Indo Islamic Architecture

Mughal architecture (16th–17th centuries) represents the apex of Indo-Islamic architecture, blending Persian and Indian traditions into some of the world's most celebrated monuments. Under the Mughals, architecture was a statement of imperial authority, religious sentiment, and aesthetic refinement. The tradition evolved across successive rulers, each adding their own distinctive character. **Babur** (1526 onwards): Too short-lived a reign to develop a distinct style. Built mosques at Panipat and Rohilkhand (1526). Introduced gunpowder and Timurid cultural influences. **Humayun**: Constant power struggle with Sher Shah Suri. Founded city of Dinpanah but couldn't complete it. Persian style became prominent. **Sher Shah Suri** (interregnum): Transitional period from Lodi to Mughal style. Built Qila-e-Quhunah (Mosque of Old Fort) in Delhi; Rohtas Fort (Pakistan); Sher Shah Suri Masjid, Patna (Afghan style). His tomb at Sasaram: red sandstone, situated inside a lake — considered a masterpiece. Also built Sadak-e-Azam (later called Grand Trunk Road). **Akbar** (1556 onwards): Golden period of Mughal architecture begins. *Principal feature*: red sandstone. Introduced *Tudor arch* (four-centred arch). Key constructions under Akbar: - *Agra Fort*: Started by Akbar; most major structures (Moti Masjid, Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i-Khas) done by Shah Jahan. Jahangiri Mahal and Sheesh Mahal are also inside. Gardens use Charbagh style. - *Fatehpur Sikri*: New capital city; described as "frozen moment in history" — unique blend of Hindu and Persian styles. Key structures: - *Buland Darwaza*: 40-metre red sandstone structure; built 1576 CE to commemorate Akbar's Gujarat victory; world's largest gateway - *Salim Chisti's Tomb* (1581 CE): Beautiful jaali work in white marble; arabesque patterns; Quranic inscriptions; decorated further by Jahangir in 1606 - *Panch Mahal*: Five-storied structure on columns; inspired by Persian badgir (wind-catcher) - *Jodha Bai's Palace* (Mariam-uz-Zamani): Hindu motifs of bell and flowers inside - *Ibadat Khana*: Hall where Akbar held discussions with scholars of all religions - *Hiran Minar*: Built in memory of Akbar's favourite elephant; served as lighthouse; unique tusk-like spikes on exterior **Jahangir**: Architecture took a back seat; focused on paintings. Oversaw Akbar's tomb at Sikandra. Built own tomb at Lahore. Developed Shalimar Bagh in Kashmir. Noor Jahan (wife) built *Itmad-ud-Daulah's tomb* (Agra) — first Mughal work entirely in white marble; finest pietra-dura work. This marked the shift from red sandstone to white marble. **Shah Jahan**: Mughal architecture reached its climax. - *Taj Mahal*: Built in memory of Mumtaz Mahal (Arzuman Bano Begum). Features: calligraphy, pietra-dura, foreshortening, Charbagh gardens, water in premises. Unique: lace-like jaali work; low-relief marble carvings. Located in Agra. - *Red Fort* (Delhi): Major construction by Shah Jahan - *Jama Masjid* (Delhi) - *Shalimar Bagh* (Lahore) - *Shahjahanabad* (city) - *Peacock Throne*: Finest example of Mughal metal work **Aurangzeb**: Mughal architecture declined due to his puritanical approach; minimal construction. **Muhammad Azam Shah** (last Mughal to build): Constructed *Bibi-ka-Maqbara* (Aurangabad) in memory of his mother Begum Rabia Durani (Aurangzeb's wife) — described as a poor imitation of Taj Mahal. Also built Zinat Mahal in Delhi. **Evolution of building material**: Red sandstone (Akbar era) → White marble (Jahangir/Noor Jahan era) → Continued white marble (Shah Jahan)

