Indo-Islamic Architecture PDF

With the Arab conquest of Sindh in 712 AD, the arrival of the Islamic rulers to the western frontiers of India had started. By 12th century AD, the throne of Delhi had been occupied by an Islamic ruler, which marked the onset of the medieval period of Indian history. In the subsequent years, Indian...

With the Arab conquest of Sindh in 712 AD, the arrival of the Islamic rulers to the western frontiers of India had started. By 12th century AD, the throne of Delhi had been occupied by an Islamic ruler, which marked the onset of the medieval period of Indian history. In the subsequent years, Indian architecture underwent a massive change. New elements such as calligraphy, ornamentation using inlay work, etc. were introduced to reflect the tastes and preferences of the new rulers. However, the local architects retained certain flavours of the local architectural traditions as well. Thus, in the architecture of this following period, we see a confluence of Persian style with the Indian style. Hence, it is known as Indo-Islamic architecture or Indo-Saracenic architecture. The use of arch and domes gained prominence during this period. It was known as ‘Arcuate’ style of architecture and replaced the traditional Trabeate style of architecture. The Islamic rulers introduced the use of minars around the mosques and the mausoleums. Mortar was used as a cementing agent in their constructions. While the previous structures used sculptures as means of decoration, the Indo-Islamic architecture used calligraphy as means of decoration. Arabesque method was also used for decoration. Arabesque meant the use of geometrical vegetal ornamentation and was characterised by a continuous stem which split regularly, producing a series of counterpoised, leafy, secondary stems. The secondary stems, in turn, split again or returned to merge with the main stem creating a decorative pattern. Indo-Islamic Architecture www.parchamclasses.in The architecture of this period heavily used the principles of geometry - from decorative pattern to imbibing a sense of symmetry. The buildings had intricate jaali works, which signifies the importance of light in Islamic religion. An important feature of the architecture during this period was the use of water in the premises of the constructions in the form of courtyard pools, fountains and small drains. The Islamic rulers introduced the Charbagh style of gardening, in which a square block was divided into four adjacent identical gardens. The architectures of these times also used the pietra-dura technique for inlay of precious coloured stones and gems into the walls for decoration. During the period of Delhi Sultanate, i.e. 1206-1526 AD, architecture can be categorised into two broad categories: I. Imperial Style: Patronised by the rulers of Delhi. II. Provincial Style: Patronised by local rulers and fiefs. The Imperial style of architecture flourished under the various dynasties that ruled during this period. Each ruler imparted certain flavours of his own, but the broad stylisation remained the same. Slave dynasty: The Slave dynasty or the ILbari dynasty remained in power from 1206 to 1290 AD. During this period, the style of architecture came to be known as the Mameluke style of architecture. Khilji Dynasty: They ruled from 1290 AD to 1320 AD and established the Seljuk style of architecture. The constructions of this period were marked by the use of red sandstone. Also, the prominence of Arcuade style begun from this period. Mortar began to be used prominently in all the constructions as a cementing agent. Tughlaq Dynasty: It was the crisis period for architecture during the Delhi Sultanate period. However, some construction works were still undertaken, which used grey sandstone. During this period, the focus was more on strength of the building and so there was less emphasis on decoration. The constructions combined both arch and lintel method of entrance design. They also introduced a style of construction known as “batter” which was characterised by sloping walls to give more strength to the building. Lodi Dynasty: Under the Lodi dynasty, architecture continued to take a back seat. Only tombs were commissioned during this period. However, Connect With Us - 2 Indo-Islamic Architecture www.parchamclasses.in one important feature of architecture during this period was the introduction of double domes. It consisted of a hollow dome inside the top dome. Provinicial Schools of Architecture During this period, the Indo-Islamic style started to influence the local architectural styles as well. Bengal, Bijapur, Jaunpur and Mandu became important seats of architectural development. Bengal School (1203–1573 AD): The Bengal school of architecture was characterised by its use of bricks and black marble. The mosques built during this period continued the use of sloping ‘Bangla roofs’, which was previously used for temples. Jaunpur School (1394–1479 AD): Patronised by the Sharqi rulers, Jaunpur became a centre of great art and cultural activity. This style of architecture also came to be known as Sharqi style and also avoided the use of minars, as the Pathan style. A unique feature of the buildings here is the use of bold and forceful characters painted on huge screens in the centre and side bays of the prayer hall. Malwa School (1405-1569 AD): The cities of Dhar and Mandu in the Malwa plateau became prominent seats of architecture. The most prominent feature of the buildings here was the use of different