CHAPTER twenty-two
CHAPTER twenty-two
RULERS AND BUILDINGS
Between the eighth and the eighteenth centuries, kings and their officers built two kinds of structures: the first were forts, palaces and tombs - safe, protected and grandiose places of rest and the second were structures meant for public activity including temples, mosques, tanks, wells, caravan serais and bazaars. Kings were expected to look after their subjects, and by making structures for their use and comfort, rulers hoped to win their praise. Construction activity was also carried out by others including merchants. They built temples, mosques and wells. However, domestic architecture - large mansions (havelis) of merchants - has survived only from the eighteenth century.