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Indo Islamic architecture of Delhi sultanates

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  Quote Jinit Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Indo Islamic architecture of Delhi sultanates
    Posted: 20-Jul-2013 at 05:33
A brief introduction of the evolution of Indo Islamic architecture in India.


In 1192 AD Delhi officially came under the Muslim rule for the first time when the Rajput ruler Prithviraj chauhan was defeated at the second battle of Tarain and with that the whole new chapter in Indian history began. Soon Delhi became an important political and cultural center in the India and in Islamic world.

The arrival of (Persianized) Afghans and Turks brought new culture along with them which resulted in some drastic changes in the native culture of the India. which was immediately reflected in the field of architecture where new features like Domes and Arches appeared along with the new types of the buildings like Mosques, Madarsa, Mausoleum, Gardens etc. for the first time in most parts of the subcontinent. (interestingly the movement which began with the restriction against all forms of monumental art resulted in the production of some of the greatest monuments of the world Smile)

Indo Islamic architecture has produced some of the greatest monuments in the Islamic world partially because of the two reasons. First - the Islamic architecture had already passed its experimental phase by the time of the arrival of Islam in the subcontinent. However Second and most important reason is the availability of the skillful and experienced native craftsmen. Thanks to the surge in the temple building activities throughout the continent in the past centuries this craftsmen were extremely skillful (and infact unparalleled in entire world) in the art of stone masonry. As a result most of the Indo Islamic monuments are also composed of the masonary formed of dressed stones in comparision to most of the other parts of Islamic world where relatively inexpensive materials like bricks, plaster and rubble were used as building material.

Indian architecture passed through 3 distinct phases during this time period. First phase is that of destruction and desecration inspired by the religious fanaticism. During the second phase the temple weren't destroyed ruthlessly but rather systemically dismantled to provide the ready made material for the construction of mosques and tombs. It was during this phase that northern India was completely denuded of her architectural treasure. Finally during the third phase there was systemic planning and construction of the buildings when Muslim rulers had firmly established themselves as a ruler.

The early Indo Islamic architecture was heavily influenced by the native Indian architecture especially during the second phase. However soon it was replaced by the architectural traditions developed by the Seljuks in Konia. During the 13th century when middle east was devastated by the Mongols, many scholars and intellectuals from that area took refuge in Delhi, as fortunately India was one of the few places in Islamic world that survived the mongol attacks. It was during this time period that Seljuk influence became prominent. However by 15th century, with the rise of the Mughals Persian influence became dominant. Interestingly despite being in close contact Persian influence appeared very late in Indian architecture partially because Indian stone masons were accustomed to the abundant use of stone (both for foundation and decoration) while Persian architecture favored the use of bricks and glazed tiles!!!

As the title of the topic suggests this thread is dedicated to the discussion of distinct styles of Indo-Islamic architecture that evolved during the Sultanate era by the sultans of Delhi.

Edited by Jinit - 20-Jul-2013 at 05:34
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  Quote Jinit Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20-Jul-2013 at 05:42
Architectural style of the Slave dynasty

The first mamluk/slave ruler Qutub-ud-din Aibak was actually appointed as governor of India by Muhammad Ghori in 1191 AD. However after the death of Ghori in in 1206 AD he became independent from Ghurid empire. He died in 1210 AD in lahore while playing the polo. However in that brief time period he commissioned some important monuments.

Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque

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Quwwat-ul-Islam (literally meaning Might of Islam) was the first mosque ever built in Delhi, It was built 1193 immediately after the Qutub-ud-din took control of Delhi (known as Qila Rai Pithora at that time) from Prithviraj. The Hindu temple in the centre of the citadel was demolished to make way for the new mosque. According to inscription as many as 27 Jain and Hindu temples were demolished to get the material for the new mosque Notrust and it isn't hard to figure it out just from one rapid look of the mosque. 

Just like all the other mosques, it consists of the courtyard surrounded by the pillared cloisters on the 3 sides. On the western side pillars are arranged in more elaborated fashion to form the sanctuary. (Mecca is on the west side of India)

Two original pillars from Hindu temples are placed one above another to attain the desirable height.

