Delhi Sultanate Architecture
The Architecture during the Delhi Sultanate can be divided into two categories:
- Imperial Architecture
- Provincial Architecture
Imperial Architecture
- Architecture during Slave Dynasty
- Slave dynasty rulers started converting existing Hindu and Jain buildings into Islamic Structures.
- For example - Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque (Delhi) was initially a Hindu temple, Arhai-di-ka Jhopra (Ajmer) was initially a Jain premise.
- And the famous Qutab Minar whose construction was started by Qutab-ud-din Aibak, proceeded by Iltutmish and finally renovated by Firoz Shah Tughlaq was initially a Krishna Sculpture (or Vishnu Stambh).
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| Adhai Din Ka Jhopra, Ajmer |
.jpg "qutab minar") |
| Qutab Minar, Delhi |
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| Quwwat-ul-Islam Masjid, Delhi |
- Architecture during Khilji Dynasty
- This period marked the beginning of true arc and dome method of construction.
- Red Sandstone was the major construction material used for construction.
- For example - Alai Darwaza (front gate of Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque)
- Allaudin Khilji also created Siri Fort in Delhi.
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| Siri Fort, Delhi |
- Architecture during Tughlaq Dynasty
- Tughlaqs were fearful of the strength of their buildings. That's why they focused on creating strong and resilient buildings rather than beautiful buildings.
- They used Grey Sandstone for construction as it was easily available, cheaper and stronger than Red Sandstone.
- To increase the strength of the buildings, they opted for Batter method of Construction (in which the walls of the buildings were slanted a little bit from the wall of the building).
- For example - Tughlaqabad Fort (Delhi), Kotla Fort (Delhi).
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| Tughlaqabad Fort, Delhi |
- Architecture during Sayyid Dynasty
- Sayyids introduced Guldasta method of decoration.
- For the first time in India Blue enameled tiles were introduced (imported from Istanbul).
- They also introduced Octagonal Tombs.
- For example - Sikandar Shah Tomb (Delhi)
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| Sikandar Shah Tomb, Delhi |
- Architecture during Lodi Dynasty
- Lodis introduced the concept of Varandah inside their building.
- They introduced double domed structure which was not only resilient and strong but also fine beauty.
- Lodis were the first rulers who introduced the concept of gardens around the building.
- For example - Lodi Tomb and Lodi Garden (Delhi)
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| Lodi Tomb, Delhi |
Provincial Architecture during Delhi Sultanate
1. Bengal Architecture -
- Huge imposing buildings were created.
- They used black marbles and bricks as major construction material.
- They created sloping Bangla roofs in their buildings.
- For Example - Kadam Rasul Mosque (Gaur), Adhina Masjid (Pandua), etc.
2. Jaunpur Architecture -
- It is also known as Sharqi Style of Architecture (named after Sharqui dynasty of Jaunpur).
- Sharqui rulers did not create minarets inside their mosque.
- They introduced Propylon Screens (gateway).
- For example - Atalla Mosque of Jaunpur.
3. Malwa Architecture
- Regions - Gujarat, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh
- It is also known as Pathan Architecture.
- It was also noted for absence of minarets in the mosque.
- They used wide variety of colourful marbles in their buildings.
- They created well proportional stairways.
- For cross ventilation they created large windows in their buildings.
- Wall mats were used for decoration.
- For example - Mandu fort (Mandu, MP), Jahaj Mahal (Mandu), Ashrabi Mahal (Mandu), Rani Rupamati Pavilion (Mandu), etc.
4. Bijapur Architecture
- Region - Karnataka
- It was developed by Adil Sahi of Bijapur.
- It is noted for almost spherical domes.
- They also created cornices (Chhaja) in their buildings.
- They introduced 3 facet arc.
- For example - Gol Gumbaz of Bijapur (It is the largest spherical dome in the world).
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| Gol Gumbaz, Bijapur |
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Note - This is my Vision IAS Notes (Vision IAS Class Notes) and Ashutosh Pandey Sir's Public Administration Class notes. I've also added some of the information on my own.
Hope! It will help you to achieve your dream of getting selected in Civil Services Examination 👍
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