UNIT 4 –

INTRODUCTION TO
ISLAMIC
ARCHITECTURE AND
EARLY ISLAM
•Brief history of Islam.
•Islamic architecture of the world as rising from Islam as a socio-cultural and
political phenomenon.
•Evolution of building types in terms of forms and functions.
•Principles and characteristics of Islamic architecture to include aspects of
geometry, structure, materials, decoration, light.
•Early political history of Islam in India.
•Evolution of Islamic architecture under the Delhi Sultanate - Slave,
Khaji,Tughlaq, Sayyid and Lodi dynasties.
•Study of important monuments. Early Islamic architecture of Punjab.
HISTORY OF ISLAM
Pre Islam
 The Arabian Peninsula , the
birthplace of Islam is one of the
hottest and driest regions in the
world, consisting mainly of
deserts.
 Since ancient times tribes of the
nomadic race had populated the
region.
 Considered the descendents of
Noah’s third son Shem they are
called Semites.
 Over the centuries theses Semitic
people have migrated into the
Fertile Crescent and were
assimilated into existing
civilizations.
Pre Islam
 In the sixth century AD, north of the Arabian Peninsula two great powers
were locked in a seesaw power struggle.

 Both the Byzantine and Persian kingdoms had client Arab tribes allied
to their cause of trade and conquest.
 The Arabian Peninsula became a land of refuge for those seeking
escape from both of these empires. Heretic Christian sects like the
Nestorians, and Jewish tribes escaping the oppressive Byzantines found
refuge in the protective deserts and cities of the Peninsula. Each city
had their own gods and goddess.
 Pre Islam
 Once a year the tribes and cities of
Arabia would meet in the city of
Mecca during an event known as
the Hajj.
 In Mecca, the Kaba (Cube), a large
cube shaped building housed 360
idols from all the tribes of Arabia.
 The Kaba was the center of
Arabian religious life. Here all the
warring tribes would put aside their
differences as they circled the
Kaba.
 From the Kaba they would proceed
to the other shrines outside of
Mecca during this five day religious
event.
 The Hajj was a tradition that Arabs
of the peninsula remembered for
about hundreds of years.
 Major events

570 610 619 621 622 624

AD AD AD AD AD AD
Death of Abu
Hejira - Battle of Bedr
Prophet Talib – Prophet
Birth of Muhammad's – Mohhamed
hood of Mohammed’s proclaimed
Mohammed Mohammed
Arab tribes, departure
protector. his victory
at age 40 invite prophet from Mecca
For next 3 to the city of to Medina in
– One true
God years, he yathrib or AD 622, 625
sought Medina to marking the
consolidation
AD
protection in bring peace.
nearby cities of the first Battle of
Muslim Uhud –
community Muslims
Jihad - a defeated by
struggle or Mecca
fight against
the enemies 625
of Islam.
AD
Muslims
begin to
consolidate
their power
with
surrounding
Arab tribes
and cities
Major events
628 630 632 634
AD AD AD AD
Mohammed
Mecca Mohammed passes away. Abu Bakr
reluctantly leads 10,000 His friend and died and was
signed the 10 warriors to father in law succeeded
year Mecca and Abu Bakr by Umar
Hudaybiah nullifies the succeeded him (Omar) the
peace treaty of as leader of 2nd
agreement Hudaybiah. the Muslims or Caliphate.
with “Caliph” -
Mecca successor of
Mohammed
surrenders Mohammed.
and the
and accepts
Muslims Mohammed as
prophet.
 History of Islam
 Mohammad Ibn Abdallah was born in the year 570 AD in the city of Mecca.

 At the age of 12, young Mohammed was taken on a caravan-trading venture to Syria and
experienced the world outside of Arabia for the first time.

 During the next 15 years of his life he interacts with Arabs known as the Hanefites.

 Hanefites were Arabs who rejected idol worship and were searching for the true religion.
They looked to the religion of the Jews and Christians as being close to the goal.

 The Hanefites abandoned their idols and would retreat to the caves of Mecca in
meditation and prayer.

