<–2/”>a >With establishment of Turkish rule in India, a new phase coming in history of Indian art and architecture. Turks brought Islamic style of architecture in India. This new style eas significantly different from traditional Indian style. But over a period of time both style under went assimilation.
Essential feature of Indo -Islamic architecture were:
- Islamic architecture characterised by uses of arches, domes and minarates. Arches were used for making doors. Dome was used to make roof and minarates were eracted in 4 corners of building
- Assimilation of Indian style i.e. Trabeate architecture, use of columns and pillars.
- Use of lime mortar as binding agent. Which provided solidarity to the monuments and buildings.
- Charbhagi style brought by Babar added to the beauty of monuments.
- Double dome architecture was another significant feature of the Indo-Islamic Architecture. Eg. Himayun Tomb, Taj Mahal etc.
- Use of new techniques like pietra deura , calligraphy technique , arabesque etc.
- Elements of Indian architecture like Jali, Chatra , jharaokha ,chajja etc.
Right from the beginning of Turkish rule to the age of Mughal rule , process of assimilation of Indian and Islamic continued and it lead to the genesis of new kind of architecture in India. It represent our unique, assimilative cultural identity.
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Medieval Indo-Islamic architecture is a vast and complex subject, and it is impossible to do Justice to it in a short space. However, I will try to provide a brief overview of the major developments in this field, from the early Islamic period to the Mughal era.
Early Islamic Architecture in India
The first Muslims to arrive in India were Arab traders, who came to the Malabar coast in the 7th century. However, it was not until the 12th century that Islam began to take root in India, with the arrival of the Turkish conqueror Muhammad Ghori. Ghori defeated the Hindu Rajput king Prithviraj Chauhan at the Battle of Tarain in 1192, and this marked the beginning of Muslim rule in India.
The Sultanate Period
The Sultanate period lasted from the 12th to the 16th centuries, and it was during this time that the first major Islamic buildings were constructed in India. These buildings were typically made of brick and decorated with intricate geometric patterns. Some of the most famous examples of Sultanate architecture include the Qutb Minar in Delhi, the Alai Darwaza in Delhi, and the Jama Masjid in Delhi.
The Mughal Period
The Mughal period lasted from the 16th to the 18th centuries, and it was during this time that Islamic architecture reached its peak in India. The Mughals were a Muslim dynasty that originated in Central Asia, and they brought with them a new style of architecture that combined elements of Persian, Turkish, and Indian styles. Some of the most famous examples of Mughal architecture include the Taj Mahal in Agra, the Red Fort in Delhi, and the Jama Masjid in Delhi.
The Rajputs were a Hindu warrior caste that ruled over many parts of India during the medieval period. They built many impressive forts and palaces, which are often considered to be some of the finest examples of Hindu architecture. Some of the most famous examples of Rajput architecture include the Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, the Amber Fort in Jaipur, and the Hawa Mahal in Jaipur.
The Deccan Sultanates
The Deccan Sultanates were a group of Muslim sultanates that ruled over the Deccan Plateau in southern India from the 14th to the 17th centuries. They built many impressive mosques and tombs, which are often considered to be some of the finest examples of Islamic architecture in India. Some of the most famous examples of Deccan Sultanate architecture include the Gol Gumbaz in Bijapur, the Charminar in Hyderabad, and the Qutb Shahi Tombs in Golconda.
The Indo-Saracenic Revival
The Indo-Saracenic Revival was a movement in Indian architecture that began in the 19th century. It was a reaction against the dominance of European styles of architecture, and it sought to revive the traditional styles of Indian architecture. Some of the most famous examples of Indo-Saracenic architecture include the Victoria Memorial in Kolkata, the Gateway of India in Mumbai, and the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.
Conclusion
Medieval Indo-Islamic architecture is a rich and diverse field, and it is impossible to do justice to it in a short space. However, I hope that this brief overview has given you a taste of the beauty and complexity of this subject.
The Qutb Minar is a minaret that forms part of the Qutb complex in Delhi, India. It is 72.5 metres (238 ft) tall, making it the tallest brick minaret in the world. The Qutb Minar was built by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the founder of the Delhi Sultanate, in 1192. It was originally five storeys high, but two more storeys were added by his successor, Iltutmish. The Qutb Minar is decorated with intricate carvings and inscriptions. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Alai Darwaza is a gate in the Qutb complex in Delhi, India. It was built by Iltutmish, the second ruler of the Delhi Sultanate, in 1311. The Alai Darwaza is one of the finest examples of Indo-Islamic architecture. It is decorated with intricate carvings and inscriptions. The Alai Darwaza is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Jama Masjid is a mosque in Delhi, India. It is the largest mosque in India and one of the largest mosques in the world. The Jama Masjid was built by Shah Jahan, the fifth Mughal emperor, in the 17th century. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Mehrangarh Fort is a fort in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India. It is one of the largest forts in India. The Mehrangarh Fort was built by Rao Jodha, the founder of the Jodhpur kingdom, in the
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 Indian 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 for calling 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 Indian architectural traditions to create a new style of architecture.
