jodhaabai before her
marriage to Akbar were filmed at the Roopangarh Fort in Kishangarh. The sequence featuring
the Battle of Panipat was shot in the Dhula region located on the outskirts of Jaipur. Further
shooting took place at Sambhar Lake Town, and the forts of Amber, Amer and Agra. The scene
where Akbar prays to the Islamic scholar Moinuddin Chishti for a successful conquest of India
was filmed at the Ajmer Sharif Dargah. Akbar visiting the Dargah Sharif was shot at Hazrat
Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti Dargah Sharif. Jodhaa's maternal home and also the place of the
sword fight between Akbar and Jodhaa was shot at Amer/Amber Fort, Jaipur. Akbar's Mughal
Palace was shot at Agra Fort, Agra, Uttar Pradesh. The Indian Rajas meet at Roopangarh Fort
to discuss Akbar's proposal. Many other shots of the movie such as the army of horseme were
shot at Roopangarh Palace, Ajmer. The first fort shown in the movie as the fort of the Indian
Rajas is the Kishangarh Fort at Ajmer in Rajasthan. Jodhaa's bardari in the middle of a lake
Shot at Phool Mahal Palace, Ajmer. Consequentially, only the outer portions of both the forts
were filmed on the spot during the first schedule while the scenes featuring the inner portions
were filmed at ND Studios , Karjat.

SETS DESIGNED

Art director Desai took "lakhs of photographs" of Amer Fort and Agra fort. Using the photos
as reference, he erected sets consisting of the inner portions of both places in his studio. Filming
could not take place entirely at the forts due to heavy traffic of tourists coming there everyday.
Consequentially, only the outer portions of both the forts were filmed on the spot during the
first schedule while the scenes featuring the inner portions were filmed at Karjat. The inner
portions that were erected by Desai included the Dīwān-e-Ām, Dīwān-e-Khās, Jodhaabai's
inner chambers and the fort's gardens. The entire set measured 1,600 feet long, 600 feet wide
and 68 feet high, which according to Desai was equivalent to "seven floors of a high-rise".
Concrete, fibre and asbestos sheets were the materials used to create the interiors of the
forts.The cost of the entire set at Karjat was estimated to be around ₹120 million.

A set of Anguri Bagh, a garden in Agra fort was also created and it was used for three major
scenes and they were all for the purpose of romance. The original garden was not allowed for
the purpose of shooting the film and hence the replica it’s replica was built. Anguri Bagh
(Garden of Grapes) in Agra was built by Shahjehan in 1637. It was used for harvesting grapes
and flowers and hence the name “Anguri bagh”. It is surrounded by arcades on three sides with
the harem (living quarters for the royal ladies and female servants) and has the Khas Mahal
(the Mughal emperor’s private residence) towards its east. The garden has a path dividing it
into four (Char bagh) with intricate geometrical pattern in its four sections and a central portion
for sitting. this garden was known for harvesting choicest of grapes and flowers throughout the
year. It was designed for the royal women as a paradise garden (“Anguri Bagh.”). The camera
showed both broad views and close ups of the garden which clearly shows the intent of the
director to portray its beauty. This garden had all the major Mughal characteristics which would
be the char-bagh, the geometric patterns in the railing of the central sitting space.
AKBAR PERIOD ARCHITECTURE

Emperor Akbar is universally acknowledged and distinguished as the greatest and most
accomplished of the Mughal rulers in India. From Akbar's reign to the culmination of the
Mughal Era, artistic yield on both, imperial and sub-imperial level, was closely associated with
notions of state polity, religion and royalty. Akbar made umpteen contributions in the field of
literature, art and architecture. The architectural expertise of Akbar can be witnessed from the
several remarkable palaces and monuments built by him, during his entire regime. Mughal
architecture during Akbar represents that unique blending of Persian architecture with the
Indian style, yet not distinctly likeable to his Timurid ancestors.

Akbar period architecture, building style that developed in India under the patronage of the
Mughal emperor Akbar (reigned 1556–1605). The architecture of the Akbar period is
characterized by a strength made elegant and graceful by its rich decorative work, which
reflects many traditional Hindu elements. The magnificent entrance, use of exquisite patterns,
excellent jaali work (intricately perforated decorative stone screens), fine Persian style
calligraphy, the charbagh garden layout (four-quartered garden layout, with the main building
at the center), etc., are representative of Islamic influence. On the other hand, the absence of a
dome, use of chhatris (small domed canopies, supported by pillars), tiers of airy pavilions, etc.
The style is best exemplified by the fort at Agra (built 1565–74) and the magnificent town of
Fatehpur Sikri (1569–74), but fine examples are also found in the gateway to the ʿArab Sarāʾī
(guesthouse at Humāyūn’s tomb), Delhi (1560–61), the Ajmer fort (1564–73), the Lahore fort
with its outstanding decoration (1586–1618), and the Allahabad fort (1583–84), now largely
dismantled.