 At age 40 Mohammed had his first vision in the year 610 AD. He was in a cave on Mt.
Hera, where he got a vision.

 He went to Khadijah and told her about the event. She consulted with her uncle Waraca,
a Hanefite who converted to Christianity, who assured them Mohammed ‘s vision was
from God. Waraca declared Mohammed was a prophet to the Arab peoples.
 History of Islam
 Mohammed – Allah the true God

 Mohammed proclaimed Allah as the one true god and rejected the idol worship of
Mecca.

 Few listened to Mohammed’s message and animosity grew against him as he confronted
the idol worshippers and preached his religion all over Mecca.

 Abu Talib his uncle and his tribe the Hasims protected him during this early Meccan
period. In 619 Abu Talib died.

 Abu Talib headed the Hasim clan, which Mohammed was a member.

 The new leader of the Hasim tribe his uncle Abu Lahab refused to protect Mohammed.

 During the next 3 years he sought refuge and protection in nearby cities from those
seeking his life.
 History of Islam
 Mohammed – Importance of Medina
 Then in 621 during the Hajj, Arab tribes from the city of Yathrob later to be called
Medina, came for the annual pilgrimage.
 They met Mohammed and thought him to be a prophet and invited him to their
city to bring peace and settle disputes between the warring tribes.
 Yathrob was founded by three Jewish tribes and the idea of monotheism was
familiar to its Arab tribesmen.
 The Arabs of Medina had been told by Jewish tribesmen about the coming
Messiah who would one day conquer the world including the Arabs.
 The Arab tribes hoped to find this individual before the Jews. Meeting
Mohammed they thought he was the one.
 History of Islam
 Refuge in Medina  Medina Robs Caravans
 The next year the situation  In Medina the warring Arab tribes submitted to
became intolerable for the
Muslims and in June 622 they Mohammed leadership and prophet-hood.
made what has become known
as the Hejira or flight.  The Jewish tribes rejected his claims of
 In small groups the 150 Muslims prophet and ridiculed his revelations.
of Mecca left for the city of
Medina 280 miles to the north.  With most of the new arrivals from Mecca
without work they needed to earn a living.
 When word reached those of
Mecca about the escape to
Medina they tried to kill  Ghazu or caravan raiding was a way tribes
Mohammed. would prevent one tribe from becoming too
 Mohammed and Abu Bakr were powerful.
able to sneak out of the city and
escape to Medina by another  The Muslims in Medina began to rob the
route in September 622. caravans heading toward Mecca. This is where
the Muslim doctrine of Jihad was created.
PRINCIPLES OF ISLAM – one single
god - it is the basis of unification of mankind and the only acceptable way
for god for the progress and salvation of human civilisation , establishing
justice, dignity and freedom for all.
 Quran
 Quran – the Islamic sacred book, believed to be the word of God as dictated to Muhammad by
the archangel Gabriel and written down in Arabic.

 The Quran is divided into 114 chapters or Surahs.

 The Surahs are revelations given to Mohammed during his 23 years of “Prophet hood” from 610
AD to 632 AD.

 The Quran, composed during Mohammed’s lifetime corresponds to the time and circumstances
of his life.

 The Surahs or chapters can be divided into three time periods.

 The earliest Surahs are the shortest and known as Early Meccan, and date from 610 to 622 AD.
Composed in Mecca, prior to Hejira where Mohammed fled to Medina in September 622 AD.

 The Median Surahs were composed during the time Muslims controlled the city of Medina. They
date from 622 to 630 AD.

 Late Meccan Surahs were between 630 and 632 AD. The last 2 years of Mohammed’s life after
Mecca surrendered to his authority.
 5 pillars of faith

1. Shahdah – Faith

2. Salah – Prayer

3. Sawm – Fasting

4. Zakah – Almsgiving

5. Hajj - Pilgrimage
 5 articles of faith
1. God: There is only one true God and his name is Allah.

2. Angels: Angels in Islam serve Allah’s will such as Gabriel delivering the Koran to Mohammed. Each
person has two angels who record his/her good or bad deeds.

