Indo-Islamic Architecture Style

Commencing in the late twelfth century, the Delhi or Imperial architectural style persisted for almost four centuries during the reign of five Muslim dynasties: Slave (1191-1290 C.E.), Khilji (1290-1320 C.E.), Tughlaq (1320-1413 C.E.), Sayyid (1414-1451 C.E.), and Lodhi (1451-1556 C.E.). Each dynasty significantly contributed to the development of Indo-Persian architecture in India.

Monuments of the Slave Sultans

Under the patronage of the Slave sultans in Delhi, numerous mosques, mausoleums, palaces, and artificial lakes were erected, marking the beginning of the Imperial style of architecture. Notable constructions include:

The Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque: Built by Qutbuddin Aibak in four years (1193-1197 C.E.), this mosque was constructed by demolishing twenty-seven Brahmanical and Jain temples within the Qila-i-Rai Pithaura.
The Qutub Minar: Initiated by Qutbuddin Aibak, the construction reached completion under Iltutmish. It stands as a remarkable icon of Indo-Islamic architecture.
Adhai-din-ka-Jhompra: Constructed by Qutbuddin Aibak in Ajmer after demolishing a Sharada temple, this mosque resembles the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque at Delhi.
The Tomb of Iltutmish: This mausoleum, built of red sandstone, exhibits intricate Indo-Islamic artistry.
The Tomb of Nasiruddin Ahmed: Constructed by Iltutmish in 1213 C.E., this tomb exhibits Hindu architectural details and decorative motifs.
The Tomb of Balban: Located near the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque, this tomb marks a significant advancement in arch construction.

Monuments of the Khilji

During Alauddin Khilji’s reign, various structures were erected, including Siri, Alai Minar, Alai Darwaza, the Jamaat-Khana Mosque, Alauddin’s Tomb, and Haus Alai (Alauddin’s Tank).

Monuments of the Tughlaqs

Tughlaq architecture was characterized by simplicity, favoring buildings with sloping walls, tapering towers, colonnades, and projecting porches. Notable structures included Tughlaqabad, the Mausoleum of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq, the Fortress of Adilabad, the City of Jahanpanah, Firuzabad, and Kotla Firuzshah.

Monuments of the Sayyids and Lodhis

The Sayyid and Lodhi dynasties constructed tombs with various designs, such as the octagonal and orthodox square plans. Examples include the tomb of Sikandar Lodhi and structures like Moth-ki-Masjid in Lodhi style.

Provincial Architecture

With the decline of the Delhi Sultanate, new provincial kingdoms emerged, each developing its architectural styles. Regions like Punjab and Sindh, Kashmir, Jaunpur, Bengal, Malwa, Gujarat, and the Deccan showcased unique architectural characteristics.

Punjab and Sindh:

Multan and Lahore: Early mosques like those in Multan hold historical significance. The Mausoleum of Shah Rukn-i-Alam, built by Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq, is a magnificent example of a memorial for departed saints.

Kashmir:

Indo-Persian structures: Unique for being constructed entirely of wood, blending Hindu and Muslim architectural elements. Monuments like the tomb of Madin Sahib and the Jami Masjid at Srinagar exemplify this fusion.

Jaunpur:

Blend of Hindu and Muslim ideas: The Atala Masjid, built with pillars taken from a Hindu temple, showcases this fusion. Mosques like the Jahangiri Masjid and Jami Masjid reflect the diverse architectural influences.

Bengal:

Mix of Muslim and Hindu styles: This style heavily relied on bricks and featured pointed arches on solid stone pillars. Monuments like the Adina Mosque at Hazarat Pandua and the Eklakhi mausoleum display these characteristics.

Malwa:

Incorporation of diverse architectural elements: Buildings in Mandu borrowed from Delhi’s architectural style. Monuments like the Kamal Maula mosque and the Lat Masjid showcased a mix of Hindu, Jaina, and Muslim styles.

