A research associate at the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London, his presentation covered The Architecture of Mughal India: Palaces, Mosques, Gardens and Mausoleums.

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Through an animated talk and numerous slides showing portraits, gardens, sumptuous interiors and architectural wonders, Dr Stevens took the audience on a visual journey of some of the most beautiful and iconic buildings in the world.

From the 16th -18th century the Mughals left an indelible stamp on India’s architectural and cultural landscape.

Dr Stevens began with Mughal garden design, explaining that water is an important feature.

Water channels, pools, fountains and sophisticated irrigation systems reach back to 4000 BC and the Babylonian Garden of Eden, or “well-watered place”.

Lush vegetation such as jasmine, lilies, roses and violets, and fig, almond, cypress and pomegranate trees, abound in Mughal gardens.

They were created to induce a sense of calm and order and to broadcast wealth, power and the ability to subjugate nature and people.

“The Mughal’s may have been lovers of luxury and beauty, but they always had an eye for propaganda,” Dr Stevens said.

Dr Stevens journeyed through successive Emperors, including Shah Jahan who built the Taj Mahal in Agra as homage to his wife, Mumtaz.

He concluded his talk with images and reflections of the Jama Masjid congregational mosque in Delhi.

With its immense courtyard, red sandstone and marble walls and domes, it remains an oasis of peaceful contemplation in contrast to Delhi’s frenetic street life.

ArtsNational Coffs Coast’s next talk on Monday, 19 August, will explore the same period in which the Mughals ruled but through the lens of the East India Company and its role in East-West Trade between 1600 and 1800.

By Andrea FERRARI