 Jinn : Are spiritual beings created out of fire.who are ranked between angels and men and can be
either good or bad.

 Satan : He is the leader of evil ones in the world.

3. Scripture: There are four inspired books in Islam: Quran, Torah, Ingil and Zabur. The Torah, Ingil and
Zabur: “Books of Moses, The Gospel of Jesus, and Psalms of David”. These are books mentioned in
the Koran as God’s Word but most Muslims feel the current books are corrupt. For this reason Allah
gave Mohammed the “Quran”.

4. Prophets: In Islam God has spoken through numerous prophets down through the centuries, including
Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses and Jesus. The greatest prophet and the last prophet is Muhammmad.

5. Last Days: The last days will be a time of Ressurrection and judgment.:

 Resurrection: Everybody will be resurrected to stand before Allah to be judged in the Last Day. Those
who follow Allah and Mohammed will go to Paradise others will go to Hell. Everybody will pass through
Hell and even some Muslim will spend time in Hell till their sins are burned away and Mohammad
intercedes for them.
 Spread of Islam
 Phase I: The Early
Caliphs and
Umayyads (610-
750 AD)

 Phase II: The

Abbasids (750-
1258)

 Phase III:
Dissolution of the
Abbasids and the
emergence of the
Seljuks and
Ottomans (950-
1450)

 Phase IV:
Ottoman Empire:
13th Century -
1918

 Phase V: (Post-
Ottomans -
present)
EVOLUTION OF BUILDING
TYPES
Evolution of Building Types

 Mosque
 Minaret
 Madarasa
 Caravanserai
 Bazaar
 Tomb
 Evolution of Mosque
 The key building type of the faith was
developed from the scheme of an Arab
house, with a pillared verandah around an
open courtyard.
 The original intention was not to provide
any specific structure, for devotional
purposes, as prayer could be performed in
the open air with nothing between the
devotee and the God.
 But it was natural for man for an enclosed
building where worship could be conducted
in an appropriate environment, away from
the distractions of everyday life.
 The mosque plan was developed through a Arab house plan
process of change and modification
resulting in the emergence of four main
forms reflecting the main periods of Islamic
attainment.
 Evolution of Mosque
 Four types or phases of Evolution: Hypostyle Hall of the Mosque of
the Umayyad, Damascus.
1. Hypostyle Mosque - Earliest and most spread , this had the form of
Hypostyle hall consisiting of a main hall composed of a number of
parallel aisles defined by arcades of columns and pillars.

2. Iwan Mosque – Develped under the Seljuqs.There was a Sahn or

courtyard and on four sides has iwans ( cloisters). Here a high
vaulted hall was built to function as a great entrance leading to the
sanctuary, or to the sahn.
Masjid I Jami, Isfahan
3. Domed Mosque - Under the Ottomans the mosque evolved from the
traditionally horizontal space to a vertical structure rising into the
sky through its domed roof , which was arranged in a number of
small domes rising progressively like steps towards the main dome
of the central nave.

4. Mughal Mosque - Moghul mosques are a successful combination of Mohammed Ali Pasha
all the above styles, consisted of a Hypostyle hall for rituals , Mosque, Egypt
covered with flat roof incorporating large onion shaped dome and
large porch recalling the Persian Iwan as seen in the Delhi’s Jami
Masjid.( 1644-1658)

Jami Masjid, Delhi

Planning of Mosque
 Planning of Mosque
 There was a rectangular open space or sahn, the four sides being
enclosed by pillared verandahs or iwans with a fountain tank in the centre
for ablutions.
 One of the cloisters of the courtyard were expanded into a pillared hall or
sanctuary, with a wall at the back containing the recessed alcove or
mihrab indicating qibla the direction of the prayer .
 On the right side of the mihrab stands the minbar or pulpit An elevated
platform from where muezzin calls for prayer ,usually takes the form of the
minaret.
 The sanctuary portion where the minbar was kept eventually became the
principal feature . To produce the structural effect two important elements
were added to the sanctuary. A screen was thrown across in the front to
form the sanctuary façade and a dome was rised from the nave portion of
the sanctuary.
 The row of pillars and its extension in all directions emphasizes the
limitlessness of the space, a symbol of infinity of the divine. The area near
the mihrab is defined by special treatment emphasizing its sanctity.
 Further demarcation of the area is defined by some stucco, floral,
geometric and calligraphic decoration with intended meditation messages.
 Minaret
 “Tower” in general which is an edifice taller than its wide
and was devised in problems of defense and
communication and has represented dominance and
power.
Spiral Minaret at Samar
 The elevation and height represented the concept of
superiority, divinity and supreme power, and presence of
Islam

