Shaha Parpia

Shaha Parpia

School of Architecture and Civil Engineering

Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology

Project Title: Mughal Hunting Grounds: Socio-Political Aspects of the Shikargah and the Culture of the Hunt

The Mughal hunting ground was conceptualized to accommodate a variety of functions. Besides being a public arena for the emperor to publicly enact the hunt, it was a stage for imperial ceremonials, a site for encampment, and a venue for military training and armed intervention. Transformations to the natural environment of the shikargah (hunting ground) also linked the space to ‘garden’ and agricultural spaces. Scientific activities were also motivated by the hunt which had far-reaching ramifications. The hunt was also instrumental in playing a key role in the Mughals’ spiritual outlook. Shaha’s research aims to offer new perspectives on Mughal landscapes and the culture of the hunt. 

  • Journals
    Year Citation
    2018 Parpia, S. (2018). Hunting ground, agricultural land and the forest: sustainable interdependency in Mughal India 1526-1707. Landscape History, 39(2), 23-42.
    2018 Parpia, S. (2018). Reordering Nature: Power Politics in the Mughal Shikargah. International Journal of Islamic Architecture, 7(1).
    2016 Parpia, S. (2016). Mughal Hunting Grounds: Landscape Manipulation and "Garden" Association. Garden History, Journal of the Gardens Trust, 44(2).

  • Book Chapters
    Year Citation
    2019 Parpia, S. (2019). The Imperial Mughal Hunt: A Pursuit of Knowledge. In S. Akkach (Ed.), 'Ilm: Science, Religion and Art in Islam (pp. 39-58). Adelaide, South Australia: University of Adelaide Press.

  • Conference Papers
    Year Citation
    2016 Parpia, S. (2016). The Mughal Shikar: A Pursuit of Knowledge. In 'Ilm: Science, Religion and Art in Islam. CAMEA 5th International Conference, Adelaide.
    2015 Parpia, S. (2015). Symbiotic Spaces: Garden, Agriculture and Hunting in the Mughal Tradition. In From Garden to Table: New Perspectives in Garden History. Australian Garden History Society Symposium, Adelaide.
    2014 Parpia, S. (2014). Mughal Hunting Parks: Landscapes and Politics. In Aspects of Islamic Gardens: Multi-meanings of Paradise. Kavala, Greece.
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