Delhi Sultanate Mains Test
Mains Test Series
Rajput states (8th Century to 12th Century)
Q1. The Indo-Islamic style greatly influenced the provincial style of architecture during the Delhi Sultanate period. Critically analysis. (150 words)
Answer :
Introduction: Indo-Islamic architecture is a unique architecture of the Indian subcontinent generally produced by Islamic patrons. Around the 12th century AD, this architecture began to amplify with the local essence of the provisional kingdom of Malwa, Gujarat, Bengal, Golconda, and so on. 
Influence of Indo-Islamic Architecture on the provincial style of Architecture:
- Malwa style: This style of architecture was developed in the Malwa region around 15 th century AD.
Features:
- This was mainly based on the Tughlaq style. They used the batter system, which Tughlaq mostly used.
- The use of different coloured stones and marble is the most prominent feature of the buildings.
- The use of Pietra Dura was also so much prominent.
- The buildings had large windows and were decorated with stylised use of arches and pillars. It made the buildings and rooms wellventilated.
- The use of water is prominent on the premises.
- Example: Jahaz mahal, ashrafi Mahal etc.
Source : https://www.agatetravel.com/jahaz–mahal–mandu–india.html
- Gujrat Style: The first Muslim dynasty to rule Gujarat emerged in the 14th century. Features:
- The Indo-Islamic architecture of Gujarat drew micro-architectural elements from the earlier Maru–Gurjara style of architecture and employed them in mihrab, minaret doors, roofs, and facades.
- During the 15th century, the use of minarets became a notable and elegant feature of the Gujrat style of architecture. They are often placed in pairs, flanking the main entrance with elaborate carving.
- Some designs push out balconies at intervals up the shaft; for example, “shaking minarets” at the Jama Mosque, Ahmedabad.
- Deccan style: Their architecture was a regional variation of Indo-Islamic architecture, mainly inspired by styles from the Delhi Sultanate.
Features:
- The most prominent feature of the Deccan style of architecture was its special type of ceiling, which was made without any support.
- The use of iron clamps was a unique feature in providing support to the buildings.
- The use of 3 arched facades and a bulbous dome was also prominent in this style, which is unique in itself.
- Example: Gol Gumbaj.
Souce : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gol_Gumbaz#/media/File:Gol_Gumbaj2.JPG
- Bengal style: Indo–Islamic architecture in Bengali architecture can be seen from the 13th century.
- In Bengal, Sultanate-era mosques featured multiple domes or a single dome, richly designed Mihrabs and Minbars and an absence of minarets.
- The use of sloping bangla roofs in mosques was also prominent.
- While clay bricks and terracotta were the most widely used materials, stones were also used from mines in the Rarh region, which is a distinct feature of the Bengal style.
- Example: Adina Mosque.
Terracotta work at Adina Masjid
Source : https://www.taleof2backpackers.com/adina-mosque-malda/
- Jaunpur style: The Sharqi rulers of Jaunpur patronised architecture.
- The main feature of Sharqi mosque is the huge rectangular gateway (pylon) with arches.
- Monuments are made of stone with fine carving and latticework.
- Here, the absence of miners is a notable feature, as most of the contemporary monuments of the Delhi Sultanate have this feature.
- The use of bold characters painted on huge screens in the centre and the side-bays of the prayer hall is also prominent. This is the most prominent feature of the Jaunpur style of architecture.
- Example: Atala Masjid, Lal Darwaja Masjid etc
Source : https://reclaimtemples.com/atala-devi-temple-jaunpur/
Conclusion
The influence of Indo-Islamic architecture on the provincial style depended on the distance of the province from the power centre (Delhi) and the association of the rulers of the province.
However, the local architects also retained certain flavours of the local architectural traditions. The building materials varied by locally available materials and climatic conditions.
Hence, from the above analysis, we can say that though Indo-Islamic factors had an immense influence on the provincial style of architecture in a true sense, it is an amalgamation of both regional and Indo-Islamic factors.
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