How did Indo-Islamic architecture develop over time?
Indo-Islamic architecture developed over time as Muslim dynasties came and went. Each dynasty brought its own unique style to the architecture, and this led to a great diversity of styles within Indo-Islamic architecture.
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 also significant because it is a beautiful and unique style of architecture.
What are some of the challenges facing Indo-Islamic architecture?
Some of the challenges facing Indo-Islamic architecture include the lack of funding for conservation, the threat of natural disasters, and the threat of vandalism.
What can be done to preserve Indo-Islamic architecture?
There are a number of things that can be done to preserve Indo-Islamic architecture. These include:
- Increasing funding for conservation
- Raising awareness of the importance of Indo-Islamic architecture
- Developing new technologies for conservation
- Working with local communities to protect Indo-Islamic architecture
Which of the following is not a characteristic of Indo-Islamic architecture?
(A) The use of arches and domes
(B) The use of intricate geometric patterns
(C) The use of calligraphy
(D) The use of Hindu and Buddhist motifsThe Qutub Minar is located in which city?
(A) Delhi
(B) Agra
(C) Jaipur
(D) LucknowThe Taj Mahal is a tomb built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Which of the following is not true about the Taj Mahal?
(A) It is made of white marble
(B) It is located in Agra, India
(C) It is one of the Seven Wonders of the World
(D) It is a UNESCO World Heritage SiteThe Red Fort is a palace complex in Delhi, India. It was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century. Which of the following is not true about the Red Fort?
(A) It is made of red sandstone
(B) It is located in the heart of Delhi
(C) It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India
(D) It is a UNESCO World Heritage SiteThe Jama Masjid is a mosque in Delhi, India. It is the largest mosque in India and one of the largest mosques in the world. Which of the following is not true about the Jama Masjid?
(A) It was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century
(B) It can accommodate up to 25,000 people
(C) It is located in the heart of Delhi
(D) It is a UNESCO World Heritage SiteThe Agra Fort is a fort in Agra, India. It was built by Mughal emperor Akbar in the 16th century. Which of the following is not true about the Agra Fort?
(A) It is made of red sandstone
(B) It is located on the banks of the Yamuna River
(C) It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India
(D) It is a UNESCO World Heritage SiteThe Fatehpur Sikri is a city in Agra, India. It was built by Mughal emperor Akbar in the 16th century. Which of the following is not true about the Fatehpur Sikri?
(A) It is made of red sandstone
(B) It is located about 30 kilometers from Agra
(C) It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India
(D) It is a UNESCO World Heritage SiteThe Humayun’s Tomb is a tomb in Delhi, India. It was built by Mughal emperor Humayun in the 16th century. Which of the following is not true about the Humayun’s Tomb?
(A) It is the first garden tomb in India
(B) It is located in the Nizamuddin West area of Delhi
(C) It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India
(D) It is a UNESCO World Heritage SiteThe Lodhi Gardens are a Mughal garden complex in Delhi, India. They were built by the Lodhi Dynasty in the 16th century. Which of the following is not true about the Lodhi Gardens?
(A) They are located in the heart of Delhi
(B) They are one of the most popular tourist destinations in India
(C) They are a UNESCO World Heritage Site
(D) They are home to a number of historical monuments, including the Tomb of Sikandar Lodhi and the Bara GumbadThe Qutub Minar Complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Delhi, India. It is a complex of buildings that were built by the Delhi Sultanate in the 13th and 14th centuries. Which of the following is not true about the Qutub Minar Complex?
(A) It is home to the Qutub Minar, a minaret that is one of the tallest brick towers in the world
(B) It is home to the Alai Darwaza, a gate that is considered to be one of the finest examples of Indo-Islamic architecture
(C) It is home to the Iron Pillar of Delhi, a pillar that is made of iron and is said to be over 1,600 years old
(D) It is home to the Tomb of Imam Zamin, a tomb that is said to be the tomb of a Sufi saint