Window frame

Several stone blocks make up this window frame, which is equipped with wooden shutters and an overhanging eave for the runoff of rainwater. The vegetal forms of the half-columns, in addition to the floral and decorative motifs on the shutters and the frame, are typical of architecture created under the Mughal dynasty (1526-1858). Red sandstone, quarried near the early Mughal capital of Fatehpur Sikri, was a favorite building material, as it recalled the color of imperial tents. It was also fairly easy to carve. The court historian for the emperor Akbar (reigned 1556-1605) wrote of the stone: "Clever workmen chisel it so skillfully, as no turner could do with wood."
Imperial styles were adopted throughout the Mughal empire. This window was probably made for the urban home (haveli) of a wealthy patron.

From H. Blochmann's 1867-1877 translation of the A'in-i Akbari by Abu'l Fazl 'Allami.