<<–2/”>a >p align=”justify”>The Ghurid occupation of India at the close of the 12 century A.D has shown the seeds of Indo-Islamic Architecture in the Indian Subcontinent . The Muslims having inherited a wealth of varied designs from Sassanian and Byzantine empires and being naturally endowed with good taste for buildings, never failed to adapt to their own requirements the indigenous architecture of almost every foreign country that they conquered.
The most important factors common to both forms of architecture, especially in respect of mosques and temples, were that to both styles, ornamental decoration was very vital and that the open court in many cases was surrounded by colonnades. But the contrast was equally striking: the prayer chamber of the mosque was spacious, whereas the shrine of the temple was comparatively small.
The distinctive features of Indo-Islamic architecture were :-
(a) dome;
(b) lofty towers or minarets;
(c) arch; and
(d) the vault
The tomb architecture is also another feature of the Islamic architecture as the practice of the burial of the dead is adopted. The general pattern of the tomb architecture is consisted of a domed chamber (hujra), a cenotaph in its centre with a mihrab on the western wall and the real grave in the underground chamber.
The pietra dura or coloured stone inlay work on marble became very popular in the days of Shah Jahan
and the finest examples of this type of work are available in the Red Fort in Delhi and the Taj Mahal at Agra. Besides, the structures within the Fatehpur Sikri complex, the forts at Agra and Lahore and the Shahi mosques in Delhi and Lahore are an important part of our heritage. During this period mosques, tombs of kings and dargahs came to
dominate the landscape.
The first distinct example of proper Mughal architecture inspired by Persian architecture, is the tomb of Humayun, in Delhi, built by his widow, Begha Begum. This tomb is important for a proper study of the development of later Mughal architecture and has provided the prototype, followed by architects who designed the Mausoleum of Jahangir at Shahdara, Lahore, as well as the celebrated Taj Mahal, at Agra.
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Indo-Islamic architecture is a style of architecture that developed in the Indian subcontinent under the rule of Muslim dynasties from the 12th to the 19th centuries. It is a fusion of Islamic and Hindu architectural traditions, and it is characterized by its use of domes, arches, and minarets.
Early Indo-Islamic architecture was influenced by the architecture of the Ghaznavid Empire, which ruled over parts of Afghanistan and northern India in the 11th and 12th centuries. The Ghaznavids built many mosques and tombs in their empire, and their architecture was characterized by its use of brick and stone, its simple geometric forms, and its lack of decoration.
The most famous example of early Indo-Islamic architecture is the Qutb Minar in Delhi, which was built in the 12th century by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the founder of the Delhi Sultanate. The Qutb Minar is a minaret, or tower, that is 72.5 meters (238 feet) tall. It is made of red sandstone and is decorated with intricate carvings.
The Delhi Sultanate was overthrown by the Mughal Empire in the 16th century. The Mughals were a Muslim dynasty that ruled over much of India from the 16th to the 18th centuries. They built many magnificent palaces, mosques, and tombs, and their architecture is considered to be the pinnacle of Indo-Islamic architecture.
The most famous example of Mughal architecture is the Taj Mahal in Agra, which was built in the 17th century by Shah Jahan, the fifth Mughal emperor. The Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum that is considered to be one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. It is decorated with intricate inlay work and calligraphy.
The Mughal Empire declined in the 18th century, and it was eventually overthrown by the British East India Company in the 19th century. The British built many buildings in India in the Indo-Saracenic style, which is a fusion of Indo-Islamic and European architecture.
The Indo-Saracenic style was popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries, and it was used to build many government buildings, railway stations, and other public buildings. The most famous example of Indo-Saracenic architecture is the Victoria Memorial in Kolkata, which was built in the late 19th century to commemorate the reign of Queen Victoria.
Modern Indo-Islamic architecture is a diverse style that draws on both traditional and contemporary influences. It is characterized by its use of new materials and technologies, and its incorporation of modern design Elements.
Some of the most famous examples of modern Indo-Islamic architecture include the Lotus Temple in Delhi, which was built in the 1980s by the Baha’i Faith, and the Jama Masjid in Hyderabad, which was built in the 17th century and is one of the largest mosques in India.
Indo-Islamic architecture is a rich and diverse tradition that has evolved over centuries. It is a fusion of Islamic and Hindu architectural traditions, and it is characterized by its use of domes, arches, and minarets. Indo-Islamic architecture has had a profound impact on the development of architecture in the Indian subcontinent, and it continues to be an important source of inspiration for architects today.
