Introduction:- The Indo-Islamic architecture style prominently showcased arches, domes, and minarets as its defining elements. The buildings often featured expansive gardens within their premises. Construction materials predominantly included mortar, red sandstone, and marble. Buildings were adorned with intricately carved floral and plant motifs, enhancing their decorative appeal.

Origin of Islamic Rule in India – History

Arab traders first arrived on the western coast of India in the 7th century, marking the origin of Islamic influence in the region. However, the establishment of Islamic rule in India began in the 12th century with the invasion of the Guhrid emperor Muhammad Ghori, who establishes it under the title of “The Delhi Sultanate.”

From 1206 to 1526, a succession of five Islamic empires ruled portions of northern and central India:

1. Mamluk Dynasty (1206–1290): Founded by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, a general under Muhammad Ghori.
2. Khalji Dynasty (1290–1320)
3. Tughlaq Dynasty (1320–1414)
4. Sayyid Dynasty (1414–1451)
5. Lodi Dynasty (1451–1526)

Qutub-ud-din Aibak, the first Sultan, served as a general in the army of Muhammad Ghori, a Muslim ruler from Central Asia.

In 1526, Babur, a Mongol-Turkic ruler, defeated Ibrahim Lodi, marking the end of the Delhi Sultanate. Subsequently, this led to the establishment of the next significant Islamic dynasty in India, which endured from 1526 to 1857. Throughout this period, the British East India Company gradually gained control over India in the 18th century, thus ultimately culminating in the decline of Islamic rule. Following the Indian Rebellion of 1857, Bahadur Shah Zafar, the final Muslim ruler of India, faced exile to Burma by the British.

Features of Indo-Islamic Architecture in India

Islamic architecture in India created a distinctive identity by seamlessly adapting to regional climates and contexts. It defined the medieval landscape with a unique architectural language. Here are the most prominent elements found in Islamic architecture across India:

Domes: The dome, representing the celestial sphere, covers vast interior spaces. In India, these onion-shaped domes feature a double-shell structure, offering stability and durability.

Minarets: Tall, slender towers, usually positioned at mosque corners, include a balcony for calling people to prayer. They boast intricate designs and carvings.

Archways: Characterized by pointed or horseshoe shapes, these arches, known as “Mughal Arches,” support building weight and span openings like doorways or windows.

Calligraphy: Ornate writing, often Quranic verses, decorates buildings, manuscripts, and Islamic art, showcasing Arabic script intricately and artistically. They were used for decoration, along with the arabesque technique that involved the usage of intricate geometrical designs.

Geometric Patterns: Crafted from shapes like squares, circles, and stars, symmetrical and intricate designs in Islamic architecture create a sense of harmony and order. These designs contribute to the overall aesthetic and structural integrity of the architecture.

Courtyards: Open-air spaces surrounded by walls or buildings offer tranquility, often adorned with decorative patterns and designs on floors and walls.

Water Features: Pools and fountains, symbolizing purity and life, create a peaceful atmosphere encouraging relaxation and contemplation.

Ornate Decoration: Intricate craftsmanship using various materials like stone, stucco, tile, plaster, wood, and metal, enriches Islamic buildings.

Perforated Screens: The intricate latticed screens, known as jalis, serve a dual purpose. They decorate windows and openings, offering both aesthetic appeal and functionality by allowing light and air while ensuring privacy.

Examples of Indo-Islamic Architecture in India

• Char Minar, Hyderabad
• Gol Gumbaz, Bijapur
• Taj Mahal, Agra
• The Agra Fort
• The Taj Mahal
• Jama Masjid, Delhi
• Adhai Din Ka Jhopra, Ajmer

The Moti Masjid at Agra, the Red Fort at Delhi and the Jami Masjid of Delhi are other remarkable constructions of Shah Jahan. The Imam-baras built by the Nawabs of Avadh in Lucknow, the tomb of Safdar Jung and the tomb of Nawab of Junagadh in Gujrat are some of the late examples of the Mughal architecture. Although these structures still show vitality, but clearly are the symbols of decline of the Indo-Islamic architectural tradition.

Similarity and Differences from Hindu Architecture

While Hindu architecture adorned all surfaces with sculptures and paintings, Muslim architecture featured contrasting characteristics. Prohibited from imitating living forms on surfaces, Muslims developed their religious art and architecture using arabesque, geometrical patterns, and calligraphy on plaster and stone.

During the medieval period, the Muslims absorbed many aspects of local cultures and traditions. By amalgamating these with their architectural practices, they created Indo-Islamic architecture. This style also became a fusion of diverse structural techniques, stylized shapes, and surface decorations. Thus evolving through continuous interventions that involved accepting, rejecting, or modifying architectural elements.