Indo-Islamic architecture is the architecture of the Indian subcontinent produced by and for Islamic patrons and purposes. Despite an initial Arab presence in Sindh, the development of Indo-Islamic architecture began in earnest with the establishment of Delhi as the capital of the Ghurid dynasty in 1193.^[1] Succeeding the Ghurids was the Delhi Sultanate, a series of Central Asian dynasties that consolidated much of North India, and later the Mughal Empire by the 15th century. Both of these dynasties introduced Islamic architecture and art styles from West Asia into the Indian subcontinent.^[2]

The types and forms of large buildings required by Muslim elites, with mosques and tombs much the most common, were very different from those previously built in India. The exteriors of both were very often topped by large domes and made extensive use of arches. Both of these features were hardly used in Hindu temple architecture and other indigenous Indian styles. Both types of building essentially consist of a single large space under a high dome, and completely avoid the figurative sculpture so important to Hindu temple architecture.^[3]

Islamic buildings initially adapted the skills of a workforce trained in earlier Indian traditions to their designs. Unlike most of the Islamic world, where brick tended to predominate, India had highly skilled builders well used to producing stone masonry of extremely high quality.^[4] Alongside the architecture developed in Delhi and prominent centers of Mughal culture such as Agra, Lahore, and Allahabad, a variety of regional styles developed in regional kingdoms like the Bengal, Gujarat, Deccan, Jaunpur, and Kashmir Sultanates. By the Mughal period, generally agreed to represent the peak of the style, aspects of Islamic style began to influence architecture made for Hindus, with even temples using scalloped arches, and later domes. This was especially the case in palace architecture. Following the collapse of the Mughal Empire, regional nawabs such as in Lucknow, Hyderabad, and Mysore continued to commission and patronize the construction of Mughal-style architecture in the princely states.

Indo-Islamic architecture has left a large impact on modern Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi architecture, as in the case of its influence on the Indo-Saracenic Revivalism of the late British Raj. Both secular and religious buildings are influenced by Indo-Islamic architecture.

Key Features:

1. Islamic Elements:
   • Arches: Indo-Islamic architecture features various types of arches, including horseshoe, pointed, and multifoil arches, influenced by Islamic architectural traditions.
   • Domes: Large, bulbous domes are a common feature of mosques, tombs, and palaces, often adorned with intricate geometric or floral patterns.
   • Minarets: Tall, slender towers called minarets are often found adjacent to mosques, used for the call to prayer (adhan) and as architectural features.
   • Courtyards: Many Islamic structures incorporate spacious courtyards, surrounded by arcades and often featuring reflecting pools or gardens.
2. Indigenous Influences:
   • Hindu Architectural Elements: Indo-Islamic architecture frequently incorporates elements of Hindu architecture, such as chhatris (pavilions), jaalis (perforated screens), and mandapas (pillared halls).
   • Local Materials: Builders often utilized local materials such as red sandstone, marble, and brick, reflecting regional architectural traditions.
3. Decorative Ornamentation:
   • Calligraphy: Arabic calligraphy, featuring verses from the Quran, is commonly used as decorative elements, carved into stone or plaster.
   • Geometric Patterns: Elaborate geometric patterns, including stars, polygons, and arabesques, adorn facades, domes, and interiors.
   • Floral Motifs: Intricate floral designs, inspired by Persian and Central Asian art, are prevalent in Indo-Islamic architecture, adding grace and beauty to structures.
4. Water Features:
   • Chahar Bagh Gardens: Many Islamic structures are set within chahar bagh (four-part) gardens, divided by water channels and pathways, symbolizing paradise on earth.
   • Reflecting Pools: Water features such as fountains and reflecting pools are common in Islamic architecture, providing a sense of tranquility and coolness.
5. Categories of Styles
   • The study of Indo-Islamic architecture is conventionally categorized into:
     • The Imperial Style (Delhi Sultanate)
     • The Provincial Style (Mandu, Gujarat, Bengal, and Jaunpur)
     • The Mughal Style (Delhi, Agra, and Lahore)
     • The Deccani Style (Bijapur, Golconda)

Examples of Indo-Islamic Architecture:

1. Qutb Minar Complex, Delhi: Built by the Delhi Sultanate, the Qutb Minar complex features the iconic Qutb Minar, along with mosques, tombs, and other structures, showcasing early Indo-Islamic architecture.
2. Taj Mahal, Agra: Constructed during the Mughal period, the Taj Mahal is a masterpiece of Indo-Islamic architecture, renowned for its symmetrical layout, white marble facade, and intricate ornamentation.
3. Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh: Founded by Emperor Akbar, Fatehpur Sikri is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its magnificent palaces, mosques, and public buildings, blending Persian, Hindu, and Islamic architectural styles.
4. Jama Masjid, Delhi: Built by Emperor Shah Jahan, the Jama Masjid is one of the largest mosques in India, featuring red sandstone and marble construction, domes, and minarets.
5. Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi: Constructed in the Mughal style, Humayun’s Tomb is an early example of the use of Persian-inspired elements in Indo-Islamic architecture, including bulbous domes and chhatris.

Indo-Islamic architecture represents the rich cultural synthesis and exchange between Islamic and Indian civilizations, resulting in some of the world’s most exquisite and iconic architectural marvels.

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