What is Pietra Dura?

  Pietra Dura is a fine inlay work with semi-precious stones.

Important Points

• Pietra Dura is an elaborate architectural technique introduced by Shah Jahan during his reign.
• His reign is known as the Golden Age of the Mughal Architecture who built some of the extraordinary buildings and forts like the Taj Mahal, the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, and Shalimar Bagh.
• His buildings include Persian styles, fine white marbles, domes, symmetrical designs, curved lines, etc.
• One of the distinctive features of his building is Petra Dura or Parchin Kari where semi-precious stones like lapis lazuli, topaz, and onyx were carved into the fine marble to create different floral images.
• Pietra Dura inlays were prominent in the Red Fort at Delhi where a series of Pietra Dura were inlaid behind the emperor's throne.

Hence, we can conclude that Pietra Dura is a floral design embedded into marbles.Confusion Points

• Pietra Dura Coloured, hard stones placed in depressions carved into marble or sandstone create beautiful, ornate patterns with precious stones adorning the walls with flowers.