Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Classical gardening styles are classified as formal (symmetric, geometrical) or informal (asymmetric, natural).
Mughal gardens are formal gardens based on the traditional Persian "Charbagh" design.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
- Mughal Gardens are designed with symmetric, geometrical patterns featuring distinct terraces and flowing water.
- Terraces: Mughal gardens are built on sloping ground, divided into multiple terraces (representing different stages of life or paradise).
- Running Water (Nahars): Water is guided from higher to lower levels through lined canals, creating water chutes (chaddars), cascades, and fountains. This maintains a cool microclimate and a soothing ambient sound.
While Persian gardens introduced the Charbagh layout, the specific combination of high-rise stepped terraces and fast-flowing stone water-chutes was highly developed and popularized in India as a signature feature of Mughal gardens (e.g., Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh).
Step 3: Final Answer:
Terraces and running water channels are defining features of Mughal gardens.