 It is associated with the calling the faithful for the prayer.

is almost as ancient as Prophet’s settlement in Medina,
originally took place in the streets and from the highest
roof of the neighboring houses.

 Like the mosque not only as a place for praying, it also

became a social centre, a place for teaching. a court of
justice a space for financial transactions , an area for
administrative organization.

Qutub Minar, Delhi

 Madarasa
 For more the three centuries muslims used the mosque for praying as well
as for learning. Gradually it was extended to a house where the teacher
was living especially in Persia and was called as Madrassa.

 During the eleventh century madrassa emerged as a separate building View of Mehmet Affendi
often adjoining a mosque. Madrassa
 There were generally four types of madrassas based on the taught
subjects and the levels attained:

 Regular madrassas were equivalent to primary schools, which enabled

them to higher madrassas.

 Darulkarra was a high school teaching proficiency in Arabic and reading

and reciting quran.

 Darul hadis madrassa was specialized in teaching the science of Hadith

and consisted of authentic sayings of the prophet mohammed.

 Medical Madrassa -appeared during the reign of Sulyman the magnificient

Plan of Sultan suleyman
 Madrassa was founded and maintained by prince , sultan and the nobles Pasha Madrasa
who could meet to afford for free education.
 Caravanserai
 Caravanserai was a roadside inn where travelers could rest and
recover from the day’s journey.

 Caravanserais supported the flow of commerce, information and

people across the network of trade routes covering Asia, North
Africa and South Eastern Europe.

 Most typically caravanserai was a building with a square or

rectangular walled exterior with a single portal wide enough to
permit large or heavily laden beasts such as camels to enter. Sample floor plan

 The courtyard was always open to sky , and the inside walls of the
enclosure were fitted with a number of identical stalls, bays,
niches or chambers to accommodate merchants and their
servants, animals and merchandise.

 It contained mosque, shops, stable, barn and sleeping room.

 Caravan serais provided water for human and animal

consumption, washing and ritual ablutions.

 They also kept fodder for animals and had shops for travellers
where they could acquire new supplies and sell their goods.
Caravanserai of Shah Abbas,
now a hotel, in Isfahan.
 Bazaar
 At a later stage the charitable function of Caravanserais , ceased to exist and were converted to
whole sale markets selling particular type of goods.

 The word comes from Bezetan which means a cloth market, a market selling textiles.

 The Bedesten evolved around the traditional area neighboring the main mosque.

 It is a covered hall raised on pillars and surmounted by domes. It is a longitudinal building two bay
or three bay wide and upto eight bay long pierced with two accessible gates.

 Bedesten provided a safe and protected place for merchants, according to kuran, like primitive
banks, of safe keeping of their goods.

 Bedesten was usually locked at nights and was protected by caretakers.(security men)

 This market hall where goods are sold are aligned in large wooden crates with lids open during
business hours and closed at the end of the day.

 These run along both side walls allowing pedestrian movement in the middle.

 Good such as silk, jewellery and spices and other valuable products are sold here.
 Tomb
 Under the Seljuk patronage Seljuk patronage the mausoleum saw
considerable patronage.

 This type of building evolved from early funerary monuments which were
first erected to honour the Ummayad rulers in the 8th century.

 However under Saljuks it took a new dimension hosting the remains of Golgumbaz, Bijapur
important people not only rulers but also religious scholars.

