DJ Crudept
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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
)
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 thread 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.
Indo Islamic architecture of Delhi sultanates - Historum - History Forums
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
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 thread 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.
Indo Islamic architecture of Delhi sultanates - Historum - History Forums