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As you can see, Hindu iconography is still clearly visible on many of the pillars.
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  Quote Jinit Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20-Jul-2013 at 05:46
Sanctaury for the cleric on the west(Mecca) side of the mosque.

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Entrance of the mosque

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The mastery of the native Indian craftsmen is clearly visible in the delicate carvings of the ceilings which are more or less similar to those seen in the Hindu and Jain temples.

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  Quote Jinit Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20-Jul-2013 at 05:47
An arched facade or screen was added to the mosque after two years on the western side of the mosque, infront of the sanctuary to give it more authentic look. From the construction of the arches it is obvious that it is done by the same native artisans who once produced those magnificent temples which were demolished to get material for the mosque.Sad2 this view is further reinforced by the beautiful floral carvings on the facades which are basically Hindu conception (and interestingly in total contrast with the upright lines of decorative Quranic inscriptions which are basically an Islamic conception. Smile )

Originally there was one central arch surrounded by 2 small side arches on each side. there must be small arches above the side arches when originally built.




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As written by contemporary historian, "and upon the surface of the stones were engraved verses of Quran in such manner as could not be done on wax, ascending so high that you would think that Quran was going up in heave and again descending in another line so low that you would think it was coming down from heaven"


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Also comapre this liberal flowing floral carvings with the another carvings done during the reign of Illtutmish when the mosque was extended. The floral pattern is replaced by more rigid pattern most probably because of the Religious reasons. Yet it still looks amazing.




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Edited by Jinit - 20-Jul-2013 at 06:01
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  Quote Jinit Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20-Jul-2013 at 06:04
On the side note: the Iron pillar in the center of mosque is another wonder of India. Originally It was erected by Chandragupta II in 5th century (most probably in Vidish by wiki article.). It was brought to Delhi as a war trophy from some other place by the Mamluk rulers. The pillar is the testament to the high skill of ancient Indian metallurgists. The pillar is in intact condition even after more than 1500 years!!!

for further information: 
Iron_pillar_of_Delhi Iron_pillar_of_Delhi



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English translation of the inscription on the pillar.

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  Quote Jinit Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20-Jul-2013 at 08:12
Qutub Minar

Beyond any doubt Qutub minar is one of the most celebrated monument in the Islamic history of India. The construction of the Qutub minar was started in 1200 AD by Qutub-ud-din as minaret for the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque for the muezzins to call the Muslims for the prayer. However grandiosity of the minar itself suggests that the minar was constructed to proclaim the prestige of Islam in this part of the world. Qutub-ud-din could finish only the basement of the minar. The rest of the construction was completed by his Son-in-law Iltutmish. Later on the 5th storey was added by the Firoz shah tughlaq in 14th century. The tower was decorated by the bands of the inscriptions and balconies with delicately ornamented supporting brackets. The grandiosity of the tower is the combination of the vision of the slave rulers and creative genius of Indian craftsmen. 

Seen from any point of view the 20tb Minar as a whole is a most impressive conception, the vivid colour of its red sandstone, the changing texture of its fluted stories with their overlay of inscriptional bands, the contrast between the alternating spaces of plain masonry and rich carving, the shimmer of the shadows under the balconies, all combine to produce an effect of marked vitality.... - Percy brown


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  Quote Jinit Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20-Jul-2013 at 08:14
Delicate carvings and ornamented balconies of the Minar.

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  Quote Jinit Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20-Jul-2013 at 12:24
Monuments built by Iltutmish

After the death of Qutub-ud-din in 1210 AD his son Aram shah came to the throne. However he was soon overthrown by Shams-ud-din Iltutmish (son-in-law of Qutub-ud-din). Iltutmish supressed internal revolts, regained the lost territories elsewhere in the north India and also secured the border. During his tenure he extended the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque, added screen/facade to Ajmer mosque just like that of Delhi and built the mausoleum for him and his son Nusur-ud-din.

2nd Expansion of Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque


Almost 30 years after the construction of original mosque Iltutmish decided to extend the mosque. However rather than demolishing the original structure, he enveloped the mosque along with Qutub minar into another bigger structure. 

Original plan of the Qutb complex.
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Present day ruins in the complex.
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Screen added by Iltutmish on both the sides of the original screen.