 Seljuk Mausoleums display great diversity of forms involving octagonal,

cylindrical(also called as tower) and square shaped topped with the dome
(mainly Persia) or conical roof (especially Anatolia)

 The mausoleums were often decorated with symbolic designs depicting

paradise awaiting the soul of the founder. Large amount of Calligraphic
inscriptions from the quran ,connected with death and paradise and some
times good life and works of the deceased were also expressed.

 The art of building tombs in India eventually produced some of the most
finest examples. The tomb usually consists of a single compartment or
tomb chamber , in the centre of which is the cenotaph, the whole structure
is roofed by a dome.

 In the ground underneath the building there is a crypt which is the

mortuary chamber with the grave or qabr in the middle. Qabus Tomb, Gurgan, Iran
CHARACTERS OF ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURE
 Arches and Dome
 The Islamic architecture was in general arcuated
system of construction .
 Characteristic feature in Muslim Architecture is
the use of the pointed arch and horse shoe arch.
 The origin of arch can be traced back to the
Byzantium and Sassanid Empire.
 The use of pointed arch is as typical of Islamic
Architecture as it was for Gothic.
 Most masonry structures were in arched , vaulted
or dome forms continuing the roman and
byzantine building traditions.
 Cements, plaster and stucco were used for bas-
relief carving and higly decorative muqarna
technique employed in domes , vaults and arches
.
 Muqarnas take the form of small pointed arches ,
stacked in tiers projecting on the underside of
arches, vaults and domes .
Arches and Domes
 Arches and Dome
 Muqarnas is the Arabic word for stalactite
vault , developed around the middle of
10th century in north eastern iran .
 It involves three dimensional –
architectural decorations composed of
niche like elements.
 Arches and Dome
 Types of Dome construction – Squinch technique and
pendentive technique.

 A squinch is a wedge that fits on the top corners of a

square space. The four squinches turn the square into
an octagon, which enables a dome to rest on top of it.

 A pendentive also supports a dome but it's more

complicated, using geometry to create a series of
curving and arched supports. a pendentive is a
spherical triangle that serves as an arch. Architects
used four pendentives on the upper corners of a room,
where they arched inward to meet the dome's circular
base.
 Arches and Dome
 Lead working ,bronze casting and the use of iron were
well established techniques.

 Domes , roofs and steeples were often weathered in

lead .

 Iron was used in tie bars ,and grills.

 Decorative marble slabs, grills and plate tracery and

mosaics were commonly place.

 Timber structures were used in forested areas such as

Indonesia and Malaya, including the construction of
early domes in timber
 Islamic decorations and weightlessness
 Islamic Decoration does not emphasize the actual
mechanics of the building , the balance and counter
balance of loads and stresses.

 Instead, the Islamic architectural tradition aims at a visual

negation( concealing) of reality of weight and the necessity
of support.

 The use the following means in decoration to achieve

weightlessness of the structure.

 They range from the use of mosaic and painted decoration

to tiles – especially luster and painted polychrome.

 Openwork , pierced walls and even supporting pillars.

 Designs of geometric and abstract shapes, floral patterns,

a variety of calligraphic styles in small to monumental
single words serve as religious images and decoration.

 These decorative element adds on to the non directional

quality of planning and continuous merging of spaces
without any specific direction or focus.( through the bays,
arches, columns doorways and cupolas).

 If one moves towards the end of the wall the patterns allow
them to look beyond the visual limitations of the wall.
 Islamic decorations
 UNIFYING FACTOR

 Decoration is a major unifying factor in Islamic Architecture.

Decoration has linked buildings and objects from all over the
Islamic world – from Spain to China to Indonasia. The
decoration in Islamic Architecture is more important than the
form of the structure. They are often patterned in the same
manner as the walls and in the floors they actually reproduces
the carpets. The tomb of Itimad Ud dawla in Agra for example
has an inlaid marble floor that reproduces the design of Mughul
carpets.

