What are Mughal Gardens?
Mughal Gardens are a type of garden built by the Mughals. This style was influenced by the Persian gardens particularly the Charbagh structure, which is intended to create a representation of an earthly utopia in which humans co-exist in perfect harmony with all elements of nature. From the beginnings of the Mughal Empire, the construction of gardens was a beloved imperial pastime.
The Mughal architectural legacy in India needs no introduction. Apart from forts, tombs, and mosques, they also built gardens – which changed places like Delhi, Agra and Kashmir forever. In this post, take a look at some of the exquisite Mughal gardens – the charbaghs (four-fold gardens) – considered to be a slice of heaven on earth. The gardens were square or rectangular in shape with further divisions into smaller square parterres usually limiting the number to four.
The root word for Paradise, pairidaēza (in Persian) means “walled garden” – and just like the word, the (Mughal) Charbagh gardens too, have their roots / origin in Persia.
Dotted across Northern India you will find some of the most magnificent ‘Paradise Gardens’ commissioned by Mughal Emperors which serve the very purpose.

Characteristics of Mughal Gardens
- Charbagh Layout: The gardens are typically divided into four quadrants by water channels or pathways, representing the Quranic vision of paradise.
- Water Features: Running water, fountains, and reflective pools were integral, symbolizing life, purity, and abundance.
- Symmetry: The layout emphasized symmetry and geometric precision, creating a sense of order and harmony.
- Flora: Gardens featured a mix of flowering plants, fruit-bearing trees, and aromatic herbs.

Mughal gardens in the Indus region
Mughal gardens in the Indus region hold a significant place in the architectural and cultural history of the Indian subcontinent. The Mughal Empire, which flourished from the 16th to the 18th century, was known for its beautifully designed gardens, often located near rivers, fortresses, and palaces. These gardens reflect a blend of Persian, Islamic, and Indian design principles and were intended to symbolize paradise on Earth.
Famous Mughal Gardens in the Indus Region
- Shalimar Gardens, Lahore (Pakistan):
Built during the reign of Emperor Shah Jahan in 1641.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it exemplifies the Charbagh style with terraces, pavilions, and water cascades. - Hazuri Bagh, Lahore (Pakistan):
Located between the Lahore Fort and Badshahi Mosque.
Known for its open layout and central baradari (pavilion). - Shalimar Bagh, Srinagar (India):
Built by Emperor Jahangir in the Kashmir Valley.
Combines the Mughal love for nature with the serene landscape of Kashmir. - Bagh-e-Babur, Kabul (Afghanistan):
Though not directly in the Indus region, this garden was created by Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire, and served as an inspiration for later Mughal gardens.
Connection to the Indus
The Indus region provided a fertile landscape for these gardens, with its abundant water sources and natural beauty. These gardens were not only symbols of power and aesthetics but also served practical purposes, such as irrigation and cooling in the hot climate.
What does Paradise look like?
The biblical Eden is described thus:
“And the Lord God planted a garden in the east in Eden…The Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. A river watering the garden flowed from Eden; from there it was separated into four headwaters…”
The Paradise-garden of the Quran with its 8 terraces was always the ideal model for the perfect garden. It symbolised life, death and eternity and was in accordance with the 8 divisions of paradise mentioned in the Quran.
The gardening tradition was also implemented within forts and tombs such as the Red Fort, Humayun’s tomb, Taj Mahal etc.
The idea behind these gardens at Mughal tomb sites was that if the dead were to wake up from their eternal sleep, they would want to stroll in a garden full of flowers and birds, maybe enjoy a fruit..
The paradise-gardens built by the Mughals were probably a sensory, out-of-the-world experience – as the paintings and photos lead us to imagine.

Mughal Gardens in Spiritual Context
In the teachings of the Murli, the Mughal Gardens are used metaphorically to describe the golden age, referred to as the “garden of flowers.” Baba highlights this as a time of beauty, harmony, and divine order.
- “The golden age is called a garden of flowers. There are so many first-class flowers in the Mughal Gardens.” (Murli, 03/12/24)
- “The golden age is called the garden of flowers. No one knows when that sapling is planted. The Father is explaining to you. People call out: O Master of the Garden, come! He would not be called the Gardener. You children who look after centres are called gardeners. There are many types of gardener. There is only the one Master of the Garden. The gardener of the Mughal Gardens must receive a very high salary. He has created such beautiful gardens that everyone goes there to see them. The Mughals were very fond of such things. When the wife of Shah Jahan died, he built the Taj Mahal in her memory. Murli 02/07/2015” (Murli, 02/07/15)
These references align with the idea of a spiritual paradise, where the “Master of the Garden” oversees divine creation, and humans serve as its caretakers.
Mughal Gardens remain a timeless testament to human creativity and spirituality, blending cultural traditions with a deep connection to nature. The first Mughal garden was a cure for home-sickness.
Sources
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mughal_garden
The Mughal Charbagh : Paradise Gardens on Earth
Click to watch a video about Mughal Gardens