The Arab conquest of Sind (712 A.D.) set in motion a series of events that culminated with an Islamic ruler seizing Delhi in the 11th century. In the following years, the Architecture in Medieval India changed dramatically. To reflect the tastes and preferences of the new rulers, new elements such as calligraphy, ornamentation using inlay work, and so on were introduced. Here we will discuss the Architecture in Medieval India, which will be useful for Art and Culture preparation for UPSC IAS Exam.

Architecture in Medieval India

• The seizure of Delhi by Islamic rulers led to many changes in the Architecture in Medieval India. However, certain flavours of the local architectural traditions were also retained by the local architects.
• As a result, we see a fusion of Persian and Indian styles in the architecture of the following period.
• As a result, it is referred to as Indo-Islamic architecture or Indo-Saracenic architecture.

Features of Indo-Islamic Architecture

• With the introduction of arches and domes, the Arcuate style of architecture replaced the Trabeat style.
• Minars were built around mosques and mausoleums by Islamic monarchs.
• During building, the mortar was utilized as a cementing agent.
• During the architectural process, no human or animal figures were used.
• In contrast to prior structures, when sculptures were employed, calligraphy grew increasingly popular.
• Indo-Islamic architecture added spaciousness, massiveness, and breadth.
• Geometry was employed as a decorative motif in architecture. The Arabesque style, which employed geometrical vegetal embellishment, gained popularity.
  • Arabesque was defined by the use of geometrical vegetal ornamentation and was distinguished by a continuous stem that split regularly, producing a series of counterpoised, leafy, secondary stems. In turn, the secondary stems split or returned to merge with the main stem, forming a decorative pattern.

• Intricate "jaali" art adorned the structures, symbolizing the value of light in Islamic traditions.

• Water's importance was also evident in the building. It was primarily employed for aesthetic, cooling, and religious reasons.
• The charbagh method, which divides a garden into four halves, the Pietra dura type of inlay of stones and gems on stone walls, and the foreshortening process, in which the inscriptions appear to be closer than they really are.

Division of Medieval Indian Architecture Period

The Medieval Indian Architecture period is further subdivided into:

• Architecture during Delhi Sultanate Period (1206-1526 A.D.)
• Architecture during the Delhi Sultanate period can be divided into two broad categories:
• Imperial style - It was patronized by Delhi's rulers.
• Provincial Style - It was patronized by local rulers and fiefs.
• The Imperial style of architecture flourished under the various dynasties that ruled from 1191 to 1557 A.D.
• Each ruler added his own flavor, but the overall style remained consistent.
• The Imperial style of Architecture includes architecture from the following dynasties - Mameluke style (slave dynasty), Khilji dynasty style, Tuglaq Dynasty style, Lodi Dynasty style.

Mameluke Style (Slave dynasty)

• Existing Hindu buildings were remodeled at this time. The Qutub Minar was one of the constructions constructed at this time.
• For example, Quwat-ul-Islam mosque, which was converted from a Jain temple in the Qutub Minar Premises, Arhai-din-ka-Jhopra, and so on.

Khilji Dynasty (Seljuk style)

• This time saw the utilization of red sandstone. When the Arcuate style of construction originally appeared, the mortar was utilized as a cementing material.
• For example, Alai Darwaza, Siri Fort, etc.

Tughlaq Dynasty (Tughlaq)

• Because it was a moment of architectural crisis, there was less construction effort.
• The Battar technique of wall construction was adopted, with sloping walls to provide the building extra strength.
• Tughlaqabaad City, Jahaanpanah City, and Ferozabad city.

Lodi Dynasty

• Only graves were built during this period, although the idea of a double dome was established.
• The structure was strengthened by double domes, which also diminished the building's interior height.
• During Medieval India, the Bengal school was a provincial school of architecture.
• The other provincial schools were: Jaunpur School, Malwa school, Bijapur School.
• For example, Lodi gardens, the city of Agra, etc.

2. Mughal Architecture

• The Mughals were excellent art and architectural supporters.
• Architecture regained its prominence under them, as new structures such as the Taj Mahal, Buland Darwaza, and others were constructed with tremendous vision and aesthetic flair.
• Some of the famous rulers under whom the Mughal Architecture flourished were - Babur, Humayun, Shershah, Akbar, Jahangir, Shah Jahan, Aurangazeb, Muhammad Alam Shah

Other Styles of Architecture

Deccani Style

• The Deccan Plateau was home to the Deccan Sultanates.
• Their architecture was a regional variation of Indo-Islamic architecture, mainly inspired by styles from the Delhi Sultanate and later Mughal architecture, but also from Persia and Central Asia on occasion.
• Bahmani Monuments at Gulbarga, Karnataka. Bahmani and Barid Shahi Monuments at Bidar, Karnataka. Adil Shashi Monuments at Bijapur, Karnataka, etc are examples.

