Architecture During Delhi Sultanate

• It cannot be en rely called as Muslim architecture rather it was Indian architecture under
Muslim influence.

• This fusion of the Islamic architectural elements with the indigenous styles of Hindu
architecture gave rise to a novel form of Indian architecture, described popularly as Indo-
Persian architecture.

Contrast between two styles

Hindu Art Islamic Art

More ornamental Relatively simple

Trabeate system (Pillar- Arcuate system (use of arch)

Beam)
Focus on solidarity and Focus on spaciousness and
beauty simplicity
Sikharas Domes
Garbhagriha comparatively Mosque is vast and open prayer
small and dark halls with adequate light

Rich panels of sculpture with Plain walls with simple geometric

varied themes pattern

• In masonry works, stone was used abundantly.

• The material commonly used for plastering the building was gypsum.

• The Turks used red sandstone. Yellow sandstone or marble was used in these buildings for
decora on and to show off the red sandstone.

• The dominant form of decora on employed in sultanate buildings is the arabesque.

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Typically Islamic buildings used brick, plaster, and rubble. However, in India we see most of the
structures using dressed stone.

Monuments of Slave Sultans

Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque

• One of the earliest mosques, said to be built in a period of four years (1193 C.E to 1197 C.E)
by Qutbuddin Aibak, who has established his government at the citadel called Qila-i-Rai
Pithaura (the fort of Prthviraja Chauhan).

• The mosque was constructed by demolishing twenty-seven Brahmanical and Jain temples that
lied inside the citadel.

• Subsequent addi ons were done a er Aibak’s death by Iltutmish in 1230 C.E. and Alauddin in
1316 C.E.

Qutub Minar

• The construc on of this minar started in 1197 C.E., by Qutbuddin Aibak. He could finish only
upto the first storey. The other three storeys were completed by Iltutmish, his successor in
1232 C.E.

• However, during the reign of Sultan Firoz Tughlaq, the Qutub minar was struck by lightning,
due to which the fourth storey was considerably damaged. So, it was replaced by two smaller
storeys.

• Alterna ve round and angular flu ngs at ground floor, only round in 2nd and only angular on
3rd floor.

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Adhai Din ka Jhopra

• Mosque at Ajmer constructed by Qutbuddin Aibak in 1200 C.E. a er demolishing the Sharada
temple and a learning ins tu on that was situated there.

• It resembles the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque at Delhi in style and construc on.

• The pillars and domes in the prayer hall are well in symmetry and are of Hindu origin.

• The magnificent mihrab in white marble is a significant feature of this mosque.

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Tomb of Iltutmish

• The tomb of Iltutmish near the Qutub is a fine example of Indian work under Islamic
patronage.

• This mausoleum, built of red sandstone is one of the most ornate monuments of early Indo-
Islamic art.

• The tomb has three arched entrances on the north, south and east, and a mihrab on the west.

• There are beau ful inscrip ons on the stone in Kufi, Tugra and Nashtaliq character.

Tomb of Nasiruddin Ahmed

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 • Constructed by Iltutmish for his son Nasiruddin Muhammad in 1213 C.E., this structure is the
first example of a monumental tomb.

• It is also known as the Sultan Ghari.

• The whole buildings, especially the columns seem to be reassemblage of nearby demolished
Hindu temples.

Tomb of Balban

• It marks a significant stage in the evolu on of arch. It was the first me in this structure where
arches were built on true scien fic basis and not on the tradi onal corbelled method which
was being followed earlier in buildings of Qutbuddin Aibak and Iltutmish.

Monuments of Khilji

Siri

• Siri (near Qutub Minar) was a well laid out for fied city by Alauddin in 1304 C.E.

• The Siri was a prosperous and flourished city containing royal palaces, busy markets and
remarkable buildings, the most famous of all being the Qasr-i-Hazar Satur, the palace of
Alauddin containing large number of pillars.

Alai Minar

• Started by Alauddin Khilji in 1311. Incomplete.

Alai Darwaza

• Extension of Quwwat Ul Islam by Alauddin. Finished in red sandstone and marble, the whole
gateway except the dome is finely carved with geometrical designs and ar s c Arabic
inscrip ons.

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Jamaat-khana mosque

• Also known as the Khilji mosque.

• Believed to be built by Alauddin Khilji, the mosque lies to the west of the tomb of saint
Nijamuddin Auliya.

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Figure 1 Jamat Khana Mosque

Alauddin’s Tomb

• It is earliest building in which the use of corbelled penden ves has been made in India. It was
beau fied later on with sandalwood screen by Firoz Shah Tughlaq.

Alauddin’s Tank (Haus Alai)

• A big tank built by Alauddin Khilji, in 1305 C.E.

• It was filled with rain water in the rainy season and served as a great source of water for the
inhabitants.