 ADDITIONAL LAYERS OF WATER AND LIGHT

 Water and light are also of great importance to Islamic

Architecture as they generate additional layers of pattern , like
that of surface decoration and thereby they transform the
space.
 Islamic decorations
 ILLUSION OF 3D IN DECORATION

 Islamic design may be restricted to two dimensions but that very character implies three dimensional
possibilities.

 For example the interlacing designs accompanied by variations in colour and texture create the
illusion of different planes.

 MAJOR FORMS

 Through the use of reflecting and shining materials and glazes, the repetition of designs and
contrasting of textures and manipulation of planes, Islamic decoration becomes complex and
intricate.

 This concept of art rests on a basic foundation of calligraphy , arabesque and geometry.
 Islamic decorations
 METHODS

1. Banna'I Technique

 A tile decoration meaning the builder's technique, it consists of arrangementment of glazed bricks
set within unglazed ones to form geometric patterns

2. Mosaic-faience

 A tile decoration that reached its apex in the 14th century, it is a patterned arrangement of closely
fitted small pieces of tiles which have surface glaze of different colors.

3. Pietra Dura

 Semi-precious stone (lapis, onyx, jasper, topaz, and cornelian) inlays in marble following geometric or
floral designs.
Islamic Architectural Features
Islamic Architectural Features
EARLY EVOLUTION OF ISLAM IN INDIA
 IndoIslamic Architecture
 The style of Architecture that spread due to advent of Islam as a
religion and Architecture, Indian masons construction ideals and
Indian context is known as IndoIslamic Architecture.

 With the advent of Islam in India, there were opposing ideals to that Arcuated system
were already existing in India. Even the places of worship as
represented by the Mosque on one hand and temple on the other
hand were of contrasting nature.

 Major features:

 Unequalled workmanship of Indian masons with stone.

Trabeated system
 Construction of structures entirely of stone.

 The indigenous construction method of India was Trabeated

system while the Islamic Architecture uses Arcuated system.

 Introduction of cementing agents in the form of mortar.

 Islamic Architecture bought scientific principles to architecture

which economized the use of construction materials.

 Introduction of true domes and true arches after false domes

and false arches. False arch
 Phases of development of IndoIslamic Architecture
 Phase 1

 This phase saw the destruction of many fortified towns, were temples and similar structures were
included in the spoilation.

 Phase 2

 In the second phase the buildings were not only shattered but purposefully dismantled and parts
removed to supply ready made materials for the mosques and tombs of conquerors.

 Phase 3

 Finally, the muslims firmly established in many places, planned and constructed structures from
foundation , not from old buildings but each stone specially prepared for this purpose.

 It was in this later phase that the Islamic Architecture arrived at its true character and achieved
greatest splendor.
 IndoIslamic Architecture
 Classification and development under different styles and region:

1. Delhi or Imperial style

 The architecture evolved under these dynasties was associated mainly with their rule at Delhi, the
capital city and centre of imperial power.

 Beginning at the close of 12th century, the imperial style continued 4 centuries, in the middle of
16th century it was succeeded by Mughals.

2. Provincial style

 The more self contained parts of the country where the governors proceeded to develop an
architectural style in accordance with their own ideals. This provincial style was contemporary to
the period of imperial style.

3. Mughal style

 Latest and ripest form of Indo Islamic architecture, which emerged from the 16th century untill
the 18th century, where it came to an end.
 IndoIslamic Architecture
 Sources and Influences

1. Early influences

 There had been 2 instances of Muslim penetration before 12th century. The earliest took place in
8th century when much of the lower Indus territory cane under the Caliphs of Baghdad. They
introduces glazed tile decorations imported from Babylonian cities, which is still a living art in
Multan and other places.

 The second event occurred in 12th century when Ghaznavids from Afganistan broughts in their
influences in Punjab and lahore, whose buildings were destroyed by the Ghoris in the same
century. Some exmples still exist in Punjab where wooden doors with ornamental niches and
boses in the spandrels, of that of west Asia is found.

2. Saljuq Influence

 The saljuqs were invaded by Mongols and due to that some of the caftsmen who trained in
tradition of building art of Saljuqs came and settled in Delhi. Hence early imperial Architecture
(12th and 13th century)shows influences of Western asia – the building art of saljuqs.

