How did Mughal palaces stay cool in summer?

The palaces had thick walls made of bricks and sandstone, which acted as poor thermal conductors, keeping interiors cool in summer and warm in winter.

Extensive water channels, baolis, moats, nalis, and water tanks were used to create fountains and geometrical gardens, promoting evapotranspiration and cooling the surroundings.

Water from step-wells was channeled between walls in buildings like Hawa Mahal to cool the interiors without causing dampness.

Effective rainwater collection systems directed water into tanks and step-wells for use in passive cooling.

Verandahs and courtyards prevented direct sunlight exposure and facilitated temperature regulation through water channels and vegetation.

Inclined Chajjas and Jaalis reduced direct sunlight exposure and heat, while small high-level windows created a stack effect for ventilation.

Surrounding moats were used for wastewater treatment and recharging groundwater, contributing to the cooling effect around the fort.

These were placed in verandahs and sprinkled with water to increase cooling through evaporation. 4o