With the Arab conquest of Sind in 712 CE and the Delhi Sultanate from 1206 CE, Islamic architecture transformed the Indian architectural landscape. The resulting Indo-Islamic (or Indo-Saracenic) architecture blended Persian styles with Indian traditions, creating a new aesthetic that would dominate for nearly five centuries. **General Features of Indo-Islamic Architecture**: - *Arcuade style*: Use of arches and domes replaced the traditional Indian *Trabeat style* (post-and-lintel with shikhara) - Minars (minarets) around mosques and mausoleums - Mortar as cementing agent (replacing earlier methods) - No human or animal figures (aniconism) - Spaciousness, massiveness, breadth (contrast with congested Hindu architecture) - *Calligraphy* as primary decoration (replacing sculptural decoration) - *Arabesque*: Geometric and vegetal ornamentation — continuous stem splitting into counterpoised leafy stems - Intricate *jaali* (lattice) work — symbolises importance of light in Islam - *Pietra dura*: Inlay of precious stones into stone walls - *Charbagh*: Quadrilateral garden divided into four adjacent identical sub-gardens - Water features (pools, fountains, drains) in the premises — for religious, cooling, and decorative purposes - *Foreshortening technique*: Inscriptions appear closer than they are **Delhi Sultanate Imperial Style** (1191–1557 CE): 1. *Slave/Ilbari Dynasty* (1206–1290 CE) — *Mameluke Style*: - Most constructions were remodelings of existing Hindu/Jain structures - Qutb Minar: 5-storey structure; ground floor by Qutb-ud-din Aibak; floors 2–4 by Iltutmish; 5th floor by Feroze Shah Tughlaq - Example: Quwat-ul-Islam mosque (converted from a Jain temple), Arhai-din-ka-Jhopra (Ajmer) 2. *Khilji Dynasty* (1290–1320 CE) — *Seljuk Style*: - Use of red sandstone - Arcuade style (arches and domes) became prominent - Mortar widely used as cementing agent - Examples: Alai Darwaza by Ala-ud-din Khilji, Siri Fort 3. *Tughlaq Dynasty* — *Crisis Period*: - Grey sandstone used - Less decorative emphasis; more focus on structural strength - Combined arch and lintel method - Introduced *batter* (sloping walls for structural strength) - Examples: Cities of Tughlaqabad, Jahanpanah, and Ferozabad 4. *Lodi Dynasty*: - Architecture took a back seat; only tombs commissioned - Introduced *double domes*: hollow inner dome inside outer dome - Double dome purpose: strength + lowering inner height - Tombs: octagonal shape, ~15 metres diameter, supported by sloping verandah; bare without lavish decoration - Examples: Lodi Gardens; city of Agra established by Sikandar Lodi **Provincial Schools of Architecture** (Delhi Sultanate period): 1. *Bengal School*: Bricks and black marble; continued sloping Bangla roofs on mosques. Examples: Qadam Rasul Mosque (Gaur), Adina Mosque (Pandua) 2. *Malwa/Pathan School*: Mandu plateau; multi-coloured stones and marbles; large windows (environmental adaptation); baulies (artificial reservoirs); no minars used. Examples: Raani Roopmati Pavilion, Jahaz Mahal, Hindola Mahal 3. *Jaunpur/Sharqi School*: No minars; bold/forceful characters painted on huge screens in prayer hall bays. Example: Atala Mosque, Jaunpur 4. *Bijapur/Deccan School*: Under Adil Shah; 3-arched facade; bulbous dome (spherical, narrow neck); cornices; ceilings without apparent support (iron clamps + mortar); rich carved walls. Example: Gol Gumbaj (mausoleum of Adil Shah) **Arcuade vs Trabeat style**: | Feature | Trabeat (Hindu) | Arcuade (Islamic) | |---|---|---| | Entrance | Lintel | Arch and dome | | Top | Shikhara (conical/curvilinear) | Dome (hemispherical) | | Minars | Absent | Present at four corners | | Material | Stone primary | Brick, lime plaster, mortar |