 The saljuq art is the synthesis of 2 traditions – the imaginative vision of the asiatic(saljuqs) , like
the decorative treatment of subtle curves, geometric designs and stalactite devices, and the
scientific ingenuity of Latin(Rome) like the stone bondig, pointed arches and vaulting.
 IndoIslamic Architecture
 Sources and Influences

3. Persian Influence

 The influence of another source in Architecture

comes from Persia and assumed forms in 15th and
16th centuries.

 The 4 centered arch or Tudor arch is one such

influence, found its true use in sayyid and Lodi’s
Mosques.

 The Persian effect of the façade manipulation of

plastic materials such as bric and glazed tiles aim
to emphasize brilliant color, rather than building
form.

 This was not appealed to the Indian craftsmen,

hence the molded surface and accentuated planes
of the saljuqs too precedence over that of the less
solid productions of the Persians.

 When the country passed into the hands of the

Mughals, the ‘Persianisation’ was much produced,
culminating in the Taj Mahal.
 ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURE UNDER THE
DELHI/IMPERIAL STYLE
 The Delhi or the Imperial Style of Indo-Islamic
architecture flourished between 1191-1557 AD and
covered the following Muslim Dynasties:

 •Slave Dynasty (1191 – 1290)

 •Khalji Dynasty (1290 – 1320)

 •Tughlaq (1320 – 1413)

 •Sayyid (1414 – 1444) and

 •Lodi (1451 – 1557)

SLAVE DYNASTY (1191 – 1290)
 SLAVE DYNASTY (1191 – 1290)
 This was the first Muslim dynasty to rule India.

 MUHAMMAD GHORI, the Sultan of Afghanisthan attacked the Indian subcontinent twice and captured
Delhi in his second attempt defeating Prithivraj Chauhan in 1192. He made his favourite Turkish slave
Qutb-Ud-Din Aibak incharge of India.

 QUTB-UD-DIN AIBAK who descended the throne as the first ruler of the slave dynasty declared himself
as Sultan after Ghori‟s death and ruled from 1206 to 1210. He established his capital at two places,
first at Lahore and then shifted it to Delhi. It was during his reign that the construction of the famous
Qutub Minar started. He was succeeded by his son Aram Shah but due to his incompetence, he was
defeated in one year by Iltutmish.

 SHAMSU’D-DIN ILTUTMISH established himself as an important kingdom as he was able to find a

strong footing with his governance. From 1211 to 1236. It was during his reign that the construction of
Qutb Minar got was completed. After ruling successfully for a period of 25 years, he died but
nominated his daughter Raziya Sultan as the heir to the throne. Although an able ruler she faced
strong opposition from the nobles who got her murdered.

 GHIYASUDDIN BALBAN who was the last of the effective emperors of the slave dynasty ruled from
1266 to 1286. During his reign, the administration was strengthened and he paid much attention to
governance in his empire. The army was trained effectively to use weapons and the production of
arms and other war weaponry was at its peak. This helped them to fight against attacks by the
Mongols. After his death in 1286 the slave dynasty in India collapsed.
 QUTUB COMPLEX - SLAVE DYNASTY (1191 – 1290)
 STAGES OF CONSTRUCTION OF THE QUTB COMPLEX

 Stage 1: By Qutb-Ud-Din Aibak

 Stage 2: By Iltutmish

 Stage 3: By Ala-Ud-Din Khalji

 QUTUB COMPLEX - SLAVE DYNASTY (1191 – 1290)
 QUWWAT-UL -ISLAM MOSQUE
 QUTUB COMPLEX - SLAVE DYNASTY (1191 – 1290)
 IRON PILLAR  ALAI DARWAZA
 QUTUB COMPLEX - SLAVE DYNASTY (1191 – 1290)
 QUTUB MINAR
 QUTUB COMPLEX - SLAVE DYNASTY (1191 – 1290)
 QUTUB MINAR

 Qutb Minar in red and buff sandstone is the highest

stone tower in India.

