ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURE

COME IN INDIA
HISTORY

 Historically the first Muslims to invade India were in 7th

century, who mainly attacked for money and slaves.
 It was done under the dominating caliphate of the time.
700 years from then, until stability came under Mughal
empire, it was the bloodiest era in the region.
Beginning of Islamic architecture in
india -
 The onslaught of the ghurids close to 12th century CE
introduces the indo-islamic architecture in india.
 Muslims have inherited architectural patterns from
sassanian and byzantine empires and are also known to
have a good taste for buildings.
 Despite this, they have also adapted to the indigenous
architecture.
Blend of two styles of architecture-

 Along with Islamic architecture came the arches and

domes.
 Although these did exist earlier in India, the achieved
their full form only during the Sultanate.
 The art of Delhi Sultanate showed the process of
absorption of the techniques of art and architecture
brought from the west Thus a blend of structural
techniques, styles and decoration came about as a new
architectural style known as the Indo Islamic.
 Along with the obvious Persian, Turkish and Indian
influences a lot depended on the availability and
limitation of resources, skills and a sense of aesthetics
among the patrons.
The different religious beliefs of the two religions i.e
Islam and Hindu, are reflected in the architectural style
which gave rise to an amalgamation of the two styles.
 Alai Darwaza is the best example of Indian and Islamic
blend.
Impact of Islamic arrival on Indian
architecture

 Rise of islam in india started when qutub-ud-din aibuk the

slave of muhammad ghori who came to power after his
masters’ death in 1206.
 Before this he was just the military commander of his
boss.
 His empire extended from lahore(pakistan) to the yamuna
and ganges plains in north india.
 He ruled for four years when he died in an accident in
1210.
Patterns of Islamic art-

 Since Islam does not allow the use of human or animal

motifs as decoration, their panels were filled with floral
patterns along with verses from the Quran and
geometrical and arabesque designs.
 Motifs like swastika and lotus were incorporated by the
indigenous masons.
 These designs were carved on stone in low relief, cut on
plaster, painted or inlaid.
 Indian Islamic architecture would reach the summit in the
era of the Mughal dynasty from the 16th to 17th
centuries.
 CHANGES TAKE PLACE IN INDIAN ARCHITECTURE

• Hindi styles of construction spaces were spanned corbels

replaced V by arches or vaults.

BEFORE ISLAM COME AFTER ISLAM COME

• Flat lintels or corbelled ceilings were replaced by pyramidical
roof or spire by the dome.

CORBELLED CEILINGS PYRAMIDICAL ROOF

DOME ROOF
• Naturalistic showing ornamentation style change into
geometrical and arabesque patterns.

BEFORE ISLAM COME AFTER ISLAM COME

• Ornamental writing and formal representation of flora is
introduce.
• Chajja was introduce in the walls.
• Practice of burial of the dead as distinct from the cremation
Practised by the hindus, chamber a mihrab in the western
wall and a real grave in an underground chamber.

Use of concreate as a factor of construction is used

• Lime plaster was introduced. Plaster finish used in the brick walls
and carving also made on plasters.
Elements of Islamic Style

 Islamic architecture may be identified with the following design

elements, which were inherited from the first mosque built by
Muhammad in medina, as well as features adapted from churches and
synagogues.

 Minarets or towers.
 Mihrab or niche on an inside wall indicating the direction of Mecca.
 Domes.
 Use of geometric shapes and repetitive art (arabesque).
 Use of decorative Arabic calligraphy.
 Ablution fountains.
Common Interpretations of Islamic
Architecture

 The concept of Allah's infinite power is evoked by designs with

repeating themes.
 Human and animal forms are rarely depicted in decorative art
as Allah's work is matchless.
 Calligraphy is used to enhance the interior of a building by
providing quotations from the Qur'an.
 Islamic architecture focuses on the beauty of the interior rather
than exterior spaces.
 Use of impressive forms such as large domes, towering
minarets, and large courtyards are intended to convey power.
Domes

 Dome—a circular roof, usually hemispherical in form, placed over a circular, square, oblong, or
polygonal space.
 Pendentives — Byzantine builders were the first to discover the proper handling of the device
essential to placing a dome over a square compartment during the construction of the Hagia Sophia
at Constantinople (A.D. 532–37).
 Under Byzantine influence the Muslims adopted the use of the dome; one of their first important
monuments is the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem. They often used the so-called Persian or onion
dome. The most celebrated example is the Taj Mahal (A.D. 1630) at Agra, India.
Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th edition 2001-2005
Taj Mahal
Agra, India

 The Taj incorporates and

expands on many design
traditions, particularly
Persian, Hindu and earlier
Mughal architecture.
 The Taj Mahal was
constructed between 1631
and 1654 by a workforce of
more than twenty thousand.
 TAJ MAHAL DOME

The fusion of persian and indian architecture can be seen in the dome.
The bulbons shape drive from persian timurid domes and final with lotus
Leaf base is drived from hindu temples.
The goal gumbaz is the largest masonary dome in the world.
 MINARETS

• The function of minarets is to serve as a watch

tower or as a ventilation system
• In very hot climate, usually the building wopuld
consist of a tower with large windows that would
allow for cold air to enter and a dome in the center
of the building that would (hypothatically)have an
oppening in the ceiling that would both accumulate
and allow warm air to leave the both building
through a cupola
MINARETS
Sulayman Mosque Complex
Istanbul, Turkey

 In Turkey the mosque form was also derived from Persia, as was most Turkish art.
 One of the most famous Turkish architects was Sinan, chief architect in the Ottoman court
from 1539 until his death in 1588. He constructed or designed most of Sulayman I's
buildings, the most noted of which is his Sulayman Mosque (c.1557) in Istanbul.
The Great Mosque of Cordoba
Location: Granada, Spain

 In the middle of the 8th century

the last of the Umayyads escaped
to Spain and re-founded the
dynasty there. The Great Mosque
of Cordoba was begun in 785 and
is famous for its rows of double-
tiered arches.
 The culture of Islamic Spain
reached its apex in Moorish art and
architecture.
Features of Indo Islamic architecture-

 Some of the distinguishing features of Indo Islamic

architecture are the decorative brackets, balconies,
chhatris, minars.
 The use of mortar was also a major introduction distinct
from the traditional building style.
Mughal influence-

 The coming of the Mughals brought with it a different

elaborate and ornamented art.
 The Mughals were great patrons of art and architecture
and enhanced the country with their beautiful
architecture.

The tomb architecture which was another feature of the

Islamic architecture was further enhanced by the Mughals
by introducing gardens all around the tomb.
 The Mughals are also credited to have brought in the
double architecture and the pietra-dura style of inlay
decorations.
 The influence of Mughal style of architecture was seen at
the capitals of Hindu rulers as well.
 The palaces at Amber are quite similar to the palaces of
Shahjahabad and Agra.
 The Mughal style was followed in the construction of the
temples. Specially, its influence on Jain temples is quite
evident.
 The Quwwat-ul-Islam is best known for its tower of
victory, celebrating the Muslim conquest of India, and is
the first mosque of India.
 Among the older remains it has the "Pillar of the Law"
built during the Mauryan dynasty.
PRESENTATION BY:-
ARUN SAINI.
AKSHAT MAHOR.
SNEHAL.