Home>Architecture of India>The Indo-islamic Architecture
Architecture of India||Introduction||Temple Architecture|| Cave Architecture||Rajput Architecture|| Jain Architecture || Indo-Islamic Architecture||Colonial Architecture||Modern Architecture||Sculpture in India||World Heritage Sites|| The Indo-islamic Architecture|| Delhi Style || Provincial Style || Mughal Style || Post-Mughal Style || THE INDO-ISLAMIC ARCHITECTUREIndian architecture took new shape with the advent of Islamic rule in India towards the end of the 12th century AD. New elements were introduced into the Indian architecture that include: use of shapes (instead of natural forms); inscriptional art using decorative lettering or calligraphy; inlay decoration and use of coloured marble, painted plaster and brilliantly glazed tiles. In contrast to the indigenous Indian architecture which was of the trabeate order i.e. all spaces were spanned by means of horizontal beams, the Islamic architecture was arcuate i.e. an arch or dome was adopted as a method of bridging a space. The concept of arch or dome was not invented by the Muslims but was, in fact, borrowed and was further perfected by them from the architectural styles of the post-Roman period. The Muslims used the cementing agent in the form of mortar for the first time in the construction of buildings in India. They further put to use certain scientific and mechanical formulae, which were derived by experience of other civilizations, in their constructions in India. Such use of scientific principles helped not only in obtaining greater strength and stability of the construction materials but also provided greater flexibility to the architects and builders. This amalgamation of the Indian and the Islamic elements led to the emergence of a new style of architecture called the Indo-Islamic Architecture.
One fact that
must be stressed here is that, the Islamic elements of architecture had already passed
through different experimental phases in other countries like Egypt, Iran and Iraq before
these were introduced in India. Unlike most Islamic monuments of these countries, which
were largely constructed in brick, plaster and rubble, the Indo-Islamic monuments were
typical mortar-masonry works formed of dressed stones. It must be emphasized that the
development of the Indo-Islamic architecture was greatly facilitated by the knowledge and
skill possessed by the Indian craftsmen, who had mastered the art of stonework for
centuries and used their experience while constructing Islamic monuments in India. In simple terms the Islamic architecture in India can be divided
into religious and secular. Mosques and Tombs represent the religious architecture, while
palaces and forts are examples of secular Islamic architecture. Forts were essentially
functional, complete with a little township within and various fortifications to engage
and repel the enemy. Mosques:The mosque or masjid is a representation of Muslim art in its simplest form. The mosque is basically an open courtyard surrounded by a pillared verandah, crowned off with a dome. A mihrab indicates the direction of the qibla for prayer. Towards the right of the mihrab stands the mimbar or pulpit from where the Imam presides over the proceedings. An elevated platform, usually a minaret from where the Faithful are summoned to attend the prayers is an invariable part of a mosque. Large mosques where the faithful assemble for the Friday prayers are called the Jama Masjids.Tombs:Although not actually religious in nature, the tomb or maqbara introduced an entirely new architectural concept. While the masjid was mainly known for its simplicity, a tomb could range from being a simple affair (Aurangazeb’s grave) to an awesome structure enveloped in grandeur (Taj Mahal). The tomb usually consists of solitary compartment or tomb chamber known as the huzrah in whose centre is the cenotaph or zarih. This entire structure is covered with an
elaborate dome. In the underground chamber lies the mortuary or the maqbara, in which the corpse is buried in a grave
or qabr. Smaller tombs may have a mihrab, although larger mausoleums have a separate
mosque located separately from the main tomb. Normally the whole tomb complex or rauza is surrounded by an enclosure. The tomb of a
Muslim saint is called a dargah. Almost all
Islamic monuments were subjected to free use of verses from the Holy Koran and a great
amount of time was spent in carving out minute details on walls, ceilings, pillars and
domes.||Introduction||Temple Architecture|| Cave Architecture||Rajput Architecture|| Jain Architecture || Indo-Islamic Architecture||Colonial Architecture||Modern Architecture||Sculpture in India||World Heritage Sites|| |
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