The Blossoming Legacy of Mughal Era: Floral Motifs on the walls of Palosi Piran Monuments, Peshawar.

Abstract

The Mughal era which spans almost three centuries from the 16^th to the 18^th century, had a strong influence on the artistic expression in the Indian subcontinent through its complex cultivation of motifs in architectural decoration, textiles and artifacts embellishment. Among its many creative achievements, floral ornamentation stands out as a defining decorative language. This study examines the decorative motifs of the Mughal era architecture with a particular focus on the floral decorative motifs used in the wall embellishment of Sheikh Imama Uddin’s Tomb and the adjacent Mosque. Based on site documentation, visual analysis, and historical sources, the study explores a wide range of motifs to demonstrate the use of floral forms contributed to shaping Mughal creative identity and cultural narratives, emphasizing their lasting legacy. Findings highlight the Mughal synthesis of Persian, Central Asian, and Indian traditions in producing richly symbolic floral designs that reflect both imperial grandeur and spiritual depth.