Pilaren van de Ahmed Shah's-moskee in Ahmedabad before 1866

This is a photograph by Thomas Biggs depicting the pillars of the Ahmed Shah's Mosque in Ahmedabad. Here, the pillars are more than mere architectural supports; they are symbolic columns that tie the cosmos to the earth. These pillars resonate with similar forms found in ancient Egyptian temples and Minoan palaces, where columns were not just structural but also spiritual, acting as a link between the human and the divine. Consider the fluted design on these pillars, which echoes classical Greek architecture. This motif, originally intended to mimic the form of tree trunks, evolved to symbolize strength, stability, and the connection to nature. The repetition of vertical lines can create a sense of upward movement, drawing the eye—and the spirit—towards the heavens. This recurring symbol taps into our collective memory, engaging us on a deep, subconscious level and evokes a sense of timelessness.