The tradition of using glazed tiles as decorative element of building architecture by the Mughals can be traced to the crafts of Iran, which governed the tastes of the eastern Islamic world. There is a profusion of tilework on monuments like Humayun's Tomb, Isa Khan's tomb and mosque, Nila Gumbad and Atgah Khan s tomb amongst others. The tilework on the canopies has, however, suffered over the years on account of degradation of clay body, glaze or carrier. This volume presents the results of the three-year research and the new approach to conservation that has been agreed to here and never before been implemented anywhere. It also illustrates the significance of glazed tiles in Mughal-era buildings; the design and aesthetic philosophy employed in the conservation of the tilework on the canopies; various steps of the restoration works and process documentation of achieving the final color of the tiles. Published in association with Aga Khan Trust for Culture, New Delhi. Contents: Foreword; Introduction; Conservation Philosophy; Process of restoring the glazed tile works; Conclusions; Appendix.
Mughal Tilework : A Craft Revival