coloured stones and marbles. The buildings had large windows, which could be a result of European influence and were decorated by stylised use of arches and pillars. Even the stairs were used to enhance the aesthetics of the construction. However, minars were not used in this school of architecture. The Malwa School of Architecture, also known as the Pathan School of Architecture is also one of the finest specimens of environmental adaptation of the period because of the following features: ❖ The use of large windows made the buildings and rooms well ventilated. ❖ The pavilions were lightly arched which made them airy and allowed the buildings to remain cool during the heat. ❖ Artificial reservoirs known as ‘baulis’ were constructed in the premises for storage of water. ❖ Locally available materials were used. ❖ The use of batter system as introduced by Tughlaqs made the buildings strong. Bijapur School (1490-1656 AD): Under the patronage of Adil Shah, Bijapur style or the Deccan style of architecture developed. He constructed a number of mosques, tombs and palaces which were unique in the use of 3-arched facade and bulbous dome, and were almost spherical with a narrow neck. He also introduced the use of cornices. Connect With Us - 3 Indo-Islamic Architecture www.parchamclasses.in Babur Babur undertook the construction of mosques in Panipat and Rohilkhand, both constructed in 1526 AD. However, his reign was too short-lived to inspire any new style or technique. Humayun Humayun’s reign was marked with constant power struggle against Sher Shah Suri. So, he couldn’t focus much on art and architecture. He led the foundation of a city named Dinpanah, but couldn’t finish it. Persian style became prominent in the architecture of this period. Akbar Akbar took a keen interest in the development of art and architecture. The principal feature of the constructions during Akbar’s reign was the use of red sandstone. He also introduced the use of ‘Tudor arch’ (four centred arch). Buland Darwaza the imposing 40 metre red sandstone structure was built in 1576 AD, to commemorate Akbar’s victory over Gujarat. It is the highest gateway of the world. Salim Chishti’s tomb was built in 1581 AD. It has beautiful Jaali work in white marble. It has arabesque patterns with inscriptions of Quranic verses on the walls. It is in the imperial complex which also has Buland Darwaza and Jama Masjid. It was further decorated by Jahangir in 1606 AD. Panch Mahal is a five-storied structure made of columns and is inspired by the concept of Persian badgir (wind- catcher). Jodha Bai’s Palace or Mariam-uz-Zamani’s Palace (Mary of the Age) has beautiful interiors with Hindu motifs of bell and flowers. Ibadat Khana: Akbar used to meet the leaders of different religions here to have discussion. Connect With Us - 4 Indo-Islamic Architecture www.parchamclasses.in During the reign of Jahangir, his wife Noor Jahan also undertook some major construction projects like the tomb of Itmad-ud-daulah (father of Noor Jahan) being an excellent example. It was during this time that white marble became the chief building material, replacing red sandstone which had been used till now. The tomb of Itmad-ud- daulah was the first Mughal work made completely of white marble. It also has some of the finest pietra-dura works. Tomb of Jahangir was constructed by his son Shah Jahan at Lahore. Shah Jahan Under Shah Jahan, Mughal architecture reached its climax. Some of his principal works are described below Taj Mahal Taj Mahal is the finest specimen of Mughal architecture, exhibiting the full range of grandeur and opulence. It was constructed in the memory of his wife Arjumand Banu Begum or Mumtaz Mahal. It had all the features of Mughal architecture including the use of calligraphy, pietra-dura works, foreshortening technique, Charbagh style gardens and the use of water in the premises for decoration. The jaali work in Taj Mahal is lace like and is extremely fine. The carvings on the marble were low relief. Apart from Taj Mahal, Shah Jahan constructed a number of other monuments, gardens and buildings such as: Red Fort in Delhi Jama Masjid in Delhi Shalimar Bagh in Lahore City of Shahjahanabad Besides such large scale constructions, one of his best works was the construction of Peacock Throne that is one of the finest examples of metal work during this period. Which of the following decorative elements were Which region's architecture is noted for commonly used in Indo-Islamic architecture incorporating elements from regional temple A. Emeralds and rubies traditions into its structures? B. Frescoes and murals A. Bengal C. Lapis Lazuli and Arabesque B. Jaunpur D. Glass and steel C. Gujarat D. Iran Which techniques were employed for surface decoration, as mentioned in Indo-Islamic What materials were commonly used to cover the architecture? thick walls in historical buildings in Indo-Islamic A. Fresco and graffiti architecture ? B. Tessellation and pietra dura A. Marble and granite C. Calligraphy and jalis B. Chunam and limestone plaster D. Stucco and stained glass C. Brick and clay D. Wood and thatch Which methods were used to create decorative motifs, as described in the Indo-Islamic architecture Which regions saw Islamic construction beginning as ? early as the 8th century in India ? A. Sculpting and casting A. Bengal and Jaunpur B. Printing and embossing B. Sindh and Gujarat C. Incising and stucco C. Rajasthan and Punjab D. Welding and soldering D. Maharashtra and Karnataka Connect With Us - 5