Indo-Islamic architecture
Indo-Islamic architecture encompasses a wide range of styles from various backgrounds that helped shape Indian architecture from the advent of Islam in the subcontinent in the 7th century until today. Both secular and religious buildings are influenced by Indo-Islamic architecture which exhibit Indian, Persian, Arab, and Turkish themes.
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[edit] Ghurid Dynasty
The Ghurid Dynasty, being the first Islamic empire to hold any important amount of land within India, began the fusion of Islamic and native Indian architectural styles. The Qutb Minar, which was begun in 1192 in Delhi by Qutb-ud-din Aibak was designed to show the power and glory of the new Islamic rulers. Iltutmish completed the tower and extended the Jami Masjid, the main masjid in Dehli. The design of the Qutb Minar and the courtyard around the Jami Masjid show influence of native Indian floral motifs and ornaments, with Quranic verses in Arabic imposed on them. Ibn Battuta, the great Muslim traveler from Morocco remarked that the Qutb Minar tower had "no parallel in the lands of Islam".[1]
[edit] Mughal Empire
The Mughal Empire, a modern Islamic empire that lasted in India from 1526 to 1764 left a mark on Indian architecture that was a mix of Islamic, Persian, Turkish, and native Indian architecture. A major aspect of Mughal architecture is the symmetrical nature of buildings and courtyards. Akbar, who ruled in the 16th century, made major contributions to Mughal architecture. He systematically designed forts and towns in similar symmetrical styles that blended Indian styles with outside influences. The gate of a fort Akbar designed at Agra exhibits the Assyrian gryphon, Indian elephants, and birds.[2]
[edit] Taj Mahal
The most well known and visible example of Mughal architecture is the Taj Mahal. It was built for the wife of Shah Jahan, who died in 1631. The main ideas and themes of garden tombs had already been explored by earlier Mughal emperors, and this was the culmination of all those previous works into a national landmark. The 171 meter white tomb rises above a reflecting pool and a fine garden. Four minarets on the corners frame the tomb which has a giant white dome in the center.[3]
[edit] Classes of Indo-Islamic Architecture
Sharma divides Indo-Islamic architecture into three broad classes consisting of monuments erected under patronage of the Sultans such as Qutb-ud-din Aybak, monuments erected by governors of independent provinces, and landmark construction of the Mughals.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ Lewis, Bernard. The World of Islam. Thames and Hudson, Ltd.. pp. 306. ISBN 0500276242.
- ^ Lewis, Bernard. The World of Islam. Thames and Hudson, Ltd.. pp. 306. ISBN 0500276242.
- ^ Lewis, Bernard. The World of Islam. Thames and Hudson, Ltd.. pp. 306. ISBN 0500276242.
[edit] External links
- Characteristics of Indo-Islamic architecture at Archaeological Survey of India
- Islamic Architecture in India in the Introduction to Islamic Architecture