Monuments of Tughlaqs

• Unlike the structures built by the Slave and Khilji sultans, the Tughlaq architecture was more
simple and formal. This was due to the religious ideas of the Tughlaqs as well as not too rich
treasury of the state during their reign.

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 • Construc on of buildings with sloping walls and tapering towers, colonnades and projec ng
porches were the striking features of the architecture favoured by the Tughlaq Sultans.

Tughlaqabad

• The city of Tughlaqabad was built by Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq (1320- 1325 C.E.), the founder of
the Tughlaq dynasty.

• Tughlaqabad combined a city, a fort and a palace. Ghiyasuddin was greatly influenced by the
Hindu kings of Chi or, Ranthambhor, Gwalior etc. who had built similar selfcontained
construc on and followed them.

Mausoleum of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq

• Ghiyasuddin built his own tomb in a strongly for fied citadel facing the fort of Tughlaqabad.
Built in red sandstone, the structure is in the form of a square.

• It has a simple white marble dome crowned with an amalaka and kalasha, which resembles
the usual pinnacle of a Hindu temple.

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Forts of Adilabad

• The founda on of the small fortress of Adilabad, adjoining the city of Tughlaqabad was laid by
Sultan Muhammad bin Tughlaq (1325-1351 C.E.). The fort bears a close resemblance to the
fort of Tughlaqabad.

City of Jahapanah

• Muhammad Tughlaq built another city of Delhi and named it Jahanpanah.

Firuz Shah Tughluq

• Sultan Firuzshah (1351-1388), a great patron of architecture built many structures of public
u lity like ci es, forts, palaces, mosques, tombs etc. He laid four fortress ci es Jaunpur,
Fathabad, Hissar and Firozabad.

• Firuzshah Tughlaq and his officials are said to have constructed mul ple mosques in and
around Delhi, the chief amongst them being the Kali Masjid (1370 C.E.), the Begumpuri
mosque at Jahanpanah (1370 C.E.).

• Located at Haus-Khas, the tomb of Firuzshah is a square structure.

Mughal Architecture

Babur

• Babur did not have enough me to devote to big architectural projects. He, nevertheless, laid
out several gardens in India. The only standing structures of Babur’s reign are two mosques
built in 1526 at Panipat and Sambhal.

Humayun

• Humayun was plagued by con nuously eroding poli cal authority. The buildings of this period
do not show any dis nc veness.

• Two mosques built during the first phase of his reign survive today though in ruinous condi on
– one at Agra and other at Fatehabad (Hissar). Both these are broadly similar to that of
Babur’s.

 Sher Shah repaired GT road from Indus in the west to Sonargaon in Bengal, built road
connec ng Gujarat’s seaports with Agra and Jodhpur, road connec ng Lahore and Multan.

Akbar

The chief styles that emerged during Akbar:

- Buildings mainly used red sandstone.

- Widespread use of the trabeate construc on.

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 - Arches used mainly in decora ve form rather than in structural form.

• Construc on of a fort at Agra. Massive walls. Inside the fort, Akbar had built many structures
in the styles of Bengal and Gujarat. Similar style is manifested in the other palace-fortresses at
Lahore and Allahabad.

• New capital: Fatehpur Sikri (1571)

• Major buildings include – Diwan-i-khas, Buland Darwaza, Jama Masjid, Ibadat Khana,
Jamat Khana, Diwan-i-Aam, Jodha Bai Palace, Panch Mahal etc.

• Tomb of Salim Chis is in white marble, Buland Darwaza was built in red and yellow
sandstone to commemorate Akbar’s conquest of Gujarat.

• Roof of Jodha Bai Palace was decored with bright blue les from Multan.

• Buland Darwaza was built to commemorate victory in Gujarat (1602). It is built in red
and yellow sandstone.

Figure 2 Jodha Bai Palace

Jahangir

 Tomb of Akbar at Sikandara was designed by Akbar but completed by Jahangir.

 Tomb of I mad ud daulah built (1622-28) by Nur Jahan over the grave of her father Mirza
Ghiyas Beg. The main tomb is built in white marble and embellished with pietra dura. It is
some mes referred to as Baby Taj.
 He also got built several gardens like such as Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh in Kashmir.

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Figure 3 Tomb I mad Ud Daulah

Shah Jahan

 His period was considered the ‘golden age of Mughal architecture’ as he was a prolific builder.
His reign was marked by extensive architectural works in his favourite building material- the
marble in place of red stone.
 The construc on of the Agra fort was started around 1565 C.E., when the ini al structures
were built by Akbar, and subsequently taken over by his grandson Shah Jahan, who added
most of the marble crea ons to the fort.
 He also got built several mosques like Mo Masjid in the Agra Fort and the Jami Masjid at
Delhi.

