Architectural elements distinctive to the Islamic Mughal style of architecture which is evident in the National Textile Museum include:
1. Onion (bulbous) domes – Bulbous are onion like roofs with a pointed projection.
2. Doomed kiosks – Indigeniously called chattris; supported by 4 columns; largely used to lend visual symmetry.
3. Towers/Minarets – Tall spires with a conical crown; provide a visual focal point.
4. Overhanging Eaves – Protruding edge of roofs providing protection against bad weather.5. Pinnacles – Ornamental cappings of towers and buttresses.
Official Taylor's University Website
Official Textile Museum Website
Related websites:
Official MASSA Website
Architecture Style: Indo-Saracenic
Domes & Minarets
The National Textile Museum bears 4 domes and 16 mini domes, 2 of which are situated at the top of either minarets at the corner of each wing.
Surrounding each minaret dome are 8 mini domes. Each of these mini domes also feature smaller scale finials at the top of these domes.
Domes are significant architectural features in Islamic architecture. Construction of domes in the Islamic world reached its peak during the rise of the Mughal Empire. The use of domes evoke a sense of heavenly transcendence since most domes were actually established in religious buildings in Islamic architecture.
Accompanying a pair of domes on each minaret are a pair of chattris that are located at the top of the arch which is located at the entrance facades.
The minaret features an octagonal shape that is reflected in various other elements such as the air conditioning unit to the east of the building as well as the logo that is used by the National Textile Museum.