Sikh Style Architecture

• The Sikh architectural style evolved in the modern-day Punjab region.
• It was heavily influenced by the Mughal architectural style.
• It involved the erection of many chhatris (kiosks) on top of the structure.
• Shallow cornices, fluted domes with brass and copper guilds were used as ornaments.
• Arches were embellished with a variety of foliations.

Rajput Style Architecture

• The Rajput constructions of the time were also influenced by the Mughal style, but they were distinct in terms of size and scope.
• They were primarily responsible for the construction of imposing palaces and forts.
• This style was distinguished by its use of hanging balconies and arch-shaped cornices.

Conclusion

Around the 7th century AD, Islam began to influence Indo-Islamic architecture on the Indian subcontinent. During the Medieval Period, patrons of art and architecture created numerous monuments and structures in the styles of native/regional Indic, Persian, Central Asian, Arabic, and Ottoman Turkish architecture. Regional Indian architecture has influenced several of these styles. It also uses the Arcuate style to replace the Indian Trabeate style. The architecture was shaped and inspired by Turks and Persians, who inherited a plethora of different designs from the Sassanian and Byzantine empires.

FAQs

MCQs

1. Which architectural element replaced the Trabeate style during the medieval period?

A) Pillars
B) Domes
C) Arches
D) Lintels

2. Which of the following structures was built by the Khilji dynasty?

A) Qutub Minar
B) Alai Darwaza
C) Humayun's Tomb
D) Taj Mahal

3. What style is the Taj Mahal a prime example of?

A) Rajput architecture
B) Mughal architecture
C) Tughlaq architecture
D) Sikh architecture

4. Which architectural feature is associated with Lodi dynasty tombs?

A) Minarets
B) Double domes
C) Charbagh gardens
D) Pietra dura

5. Which Mughal emperor was responsible for the construction of Humayun’s Tomb?

A) Akbar
B) Jahangir
C) Shah Jahan
D) Aurangzeb

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Examine the impact of Indo-Islamic architectural styles on medieval Indian construction.

Model Answer: Indo-Islamic architecture, which emerged during the medieval period, significantly influenced Indian architectural styles. The integration of domes, arches, minarets, and calligraphy replaced traditional Hindu elements like sculpted human forms. Persian and Central Asian influences were evident, and innovations like jaali work, pietra dura, and Charbagh gardens were introduced. The amalgamation of Persian and Indian styles is most prominently seen in structures like the Qutub Minar and the Taj Mahal, reflecting a new architectural language that symbolized power, grandeur, and spirituality.

Q2: Analyze the significance of Mughal architecture in shaping India's cultural heritage.

Model Answer: Mughal architecture, with its blend of Persian, Turkish, and Indian elements, played a pivotal role in shaping India's cultural landscape. Shah Jahan's Taj Mahal, with its exquisite Pietra dura inlay and symmetrical Charbagh layout, remains an iconic symbol of love and Mughal grandeur. The Mughal period also saw the construction of magnificent forts, palaces, and tombs that became markers of imperial strength and artistic vision, influencing successive architectural endeavors across the Indian subcontinent.

Q3: Discuss the architectural contributions of the Delhi Sultanate, with a focus on the Tughlaq dynasty.

Model Answer: The Delhi Sultanate's architectural contributions laid the foundation for Indo-Islamic architecture. The Tughlaq dynasty, in particular, introduced robust and functional designs characterized by sloping walls (batter) and fortified city plans, as seen in Tughlaqabad. Their emphasis on practicality over ornamentation marked a shift from earlier ornate styles. While focusing on architectural strength, they also contributed to the evolution of Indo-Islamic aesthetics, blending Persian elements with local Indian traditions.

Previous Year Questions on Indo-Islamic Architecture

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2019

Question: Who was responsible for the construction of the Alai Darwaza?
A) Qutub-ud-din Aibak
B) Iltutmish
C) Alauddin Khilji
D) Feroz Shah Tughlaq

Answer: C

Explanation: Alauddin Khilji built the Alai Darwaza as an entrance gate to the Qutub Minar complex.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2020

Question: Analyze the influence of Persian architecture on medieval Indian monuments.

Model Answer: Persian architecture heavily influenced medieval Indian structures, especially during the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal periods. Key features like arches, domes, and intricate calligraphy replaced traditional Hindu elements. Persian influence is visible in the Charbagh garden layouts and the use of pietra dura for inlay work, as seen in the Taj Mahal. Persian-style minarets and the emphasis on geometric designs and symmetry in architecture redefined Indian monument construction during this period.