Key Elements in Delhi Sultanate

Key Elements in Delhi Sultanate

The Delhi Sultanate Architecture

A new style of architecture that developed under the patronage of the Turk-Afghan rulers of the Delhi Sultanate is called the Indo-Islamic style.

In Indo-Islamic style, there was a fine and balanced synthesis of Hindustani Shahteeri (Trabeate tradition – architecture based on beams) and Islamic Mehrabi (Arcuate tradition – architecture based on arches).

Characteristic Features of Indo-Islamic Architecture

• The characteristic features of Indo-Islamic architecture were derived from both Hindu and Muslim sources, though not in equal measure.

• In Delhi Sultanate architecture, Islamic influences are predominant, but this was not the case with regard to buildings constructed in provincial architecture like Bengal, Bijapur, Gujarat, etc.

The characteristic features of Indo-Islamic architecture are as follows:

Introduction of Arch (Mehrab), Dome (Gumbad), etc.

• The Muslims are credited with the introduction of true arches in India. The introduction of arches replaced flat lintels or corbelled ceilings. The Muslims also introduced domes.

• A dome is a convex covering, usually hemispherical or semi-elliptical, over a circular or polygonal space. With the introduction of the dome, the pyramidal roof or spire was replaced in India.

• They also introduced vaults (chamber roofed with arch-shaped ceiling) and an underground chamber (used for burial and storage).

Introduction of Mosque (Masjid)

• The place of prayer for Muslims is called a mosque (masjid). Masjid is an Arabic word that literally means the place where Muslims prostrate (Sajda) in worship to Allah (God).

• The general layout and construction of a Hindu temple and a Muslim mosque are different. The prayer chamber of a Hindu temple is small, dark, and closed. But the Islamic form of worship, with its emphasis on collective prayer (namaz), required a spacious place. Hence, the prayer chamber of the mosque is spacious, lighted, and open.

Introduction of Tower (Minar)

• A building that is usually circular in shape and rises to a great height is called a tower (minar).

• Initially, the minar was an integral part of the mosque and was built for the purpose of calling Muslims to prayer (namaz) by the Muezzin.

• But later, the tower (minar) started being built independently with the aim of preserving the memory of victory.

Introduction of Tomb (Maqbara)

• Maqbara is an Arabic word that literally means a building built over the grave (Qabr). The practice of burial of the dead, as distinct from the cremation practiced by the Hindus, introduced tombs (maqbara).

• A tomb is usually domed (Huzara) with a Mihrab in the western wall, and the real grave (Qabr) is located in an underground chamber. Larger tombs often have a mosque (masjid) as well, and the entire structure is laid in the middle of a sprawling lawn.

New Theme of Ornamentation

• Ornamentation and decoration were common in both Hindu and Muslim architectures, but their themes of ornamentation had significant differences.

• Hindu ornamentation was largely naturalistic, showing human and animal forms and luxuriant vegetation.

• Among the Muslims, the representation of living beings was taboo for decoration. Instead, they introduced geometrical and Arabian patterns, ornamental writing (calligraphy), inlay work, the use of glazed tiles, carved screens, and a formal representation of plant and floral life.

New Materials for Construction

• Although lime was known and used to some extent in construction work in India, mud was generally used for brickwork, and large blocks of stone were laid one on top of the other and held by means of iron clamps.

• However, the Muslims made extensive use of concrete and lime mortar as materials for construction. They also used lime as plaster and as a base for decoration.

Final Thoughts

Indo-Islamic architecture during the Delhi Sultanate represents a unique blend of Hindu and Islamic design traditions. Key elements like arches and domes replaced traditional beam-based construction, introducing a more open and spacious style, especially in mosques built for collective worship. Minars, originally part of mosques, became standalone symbols of victory.

Tombs (maqbaras), often domed with intricate decorations, became prominent, sometimes accompanied by a mosque and gardens.

The ornamentation shifted from Hindu naturalistic designs to geometric patterns, calligraphy, and intricate tile work. The use of lime mortar and concrete in construction led to more durable and grand structures, laying the foundation for future architectural advancements in India.