Influences on Indo-Islamic architecture
Indo-Islamic architecture was influenced by a number of different sources, including Islamic architecture, Hindu architecture, and the architecture of the Byzantine Empire. Islamic architecture was the most important influence, and it provided the basic framework for Indo-Islamic architecture. Hindu architecture also had a significant influence, and it can be seen in the use of certain motifs and patterns, such as the lotus and the peacock. The architecture of the Byzantine Empire also had some influence, particularly in the use of domes and arches.
Legacy of Indo-Islamic architecture
Indo-Islamic architecture has had a profound impact on the development of architecture in the Indian subcontinent. It is a rich and diverse tradition that has evolved over centuries, and it continues to be an important source of inspiration for architects today. Indo-Islamic architecture is a testament to the cultural and religious diversity of the Indian subcontinent, and it is a reminder of the long history of interaction between Islam and Hinduism-2/”>Hinduism.
What is Indo-Islamic architecture?
Indo-Islamic architecture is a style of architecture that developed in the Indian subcontinent under the rule of Muslim dynasties from the 12th to the 19th centuries. It is a fusion of Islamic and Hindu architectural traditions, and is characterized by its use of domes, arches, and minarets.
What are some of the most famous examples of Indo-Islamic architecture?
Some of the most famous examples of Indo-Islamic architecture include the Taj Mahal, the Red Fort, and the Jama Masjid.
What are the main features of Indo-Islamic architecture?
The main features of Indo-Islamic architecture include the use of domes, arches, and minarets. Domes are a common feature of Islamic architecture, and they are often used to cover the central chamber of a mosque or tomb. Arches are also a common feature of Islamic architecture, and they are often used to support roofs and ceilings. Minarets are tall towers that are used to call Muslims to prayer.
What are the origins of Indo-Islamic architecture?
The origins of Indo-Islamic architecture can be traced back to the 12th century, when Muslim dynasties began to rule over parts of the Indian subcontinent. These dynasties brought with them their own architectural traditions, which they combined with local Hindu traditions to create a new style of architecture.
How did Indo-Islamic architecture develop over time?
Indo-Islamic architecture developed over time as different Muslim dynasties ruled over the Indian subcontinent. Each dynasty brought its own unique style to the architecture, and this led to a great diversity of styles. However, some common features remained, such as the use of domes, arches, and minarets.
What is the significance of Indo-Islamic architecture?
Indo-Islamic architecture is significant because it is a fusion of two very different cultures. It is a reminder of the long history of interaction between Islam and Hinduism, and it is a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of the people who built it.
What are some of the challenges facing Indo-Islamic architecture?
Some of the challenges facing Indo-Islamic architecture include neglect, damage, and destruction. Many Indo-Islamic buildings are in a state of disrepair, and they are at risk of being damaged or destroyed by natural disasters or human activity.
What can be done to protect Indo-Islamic architecture?
There are a number of things that can be done to protect Indo-Islamic architecture. These include:
- Raising awareness of the importance of Indo-Islamic architecture
- Providing funding for conservation and restoration
- Developing educational programs about Indo-Islamic architecture
- Enacting laws to protect Indo-Islamic architecture
Which of the following is not a characteristic of Indo-Islamic architecture?
(A) The use of domes and arches
(B) The use of intricate geometric patterns
(C) The use of Hindu and Buddhist motifs
(D) The use of marble and sandstoneThe Qutub Minar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in which city?
(A) Delhi
(B) Agra
(C) Jaipur
(D) HyderabadThe Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum located in which city?
(A) Delhi
(B) Agra
(C) Jaipur
(D) HyderabadThe Jama Masjid is the largest mosque in India and is located in which city?
(A) Delhi
(B) Agra
(C) Jaipur
(D) HyderabadThe Red Fort is a 17th-century fort located in which city?
(A) Delhi
(B) Agra
(C) Jaipur
(D) HyderabadThe Gol Gumbaz is a mausoleum located in which city?
(A) Bijapur
(B) Golconda
(C) Hyderabad
(D) AurangabadThe Charminar is a monument located in which city?
(A) Hyderabad
(B) Aurangabad
(C) Bijapur
(D) GolcondaThe Hampi ruins are located in which state?
(A) Karnataka
(B) Andhra Pradesh
(C) Telangana
(D) Tamil NaduThe Mahabalipuram temples are located in which state?
(A) Tamil Nadu
(B) Karnataka
(C) Andhra Pradesh
(D) TelanganaThe Ellora Caves are located in which state?
(A) Maharashtra
(B) Karnataka
(C) Andhra Pradesh
(D) Telangana