Indo-Islamic Architecture: Types, Categories, Materials and More

In India, the mediaeval period saw tremendous advances in architecture. With the introduction of Muslims in India, various new architectural features and approaches emerged. This period’s development of Muslim architectural style is referred to as Indo-Islamic architecture, or Indian architecture inspired by Islamic art.

The Indo-Islamic architecture style was a combination of Islam and Hinduism. It was, in fact, a hybrid of Islamic and Indian architectural elements. The two principal types of mediaeval architecture are Mughal architecture and Delhi Sultanate architecture, sometimes known as Imperial Style. The Sultans of Delhi promoted the development of the Imperial style. Mughal architecture was a combination of styles.

Indo-Islamic Architecture

Islam flourished over India throughout the seventh and ninth centuries CE. During these migrations and conquests, Muslims absorbed many aspects of indigenous cultures and customs and incorporated them into their construction methods. Later, during British control, Indo-Islamic architecture had a significant influence on a new type of architecture known as Indo-Saracenic.

Types of Structures

The Indo-Islamic architecture was heavily influenced by Indian architectural and ornamental sensibilities.

Much depended on the availability of materials, the limitations of resources and abilities, and the patrons’ artistic sensitivities.

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Although religion and religiosity were extremely important to the people of mediaeval India and other parts of the world, they freely copied architectural elements.

Categories of Style

The Indo-Islamic architectural style can be classified as:

Imperial style: Emperors and empresses preferred the imperial style. It distinguishes an emperor or empress from a king or queen, who is simply known as Majesty. Holders of imperial style have occasionally been observed following religious leaders addressed in public ceremonies as “His/Her Holiness.” Princes and princesses sometimes used the imperial style. Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, Iran’s final Shah, followed the Imperial style as well.

Delhi Sultanate Provincial Style: This style was widely used throughout Mandu, Gujarat, Bengal, and Jaunpur.

Mughal Style: The Mughal style of architecture is a distinct Indo-Islamic architectural style that emerged in northern and central India between the 16th and 18th centuries, under the patronage of Mughal kings. The Mughal architectural style is a stunningly beautiful and vibrant blend of Persian, Turkish, and Indian influences. The tomb of Akbar’s father, Humayun, in Delhi is one of the pinnacles of the Mughal architectural style. 

Architectural Influence

Gujarat contains regional traits originating from temple traditions, such as toranas, mihrab lintels, bell and chain pattern sculptures, and tree-themed carved panels. Bengal and Jaunpur architecture are seen as distinct from other provincial styles.

The white marble dargah of Shaikh Ahmad Khattu of Sarkhej, constructed in the 14th century, is a prime example of regional style. It had a tremendous impact on the architecture and decoration of Mughal graves.

Decorative Forms

These techniques comprised incisions and stucco designs on plaster. The designs were sometimes simple, sometimes lavishly decorated.

• Decorative designs were painted or carved into stone. These themes included a range of flowers from the subcontinent and other regions of the world, including Iran.
• The lotus blossom fringe was used to great effect in the arch’s inner curves.
• Beginning in the seventeenth century, trefoils or numerous foliations were used to form archways. 
• Medallions or bosses adorned the spandrels of the arches.
• In addition, the walls were decorated with cypress, chinar, and other plants, as well as flower vases.
• Many exquisite flower theme patterns were discovered on fabrics and carpets.                 
• The interior walls and canopy were decorated with lapis lazuli.
• Tessellation (mosaic patterns) and pietra dura were the most popular decorative approaches for the surfaces, particularly the dado panels on the walls.
• In the 14th, 15th, and 16th centuries, tiles were utilised to cover the walls and domes.
• The additional embellishments were arabesque, calligraphy, and a liberal use of jalis.
• The central dome, as well as minor domes, chhatris, and small minarets, were used to construct the roof.
• A metal or stone tower crowned the central dome, which had an inverted lotus blossom design.

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Materials for Construction

The materials used for construction in making of Indo-Islamic architecture are mentioned below to help you understand it better:

• All constructions have extremely thick walls made primarily of rubble masonry.
• Following that, the walls were finished with chuna, limestone plaster, or dressed stone.
• Quartzite, sandstone, buff, and marble were among the construction materials used.
• To finish the walls, polychrome tiles were used to great effect.
• Bricks have been used in buildings since the early 17th century, increasing construction versatility.
• There was an increased dependence on indigenous materials.

Features of Indo-Islamic Architecture

A few features of Indo-Islamic architecture for which they are known are:

• Red sandstone and marble are widely used.
• Char bagh garden type is a four-sided garden with a tiny pathway dividing it.
• Decorative chhatris were common, notably in the building of the fort.
• Massive gateways before the main building.
• Spherical domes.
• Great halls and courtyards.
• Nice decorative work

Forts

Building spectacular castles with embattlements was a common feature in previous ages, typically marking the seat of a lord’s power. Strong, complicated structures include Chittor Fort, Gwalior Fort, and Daulatabad Fort (formerly known as Devgiri and Golconda).

Examples of Indo-Islamic Architecture

A few of the examples of Indo-Islamic architecture are:

Taj Mahal

• The Taj Mahal is located in Agra. It is the best example of Mughal architecture, with the most magnificent show of grandeur and wealth. It was built in commemoration of Shah Jahan’s wife, Arjumand Banu Begamor Mumtaz Mahal.
• It incorporated all aspects of Mughal architecture, such as calligraphy, pietra-dura works, foreshortening technique, Charbagh-style gardens, and the usage of water in the premises for adornment.
• Some of the unique features include:
• The jaali work at Taj Mahal is lace-like and exceedingly delicate.
• The carvings on the marble had low relief.

Qutub Minar

• The Qutub Minar, erected in the 13th century, is a 234-foot-high tapering tower with five stories. The minar consists of polygonal and circular forms. It is primarily composed of red and buff sandstone.
• It is distinguished by finely carved balconies and bands of inscriptions interlaced with foliated patterns.

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