The fortress-palace of Agra is notable for the massive enclosure wall; its entire length of 1.5
miles (2.5 km) is faced with dressed stone. The main entranceway, which is known as the Delhi
gate, is attractively decorated with white marble inlay against the warm red sandstone. The
capital town of Fatehpur Sikri (named a World Heritage site in 1986) is one of the most notable
achievements of Islamic architecture in India. The town, which was deserted only a few years
after it was built, is a great complex of palaces and lesser residences and religious and official
buildings, all erected on top of a rocky ridge 26 miles (42 km) west of Agra.

The Hall of Private Audience (Diwan-i-Khas) is arresting in its interior arrangement, which
has a single massive column encircled by brackets supporting a stone throne platform, from
which radiate four railed balconies. The palace of Jodha Bai, Akbar’s wife, and the residence
of Mahesh Das (commonly known as Bīrbal, Akbar’s friend and confidant) again show—in
their niches and brackets—features adopted from the religious and secular architecture of the
Hindus.

The most imposing of the buildings at Fatehpur Sikri is the Great Mosque, the Jāmiʿ Masjid,
which served as a model for later congregational mosques built by the Mughals. The mosque’s
southern entrance, a massive gateway called the Buland Darwaza (Victory Gate), gives a
feeling of immense strength and height, an impression emphasized by the steepness of the flight
of steps by which it is approached

In Ajmer, two palaces remain, reminiscent of Akbar, each constructed in stone. One is a
trabeated structure, acknowledged as the Badshahi Mahal. In the Lahore Fort, Akbar's
structures were replaced by subsequent rulers and in the Allahabad fort, only one of the Akbari
structures remains well-preserved. This is also a Bavarian (pillared pavilion), situated in the
centre of a courtyard. The first floor of this three-storied pillared structure bears a large central
chamber, encircled by eight auxiliary ones and an encompassing veranda. Mughal architectures
during Akbar, bearing such design had been used earlier at the Fatehpur Sikri palace too and
appear to have been specifically intended for imperial use.

AGRA FORT

It was commenced in 1565 and completed in eight years,

under the direction of Qasim Khan. Agra Fortwas intended
to replace an older brick fort, hence Akbar directed
Qasim Khan to construct a stone fortification that would
possess unparalleled strength. Thousands of workers, many
of them stone masons, were employed on the project.
The red sandstone veneer, inlaid with white marble details,
lends an aura of majesty to the massive Delhi Gate, Agra
Fort's main entrance. The Fort's entire exterior, constructed
With finer materials and crafted more scrupulously than any
other Indian fort, imparts an overwhelming sense of the
patron's power and the authentic sway of Akbar and his
Mughal architecture.

FORT OF AJMER

Fort of Ajmer was another major example of Mughal

architecture constructed by Emperor Akbar. Although
a small structure, it is immensely strong in form and
intention recalling in some respects, a Donjon
(fortified central tower), having the perimeter of thick
double walls being planned in such a manner as to make
it apparently impenetrable. Yet in the centre of this
solidly built fortification there is an open courtyard
containing a large pillared hall, a construction in two
stories. The whole structure is surrounded by a double
colonnade with wide bracket capitals. It has a chamber
in the interior and there is a room in each of the angles, the entire structure having been
obviously so designed for the accommodation of the emperor when on tour. This graceful little
palace with its enclosing walls is noteworthy of the spirit of the Mughal dynasty.

ALLAHABAD FORT

The Allahabad Fort is acknowledged as the largest construction built by Akbar during his entire
regime, construction of which started in 1853. In its widest dimension, it measures almost 3000
feet across, which unfortunately, has been dismantled and shorn much of its architectural
interest in modern times. Among the remains of Allahabad Fort, Akbar's Mughal architecture's
former glory, one structure of significance identified as Zenana Palace, has been preserved and
restored. Zenana Palace is actually a pavilion, constructed evidently for the royal quarters
inside the fortress. The beauty of the design of this
fortress lies in the arrangement of its pillars in the
inner hall of the centre. These pillars have
been designed in pairs, except at the corners of
the building, when they are in groups of fours, so
that from every point of view a wealthy and
elegant perception is presented. Above this arcade
rises a terraced roof contained within perforated
ramparts surmounted by kiosks with lattice screens.
This exceedingly well crafted architecture represents
the magnificence and the growing wealth and power
of Akbar's period.

AMER FORT

Amer Fort is known for its artistic Hindu style elements.