Figure 4 Mo Masjid at Agra

Taj Mahal

 Taj Mahal construc on work began in 1632 and completed by the year 1643.
 The main building of the Taj stands on a high marble pla orm.
 The decora ve features of the building consist of calligraphy and inlay work in the exterior and
pietra dura in the interior.
 Marble brought from Makrana quarries near Jodhpur.

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Aurangzeb

 The mausoleum of his wife Rabia ud Dauran in Aurangabad was an a empt at emula ng the
Taj Mahal. But a serious miscalcula on on the part of Aurangzeb’s architects in providing the
corners of the mausoleum upsets the harmony of the en re building.
 The Badshahi Masjid is comparable to the Delhi one in size and architectural composi on. The
building material is red sandstone with the use of white marble as a relief to the red sandstone.

Figure 5 Mausoleum of Rabia ud Dauran

Make an assessment of the development of art and architecture during Mughal period.

Model Answer

The Mughal Empire, one of the most powerful and culturally significant dynas es in Indian history,
ruled over a vast territory from the early 16th to the mid-19th century. Founded by Babur in 1526, the
empire reached its zenith under Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan, before gradually declining in the late
17th and 18th centuries.

Art Forms during the Mughal Period:

 Architecture:

 Fatehpur Sikri by Akbar: Emperor Akbar commissioned the construc on of Fatehpur

Sikri in 1569 as the new capital of the Mughal Empire. This architectural masterpiece

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 exemplifies Akbar's vision of syncre c architecture, blending elements of Persian,
Indian, and Central Asian styles. Key structures include the Buland Darwaza, Jama
Masjid, and the Palace of Jodha Bai.

 Taj Mahal by Shah Jahan: Emperor Shah Jahan's enduring legacy, the Taj Mahal, stands
as a testament to love and architectural brilliance. Built in the 17th century as a
mausoleum for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal is renowned for its
symmetrical layout, white marble facade, intricate pietra dura work, and serene
garden se ng.

 Other Architectural Developments: Mughal architecture flourished with the

construc on of iconic monuments like the Red Fort in Delhi, Humayun's Tomb,
Shalimar Gardens in Lahore, and Agra Fort. These structures showcase the Mughal
emphasis on grandeur, symmetry, and intricate ornamenta on.

 Decora ve Forms: Mughal architecture was adorned with exquisite decora ve elements,
including pietra dura, arabesque pa erns, and intricate carvings. Pietra dura, a technique of
inlaying semi-precious stones into marble, reached its zenith during the Mughal period,
adorning surfaces with floral mo fs, geometric designs, and calligraphic inscrip ons.

 Pain ng: Mughal miniature pain ng reached its zenith under Emperor Jahangir's patronage.
Ar sts like Mansur, Bichitr, and Abul Hasan produced exquisite works characterized by
me culous detailing, vibrant colors, and rich thema c content. Miniatures depicted various
subjects, including court scenes, portraits, landscapes, and religious narra ves, showcasing
the ar s c prowess of Mughal painters.

 Literature: The Mughal period witnessed a rich literary tradi on, with Persian poetry, prose,
and historical chronicles flourishing under imperial patronage. Notable works include
Baburnama, the memoirs of Emperor Babur; Akbarnama, chronicling the reign of Akbar; and
Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri, the memoirs of Emperor Jahangir. These literary works provide invaluable
insights into Mughal society, culture, and poli cal history.

 Music and Other Art Forms: The Mughal court was a vibrant hub of ar s c expression,
fostering developments in music, poetry, calligraphy, and tex les. Hindustani classical music
flourished under royal patronage, with notable musicians like Tansen gaining prominence.
Persian poetry, Sufi mys cism, and intricate calligraphy also thrived during the Mughal era,
contribu ng to the richness of the empire's cultural tapestry.

Assessment

The Mughal period represents a transforma ve era in Indian art and architecture, marked by
unprecedented innova on, cultural synthesis, and ar s c excellence. The empire's patronage of the
arts, coupled with the influence of diverse cultural tradi ons, resulted in a flourishing of crea vity and
cra smanship across various mediums.

 Architectural Marvels: Mughal architecture reached unparalleled heights during this period,
with monumental structures like the Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri, and Red Fort standing as
enduring testaments to the empire's architectural prowess. These grand edifices,

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 characterized by their intricate ornamenta on, symmetrical layouts, and innova ve use of
materials, showcase the Mughals' mastery of design and engineering.

 Decora ve Arts: Mughal ar stry extended beyond architecture to encompass decora ve

forms such as pietra dura, arabesque pa erns, and intricately carved mo fs. Pietra dura, in
par cular, became synonymous with Mughal cra smanship, adorning surfaces with exquisite
floral and geometric designs cra ed from semi-precious stones.

