The deccan style of architecture was established during the Deccan Sultanate period. The Deccan Sultanates were five dynasties that dominated late medieval kingdoms in south-western India, including Bijapur, Golkonda, Ahmednagar, Bidar, and Berar. The Deccan Plateau was home to the Deccan Sultanates. Here we will discuss the Deccani style of architecture, which will be helpful for UPSC IAS Exam preparation.

Deccani Style of Architecture

• 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.
• Five Deccan sultanates were responsible for a variety of cultural achievements in the disciplines of art, music, literature, and architecture.
• Many majestic and formidable forts have been built by the Deccan sultanates.
• The forts of Bidar and Golconda are famous examples of Deccan sultanate military design.
• They have built several tombs, mosques, and madrasas in addition to forts.
• The Gol Gumbaz (Mohammed Adil Shah's mausoleum) was the world's second-biggest dome.
• Under the name ‘Monuments and Forts of the Deccan Sultanate’, UNESCO put a set of buildings on its "tentative list" to become a World Heritage Site in 2014. (despite there being a number of different sultanates). These are the following:
  • Bahmani Monuments at Gulbarga, Karnataka
  • Bahmani and Barid Shahi Monuments at Bidar, Karnataka
  • Adil Shashi Monuments at Bijapur, Karnataka
  • Qutb Shahi Monuments at Hyderabad Andhra Pradesh

Bidar

• The Bidar Fort, Mahmud Gawan Madrasa, the Bahamani tombs in Ashtur, and the Barid Shahi tombs are notable in Bidar.
• Bidar Fort is one of India's most impressive forts which boasts a six-mile-long wall built of massive reddish laterite stone stones.
• The Jami Masjid and the Solha Khumba Masjid, two huge mosques, are located within the fort.
• The Ashtur tomb complex houses 12 Bahmani monarchs' graves, one of which, Ahmad Shah I Wali's, has a massive dome.
• Mahmud Gawana's Madrasa is one of the Deccan Sultanate's most magnificent Madrasas. A Persian charbagh garden may be seen at Ali Barid Shah I's tomb.

Bijapur

• The Gol Gumbaz and Ibrahim Rouza are two of Bijapur's most notable landmarks.
• Gol Gumbaz is Mohammed Adil Shah's mausoleum, and it houses the world's second-biggest dome, built before the modern era.
• Ibrahim Rouza is Ibrahim Adil Shah II's mausoleum and one of Bijapur's most stunning monuments.
• The Chini Mahal, Jal Mandir, Sat Manzil, Gagan Mahal, Anand Mahal, and Asar Mahal are all noteworthy architectural masterpieces from this time in Bijapur (1646).

Golconda

• The Golkonda fort is one of the Qutb Shahi dynasty's most notable achievements.
• It is one of India's most formidable forts. It's also known for its water management and acoustic characteristics.
• In Golkonda, the Jami Masjid (1518), erected by Quli Qutb Mulk, is a noteworthy mosque.

• The Qutb Shahis Tombs are a mausoleum complex, a royal necropolis with 30 royal tombs. These were built between 1543 and 1672.
• In 1591, the Char Minar, located in the center of Hyderabad, was finished. It contains four 56-meter-high minarets.
• The building of the Makkah Masjid began in 1617 under Muhammad Qutb Shah's rule, although it was not finished until 1693.

Ahmednagar

• The Ahmednagar Fort (Ahmadnagar Qilaa) is a fort in Maharashtra that is located near the Bhingar Nala near Ahmednagar.
• It served as the Sultanate of Ahmednagar's capital.
• During the Second Anglo-Maratha War in 1803, the British captured it. During the British Raj, it was utilised as a jail.

Conclusion

The Deccan sultans left a grand architectural and artistic legacy. They commissioned palaces, mosques, gardens, and tombs as well as decorative paintings and coins.

FAQs

MCQs

1. Which of the following is a prominent example of Deccani architecture?

A) Red Fort
B) Qutb Minar
C) Gol Gumbaz
D) Victoria Memorial

2. The Charminar, a symbol of Hyderabad, was built during the reign of which Deccan Sultanate?

A) Bijapur
B) Golkonda
C) Ahmadnagar
D) Bidar

3. Which architectural feature is commonly associated with Deccani architecture?

A) Dravidian-style gopurams
B) Large domes and arches
C) Mughal-style gardens
D) Colonial-style facades

4. The Qutb Shahi Tombs are located in which Indian city?

A) Delhi
B) Hyderabad
C) Mumbai
D) Lucknow

5. Which Deccan Sultanate was responsible for the construction of the Bidar Fort?

A) Bijapur
B) Golkonda
C) Ahmadnagar
D) Bidar

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Discuss the features and significance of Deccani architecture in the cultural and historical context of medieval India.

Answer: Deccani architecture is a unique blend of Indo-Islamic architectural traditions that emerged during the rule of the Deccan Sultanates between the 15th and 17th centuries. Characterized by large domes, arches, intricate stucco work, and Persian motifs, it reflects a synthesis of Persian, Turkish, and indigenous Indian styles. The Deccan Sultanates played a crucial role in the development of Indo-Islamic architecture, creating monumental structures like Gol Gumbaz, Charminar, and Bidar Fort. These buildings not only showcased architectural brilliance but also facilitated cultural exchange and enriched India's heritage.

Q2: Analyze the Persian influence on Deccani architecture and its impact on regional culture.

Answer: Persian influence on Deccani architecture is evident in the design of domes, minarets, intricate stucco work, and calligraphy. The Deccan Sultanates invited Persian architects, artists, and scholars, resulting in a fusion of Persian and local elements. This influence extended to art, literature, textiles, and administration, enriching the region's cultural fabric. The adoption of Persian architectural elements contributed to the unique identity of Deccani structures, leaving a lasting impact on regional culture and shaping the evolution of Indo-Islamic architecture in India.

Q3: Evaluate the role of the Deccan Sultanates in fostering architectural innovation and cultural synthesis in medieval India.

Answer: The Deccan Sultanates played a pivotal role in fostering architectural innovation and cultural synthesis. By blending indigenous Indian architectural styles with Persian, Turkish, and Central Asian influences, they created a unique architectural identity. Structures like the Gol Gumbaz and Charminar exemplify this synthesis, combining local materials and motifs with Persian design elements. The patronage extended to art, literature, and culture, promoting cross-cultural interactions and the flourishing of Indo-Islamic traditions. This architectural innovation enriched the cultural landscape of medieval India and continues to be celebrated for its historical and artistic significance.

Previous Year Questions on Deccani Architecture

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2018:

Question: Which of the following is considered a hallmark of Deccani architecture?

A) Mughal-style gardens
B) Large domes and intricate stucco work
C) European-style facades
D) Dravidian gopurams

Answer: (B)

Explanation: Deccani architecture is known for its large domes, arches, and intricate stucco work, reflecting a blend of Persian and local influences.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2017 (GS Paper 1):

Question: "Examine the contribution of the Deccan Sultanates to the development of Indo-Islamic architecture in India."

Answer: The Deccan Sultanates contributed significantly to the development of Indo-Islamic architecture by blending indigenous Indian styles with Persian, Turkish, and Central Asian elements. They introduced architectural innovations such as large domes, intricate stucco work, and Persian calligraphy. Structures like the Gol Gumbaz, Charminar, and Qutb Shahi Tombs exemplify this synthesis, showcasing cultural fusion and artistic excellence. The Deccan Sultanates' patronage of architecture, art, and culture facilitated the growth of a unique architectural tradition that enriched India's historical and cultural heritage.