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Which building materials were especially important in Mughal architecture?

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Mughal emperors Jahangir, Akbar, and Shah Jahan — Mughal dynasty Emperors (from left, seated) Jahangir, Akbar, and Shah Jahan are depicted with their ministers (foreground) and Prince Dara Shikoh in a watercolor from India, c. 1630–40.

Mughal architecture is defined by the prominent use of red sandstone and white marble, which were frequently employed in contrasting combinations to create a distinct aesthetic.12

While early structures, such as those commissioned by Akbar, often featured formidable red sandstone, later periods saw a shift toward a more generous use of white marble, particularly under the patronage of Shah Jahan. These primary materials were often enhanced by sophisticated decorative techniques, including:3

Pietra dura: An inlay technique using semiprecious stones that became a hallmark of later Mughal monuments.12
Carved jalis: Intricate, latticed screens carved directly into the stonework.1

The synthesis of these materials and techniques allowed Mughal emperors to express their ambition and refined sensibilities, resulting in the harmonious and symmetrical designs that characterize the era's most celebrated mosques, palaces, and mausoleums.13