 Pain ng and Literature: Mughal miniature pain ng flourished under royal patronage, reaching
its zenith during the reign of Emperor Jahangir. Miniatures, characterized by their me culous
detail, vibrant colors, and rich thema c content, became prized possessions of the Mughal
elite, reflec ng courtly life, religious narra ves, and natural landscapes. Addi onally, Persian
poetry, calligraphy, and literature thrived, enriching the cultural landscape of the empire.

 Music and Cultural Exchange: The Mughal court served as a vibrant hub of ar s c exchange,
a rac ng musicians, poets, scholars, and ar sans from diverse backgrounds. Hindustani
classical music flourished under royal patronage, while Persian influences infused Sufi
mys cism, poetry, and calligraphy with new dimensions of expression. This cultural
convergence fostered a dynamic atmosphere of crea vity and innova on, contribu ng to the
richness and diversity of Mughal ar s c expression.

 Legacy and Influence: The legacy of Mughal art and architecture con nues to resonate in
modern India and beyond, inspiring awe and admira on for its beauty, cra smanship, and
cultural significance. Mughal monuments and ar s c tradi ons remain integral to India's
cultural heritage, serving as enduring symbols of the empire's grandeur and sophis ca on.

Conclusion

Mughal Empire le an indelible mark on Indian art and architecture, showcasing unparalleled
crea vity, cra smanship, and innova on. The period represents a golden age of ar s c expression,
characterized by grand monuments, exquisite pain ngs, and vibrant cultural exchanges. The legacy of
Mughal art and architecture remains an integral part of India's cultural iden ty, con nuing to cap vate
and inspire genera ons across the world.

Students are advised to read it. Do not copy exactly in your answer sheet during exam, rather try to
write in your own words. This is the reason the answer has been elaborately presented.

Make an assessment of the development of art and architecture during sultanate period.

Though this ques on has been asked previously, here is the model answer based on the above ques on
on Mughal art.

The Sultanate period in India, spanning from the 13th to the 16th centuries, marked the beginning of
Muslim rule in the Indian subcon nent. It was characterized by the establishment of several dynas es,
including the Delhi Sultanate, which brought about significant socio-poli cal and cultural changes.

1. Art and Architecture during the Sultanate Period:

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  Architecture:

 The Sultanate period witnessed the emergence of Indo-Islamic architecture,

characterized by a fusion of indigenous Indian and Islamic architectural styles.
Key architectural features included the use of arches, domes, minarets, and
ornate carvings.

 Prominent examples of Sultanate architecture include the Qutub Minar in

Delhi, built during the reign of Qutb-ud-din Aibak and Iltutmish, which stands
as the tallest brick minaret in the world. The Alai Darwaza, also at the Qutub
Minar complex, showcases intricate Islamic geometric pa erns and
calligraphic inscrip ons.

 For fica ons and Mosques:

 The Sultanate rulers erected massive for fica ons and citadels to protect their
territories. Examples include the Tughlaqabad Fort in Delhi, constructed by
Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq, and the Siri Fort, built by Alauddin Khilji.

 Mosques built during the Sultanate period, such as the Quwwat-ul-Islam

Mosque and the Jama Masjid in Delhi, showcased innova ve architectural
techniques and elaborate ornamenta on.

 Tombs and Mausoleums:

 Sultanate rulers built elaborate tombs and mausoleums to honor themselves

and their loved ones. Notable examples include the Tomb of Balban in
Mehrauli and the Tomb of Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq in Tughlaqabad, which
feature intricate stone carvings and architectural embellishments.

 Urban Planning:

 Sultanate ci es, par cularly Delhi, served as centers of urban development

and architectural innova on. The layout of ci es like Delhi and Tughlaqabad
featured well-planned streets, bazaars, and residen al areas, reflec ng the
administra ve and economic prowess of the Sultanate rulers.

Assessment

The Sultanate period witnessed a significant evolu on in Indian art and architecture, marked by the
synthesis of indigenous tradi ons with Islamic influences. Sultanate architecture showcased a unique
blend of structural innova ons, decora ve mo fs, and ar s c expressions, reflec ng the mul cultural
ethos of medieval India.

 Architectural Innova on: Sultanate rulers introduced new architectural forms and
techniques, such as the use of true arches and domes, which laid the founda on for
later Mughal and Indo-Islamic architectural styles.

 Cultural Synthesis: Sultanate architecture exemplified the fusion of Islamic elements

with Indian architectural tradi ons, resul ng in the crea on of monumental structures
that reflected the cosmopolitan nature of medieval Indian society.

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  Urban Development: Sultanate ci es served as centers of cultural exchange and urban
planning, with the construc on of forts, mosques, tombs, and markets contribu ng to
the socio-economic growth and development of urban centers.

Sultanate period represents a pivotal phase in the evolu on of Indian art and architecture. The
architectural achievements of the Sultanate rulers, characterized by their grandeur, innova on, and
cultural synthesis, con nue to inspire admira on and study, serving as enduring symbols of India's rich
cultural heritage.

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