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Edited by Jinit - 20-Jul-2013 at 12:29
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  Quote Jinit Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20-Jul-2013 at 14:30
Sultan Ghari

Sultan Ghari (Sultan of the cave?) was the first Islamic mausoleum built in Delhi and may be the first one in Indian subcontinent too. It was built in 1231 AD by Iltutmish in memory of his elder son Nasir-ud-din. The mausoleum is unique from the subsequent mausoleums built in India. From the outer look it looks like a military outpost. However aesthetic appearance is given by the use of the marble at the entrance. The tomb is situated beneath the Octagonal platform in the middle of the courtyard. The platform might have been built to support a pyramidal pavilion which either disappeared or was never built to begin with. On the western side of the courtyard a Mihrab is added whose domed ceiling is again similar to those seen in temples. 

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  Quote Jinit Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20-Jul-2013 at 14:31
Inside of the mausoleum

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Mihrab on the western side.




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Edited by Jinit - 20-Jul-2013 at 14:36
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  Quote Jinit Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20-Jul-2013 at 20:03
Mausoleum of Iltutmish

Mausoleum of Iltutmish is one of the few Islamic monuments that can actually compete with traditional Hindu temples in terms of rich decoration and ornamentation. The exterior of the mausoleum is relatively plain barring the entrance, a condition not improbably due to most of the outside being left
uninished. In contrast the interior is most elaborately decorated. 

The mausoleum square structure with entrance on the 3 sides, while western side is closed to accommodate 3 beautifully carved mihrabs. Iltutmish's mausoleum is also one of the early if not the first monuments where squinch is added to support a roof. Squinch is basically a mechanism of supporting arches at the corner of the square hall to convert it into circular shape on the upper side so that it can support the circular dome . However the arches used are still the false arches used in the native Indian architecture. However the dome has already collapsed.


Exterior of the mausoleum

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  Quote Jinit Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20-Jul-2013 at 20:04
Interior of the mausoleum..

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  Quote Jinit Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20-Jul-2013 at 20:05
Squinch or corner arches - Native architectural technique is clearly visible in the false arches and domes.

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  Quote Jinit Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20-Jul-2013 at 20:06
Western wall (Mihrab)

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  Quote Jinit Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 23-Jul-2013 at 19:36
Adhai din ka Jhonpra

Adhai din ka jhonpra (literally meaning Hut for two and a half days) was built by Qutub-ud-din in 1192 AD ( or 1193 AD?) at Ajmer, most probably at the site of ancient Sanskrit college or Jain temple. According to legend it was built in two and a half day when Ghori visited Ajmer. Just like Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque it was also built from the material directly obtained by dismantling the Hindu and Jain temples. However unlike the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque which was built in haphazard manner, this mosque is built in rather more synchronized manner. Instead of two, three columns of pillars (taken from temples) are put one above another to obtain sufficient height. Later on Facade or screen was added during the reign of Iltutmish. However unlike the screen of Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque which shows more floral and liberal pattern, this one shows mechanical rigid pattern most probably due to religious prohibitions. 


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Entrance of the mosque

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Screen/facade of the mosque.

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Edited by Jinit - 23-Jul-2013 at 19:47
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  Quote Jinit Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 23-Jul-2013 at 19:38
Beautiful carvings on the screen

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  Quote Jinit Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 23-Jul-2013 at 19:39
Pillared sanctury behind the screen

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Please note that the defaced sculptures of Hindu deities on pillars
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  Quote Jinit Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 23-Jul-2013 at 19:40
Ceiling of the mosque

Imprint of the Hindu craftsmen is clearly visible in these delicate works and construction techniques.

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  Quote Centrix Vigilis Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 23-Jul-2013 at 20:46
Like much in the ancient era and medieval the building and architecture
no matter the ethnicity or geo region remains beautiful. And I thank Jinit for his pics.
"Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence"

S. T. Friedman


Pilger's law: 'If it's been officially denied, then it's probably true'

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  Quote sufi Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02-May-2014 at 22:45
hi.......i am highly indebted to you for such intense and accurate insight in the architectural pattern of saltnate buildings........it is indeed a very informative topic and a very through treatment by you!! thanks for sharing...........
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