Delhi’s 10 Iconic Mughal Architecture Gems You Must Explore

Delhi’s skyline is dotted with the legacy of the Mughals, whose vision and artistry transformed the city into a canvas of grandeur and culture. From imposing forts and delicate tombs to bustling markets designed centuries ago, the Mughal era left a mark that continues to awe visitors. While many recognize their contribution to Delhi’s history, a surprising number of residents have never stepped inside these monuments. Each structure tells a story of power, artistry, and devotion, inviting exploration beyond the usual tourist paths.

Humayun’s Tomb
Humayun’s Tomb, built in the 16th century by Haji Begum for her husband, is a landmark of Mughal architecture. It is the first garden tomb in India, set within a charbagh—an elaborate Persian-style garden divided into quadrants. Constructed in red sandstone with white marble accents, the tomb features a central dome, high arches, and delicate latticework. Symmetry, geometric precision, and intricate ornamentation define its design, making it a precursor to later Mughal masterpieces like the Taj Mahal.

Red Fort
The Red Fort, commissioned by Shah Jahan in the 17th century, is a prime example of Mughal military and palace architecture. Built primarily from red sandstone, it blends Islamic, Persian, Timurid, and Hindu design elements. The fort features massive walls, imposing gates like Lahore and Delhi Gate, and elegant structures within, including Diwani-i-Aam, Diwani-i-Khas, Rang Mahal, and Moti Masjid. Its intricate carvings, ornamental arches, and spacious courtyards reflect the grandeur of the Mughal court and the empire’s architectural sophistication.

Purana Quila
Purana Quila, or the Old Fort, is one of Delhi’s earliest forts, built on the site of ancient Indraprastha. Its massive walls and three grand gates showcase early Mughal and Afghan architectural styles, emphasizing strength and functionality. Constructed with red sandstone, the fort features wide ramparts, arched entrances, and a surrounding moat that once served defensive purposes. Though simpler than later Mughal monuments, Purana Quila’s design reflects a blend of practicality and aesthetic symmetry, offering a glimpse into Delhi’s historic foundations.

Jama Masjid
Jama Masjid, built by Shah Jahan in the 17th century, is one of India’s largest and most iconic mosques. Constructed primarily from red sandstone with white marble accents, it features three grand domes, towering minarets, and an expansive courtyard that can accommodate 25,000 worshippers. The mosque showcases Mughal architectural hallmarks, including high arches, intricate carvings, and symmetrical design. Its blend of scale, elegance, and ornamentation reflects both spiritual purpose and imperial grandeur, making it a centerpiece of Delhi’s architectural heritage.

Safdarjung Tomb
Safdarjung Tomb, built in the mid-18th century, is one of the last grand examples of Mughal architecture in Delhi. Constructed from red sandstone and marble, it features a central dome, symmetrical layout, and a charbagh garden divided into four quadrants. The tomb’s design echoes Humayun’s Tomb but on a smaller scale, with decorative arches, ornate gateways, and surrounding pavilions like Jangli Mahal and Moti Mahal. Its enclosed garden and balanced proportions reflect the Mughal emphasis on harmony, elegance, and funerary grandeur.

Chandni Chowk
Chandni Chowk, designed by Princess Jahanara in the 17th century, is more than a marketplace—it reflects Mughal urban planning and architectural vision. Originally laid out with canals and a central square, the area featured wide streets, open courtyards, and carefully planned shopfronts. Surrounding havelis and religious structures showcase Mughal decorative elements, including jharokhas, arches, and intricate carvings. Though now bustling and modernized, Chandni Chowk’s layout and surviving structures reveal the Mughal emphasis on symmetry, accessibility, and blending commerce with aesthetic design.

Zafar Mahal
Zafar Mahal, built in the early 19th century by Emperor Akbar II, is the last major Mughal monument in Delhi. Located in Mehrauli, it served as a summer palace and reflects late Mughal architectural style. Constructed with red sandstone and featuring marble accents, the Mahal includes arched gateways, a central hall, and the small yet elegant Moti Masjid within its complex. Though partly in ruins today, its proportions, ornamental details, and serene layout preserve the elegance of Mughal design.

Fatehpuri Masjid
Fatehpuri Masjid, built in the 17th century by Fatehpuri Begum, wife of Shah Jahan, is a striking example of Mughal mosque architecture in Delhi. Constructed from red sandstone, it features a large prayer hall topped with a fluted dome and flanked by slender minarets. The mosque’s symmetrical layout, arched entrances, and carved detailing reflect classic Mughal design principles. Situated on Chandni Chowk, it harmoniously blends religious function with urban surroundings, showcasing the elegance and balance characteristic of Mughal architectural aesthetics.

Tomb of Atgah Khan
The Tomb of Atgah Khan, located in Hazrat Nizamuddin Basti, is a modest yet elegant example of 16th-century Mughal funerary architecture. Built for a nobleman assassinated in Akbar’s court, the mausoleum features a square plan, central dome, and simple arched entrances. Constructed with red sandstone and minimal ornamentation, it emphasizes proportion and symmetry over grandeur. Surrounded by a quiet garden, the tomb reflects early Mughal architectural principles, blending restrained decorative elements with functional design, offering a serene glimpse into the era’s craftsmanship.

Khan-i-Khana’s Tomb
Khan-i-Khana’s Tomb, built for Abdul Rahim Khan-i-Khana, a Navratna in Akbar’s court, is a fine example of Mughal funerary architecture. Set along a tree-lined paved driveway, the mausoleum features a central dome, chhatris at the corners, and arched entrances, reflecting the symmetry and balance typical of Mughal design. Originally intended for his wife, it became his final resting place. Constructed with red sandstone and marble accents, the tomb combines elegance with simplicity, preserving the understated charm of 16th-century Mughal monuments.

From grand forts to hidden tombs, Delhi’s Mughal heritage continues to speak of artistry, devotion, and the passage of time. Exploring these monuments provides a deeper understanding of the city’s history and the enduring influence of an empire that shaped India’s cultural landscape.