Gujarat:

Perfect synthesis of Hindu and Muslim traditions: The Jami Masjid, built by Sultan Ahmad Shah I, is a stunning example. Other significant structures like the Rani ka Hujra and Siddi Sayyid Mosque showcase the Indo-Persian style in Gujarat.

The Deccan:

Rich architectural heritage: The Jami Masjid at Daulatabad, Deval Mosque at Bodhan, and the Gol Gumbaz in Bijapur are noteworthy. The Gol Gumbaz, in particular, boasts the largest domical roof in existence.

These provincial architectural styles represent a fascinating blend of various cultural and religious influences, showcasing the diversity and richness of India’s architectural heritage.

More from UPSC Study Material
Peninsular Plateau	Northern Mountains
Latitude	Longitude
Locational Factors Influencing Food Processing Industries	Indo-Islamic Architecture – Features

Mughal Architecture Style

Mughal architecture demonstrated a synthesis of Hindu and Muslim elements. Prominent structures like the Humayun’s Tomb, Fatehpur Sikri, Akbar’s Tomb at Sikandra, Itimad-ud-daulah’s Tomb, Agra Fort, and the iconic Taj Mahal mark significant achievements in Mughal architecture.

The Mughal architectural style represents a synthesis of Hindu and Muslim elements, a fusion showcased in several notable works:

The Humayun’s Tomb

Constructed predominantly in red sandstone and white marble, Humayun’s tomb signifies the pinnacle of a style evolving from the Qutub group and the rough Lodi monuments. This mausoleum embodies a monumental expression within Mughal architecture, featuring a ninefold plan, arched alcoves, a high double dome, and impeccable symmetry.

The Fatehpur Sikri

Founded by Akbar, this city served as his capital, embodying a blend of foreign and indigenous architectural elements. Noteworthy structures include the Diwan-i-Khas, a square building with a throne supported by a richly carved pillar, a five-storeyed open pavilion with exquisitely crafted pillars, long colonnades, and connecting walls. The Buland Darwaza, Jama Masjid, Ibadat Khana, Diwan-i-Aam, Jodha Bai palace, Panch Mahal, Anup Talao, and Salim Chishti’s tomb, in white marble, stand as architectural marvels. The southern gateway, with its semi-dome, dominates the mosque with its characteristic architectural convention of the period.

Akbar’s Tomb at Sikandra

Emperor Akbar’s tomb, situated in Sikandra, nearly 10km from Agra, boasts marble trellis work and cloisters, surrounded by colonnades on a raised platform with walls adorned in arabesque. It remains one of India’s remarkable mausoleums.

The Tomb of Itimad-ud-daulah

This tomb, situated in Agra, represents the pinnacle of Jahangir’s reign. Crafted entirely from white marble and adorned with intricate mosaic work, it signifies the beginning of the Indo-Islamic ‘baroque’ style. Jahangir continued this legacy by constructing two mosques in Lahore and his own tomb at Shahdara near Lahore.

The Agra Fort

The Agra Fort was initiated by Akbar and later expanded by his grandson Shah Jahan. It encompasses grand halls like Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i-Khas, Naubat-Khanah or the music hall, Rang Mahal, and the white marble court. These halls showcase the master builder’s sensitivity and a blend of Indo-Persian features.

The Taj Mahal

One of the most significant architectural marvels of the Mughal era, the Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal is a white marble structure built during the Shah Jahan reign in memory of his consort, Mumtaz Mahal.

Other Notable Constructions

Shah Jahan’s legacy includes the Moti Masjid in Agra, the Red Fort in Delhi, and the Jami Masjid in Delhi. Furthermore, the Imam-baras constructed by the Nawabs of Avadh in Lucknow. The tombs of Safdar Jung and the Nawab of Junagadh in Gujarat, represent late examples of Mughal architecture. This represents blend still pulsating with vitality while symbolizing the waning Indo-Persian architectural tradition.