With its large ramparts and series of gates and cobbled
paths, the fort overlooks Maota Lake which is the main
source of water for the Amer Palace.
It consists of the Diwan-i-Aam, or “Hall of Public Audience”,
the Diwan-i-Khas, or “Hall of Private Audience”, the Sheesh
Mahal (mirror palace), or Jai Mandir, and the Sukh Niwas
where a cool climate is artificially created by winds that blow
over a water cascade within the palace. Hence, the Amer
Fort is also popularly known as the Amer Palace The palace
was the residence of the Rajput Maharajas and their familiesAmer fort was built with red sandstone and
white sandstone. The fort still stands as a grand example of ancient Indian architecture. It is known for
its blend of Rajput and Hindu style of architecture and mixture of Hindu and Muslim style of
ornamentation. The carvings on the ceiling and the walls are extraordinary features of this fort.

JODHA BHAI PALACE

Jodhabai’s Palace is in the center of Harem complex in Fatehpur Sikri. This palace was well equipped
with all the necessary things that was required in the day to day life for the ladies who used to be in
purdah. Though this palace is huge and large but has restriction for the ladies. This palace has many
apartments which are linked to many courtyards and leads to the huge inner courtyard. The Harem baths
are on the south of the palace, behind them were stables. The harem complex was however not restricted
only to the palace and extended beyond that. There are
many gardens on the north and towards the west of the
palace lies the dome shaped double storied building which
h is beautifully built and belonged to Birbal. This palace is
said to be the biggest in the Imperial Harem and also
very important. This palace gives a good impression of the
various styles of buildings in Fatehpur Sikri. One can find a
blend of Muslims and Hindus (Gujarathi & Rajasthani) style.
This palace got its name from Akbar’s wife who was a Rajput
and had all the necessary facilities. This building was mainly
for Raniwas or Zenani-Dyodhi. There are many Hindu motifs
hence this confirms the fact that this belonged to a Hindu lady and has distinctive architectural features
of both Gujarat & Rajasthan.

The Jodhabai’s palace is said to be the perfect one if one wants to understand the different kinds of
architectural styles of the buildings in Fatehpur Sikri. The Palace of Jodhabai is very beautiful and once
just loves it all the more and the delicate design that is laced on the delicate walls is worth noting and
appreciating. This has great importance in the history of India and Jodhabai was a Rajput princess who
was very strong personality and had made a big name in the court of Mughal Emperor. She was known
for her bravery and hence she was also said to be the Mughal Emperor Akbar’s favorite queen and
hence he got this palace built for her.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Anguri Bagh (Garden of Grapes) in Agra was built by Shahjehan in 1637. It was used for
harvesting grapes and flowers and hence the name “Anguri bagh”. It is surrounded by arcades
on three sides with the harem (living quarters for the royal ladies and female servants) and has
the Khas Mahal (the Mughal emperor’s private residence) towards its east. The garden has a
path dividing it into four (Char bagh) with intricate geometrical pattern in its four sections and
a central portion for sitting. this garden was known for harvesting choicest of grapes and
flowers throughout the year. It was designed for the royal women as a paradise garden (“Anguri
Bagh.”). The camera showed both broad views and close ups of the garden which clearly shows
the intent of the director to portray its beauty. This garden had all the major Mughal
characteristics which would be the char-bagh, the geometric patterns in the railing of the central
sitting space.

OBSERVATIONS

The first scene that focuses the garden is when Akbar dismisses his public meeting hearing Jodhaa sing
to Lord Krishna in the harem and then walks through the garden to her chamber to listen to it.

The second scene that centers the garden is when Akbar from the balcony of his chambers watches
Jodhaa play with rabbits in the central sitting space of the garden and fall in love with her.

The third scene that views the garden is when both Jodhaa and Akbar sit and spend time in the central
garden space and slowly fall in love with each other.
ANALYSIS

The director has used the garden for the purpose it was used for in historic times, romance. He has
beautifully shown the love grow slowly between Akbar and his wife in all the three
scenes that show the garden.

The changes were made in the garden set in terms of material color usage. The original garden had
white stone paved walkways and central space but the set created for the film had red stone.

The set designed lack the orginal characteristic of Mughal garden.The nearby buildings shown in the
scenes lack orginality . which is clearly understandable while showing wide angled shots in direct
sunlight. The garden size has been minimized for the seting up of frame. Art director has tried to
replicate the Mughal garden seen in Agra fort and he brought the same pattern of lawn designed in the
garden . The orginal nearby buildings of the Agra fort were made in white marble which and had a
contrast of colours green and white while looking into the garden. The real Mughal garden and the
nearby building had its beauty in this contrast of colours but this wasn’t properly used in the movie.
The nearby buildings of Mughal garden shown in the movie had texture odf red sand stone and this was
done to create the continuity in the shots but the wide angle and close up shots shows the unreal building