While travelling in India, I became fascinated with the variety of patterns in its architecture. Historically, they’re mostly a legacy of the Sultanates and the Mughal Empire, and Islam’s tradition of non-figurative art. But interesting patterns can also be found in Jain, Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh and modern architecture, and also in natural forms.

These galleries collects all the photographs of patterns I took during my visit. I’m releasing these into the public domain. They are far from comprehensive, and others can be found in various places such as Wikimedia Commons.

Part 1: Delhi
Part 2: Agra and Fatehpur Sikri
Part 3: Rajasthan
Part 4: Chandigarh
Part 5: Miscellaneous

DELHI

Purana Qila

One of Delhi’s oldest forts, built by Sher Shah Suri, who temporarily supplanted the Mughal Emperor Humayun in the mid 1500s.

Humayun’s Tomb

The tomb of the second Mughal Emperor is one of the most spectacular and beautiful buildings in the whole of India.

Khan-i-Khanan

A minor tomb in south Delhi, for a Mughal poet and minister.

Safdarjung’s Tomb

Built in the 1750s for the prime minister Safdarjung, this tomb is regarded as an example of late Mughal decline in its inferior design and decoration. It’s still very impressive though.

Sultan Ghari

A very early Delhi Sultanate tomb from the 13th century.