 It has a diameter of 14.32m at the base and about

2.75m on the top with a height of 72.5m.

 Qutb-Ud-Din Aibak laid the foundation of Minar in

1199 AD for the use of the Mu‟azzin (crier) to give calls
for prayer and raised the first storey, to which were
added three more storeys by his successor and son-
in-law, Shamsu’d-Din Iltutmish.

 Damaged by lightning twice in 1326 (Tughlaq period &

repaired by Muhammad Tughlaq) & 1368 (repaired by
Firoz Tughlaq)

 Restoration by Sikander Lodi in 1503

 Originally 4 storeys - Firoz Tughlaq replaced the

uppermost storey with 2 storeys when he repaired in
1368

 Difference in change of material - initially sandstone

and later marble in the uppermost storey
 QUTUB COMPLEX - SLAVE DYNASTY (1191 – 1290)
 ALAI MINAR  TOMB OF IMAM ZAMIN
 QUTUB COMPLEX - SLAVE DYNASTY (1191 – 1290)
 ALAUDDIN KHALJI’S TOMB AND  ILTUTMISH’S TOMB
MADRASA
 QUWWAT-UL-ISLAMMOSQUE , QUTB COMPLEX

• Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, to the north-east of the

minar was built by Qutb-Ud-Din Aibak in 1198 AD.
• It is the earliest surviving mosque built by the Delhi
Sultans.
• Built by Qutb-ud-Din Aibak in Qila Rai Pithora, the
ancient Hindu citadel.
• Built on the plinth of a Hindu temple which was
dismantled.
• The plinth was expanded to cover a rectangle of
150' X 212'.
• This stylobate was then enclosed by a wall
with cloisters on all sides
• It consists of a rectangular courtyard
 43.2 m x 33m enclosed by cloisters, erected with
the carved columns and architectural members of
27 Hindu and Jain temples which were
demolished by Qutb-Ud-Din Aibak as recorded in
his inscription on the main eastern entrance.
• Western portion of the courtyard, original site
of hindu temples
• Two ends of eastern cloister - an intermediate
storey was raised to provide compartments for
Ladies.
 QUWWAT-UL-ISLAMMOSQUE , QUTB COMPLEX
• A 4th century IRONPILLARadorns the courtyard
(Anangpal- A Hindu Ruler brought it to the site
around 10th century as a part of the Vishnu
Temple)
• 1199 - A massive stone screen was ordered to
construct in front of the mosque 6.7m wide & 16m
height with 2 similar but smaller arches on either side
• Except for the apex, where the few stones are laid
in the manner of voussoirs, the construction of the
arches is corbelled
• SCREEN (MAQSURA)
• In 1199, a screen of an arched facade was added
across the front of the sanctuary.
• The screen is a wall of masonry 50' high at the centre,
108' wide and 81/2' thick. •The facade is embroidered with
• The screen is pierced by 5 arches, the central arch 45' carvings of floral devices and Quranic
high and 22' in span and two smaller ones on each verses.
side, each 25' high. •The arches are not true arches but built by
• Each smaller arch had a clerestory above it, mainly for corbelling, hence we know they were built
decorative purposes as it did not serve in any way the by local workmen acting on verbal
sanctuary behind it. instructions from a Muslim overlords.
 QUWWAT-UL-ISLAMMOSQUE , QUTB COMPLEX

• COURTYARD
• The courtyard is 105' X 141', surrounded by cloisters.
• In the front of the centre of the sanctuary stands the
iron pillar with the Garuda motif removed from its
pinnacle.
• CLOISTERS
• Cloisters were three aisles deep.
• Composed of pillars from Hindu temples, placed one
above the other to achieve the desired height
• SANCTUARY
• The western part of the cloister was the sanctuary.
• The arrangement of the pillars was made more
spacious and resolved into a series of bays with
shallow domed roofs.
IRON PILLAR, QUTB COMPLEX

• Bears a Sanskrit inscription in Gupta script

of 4th century & confirmed by the peculiar
style of its amalaka- capital.
• It was brought by Anangpal, the Tomar
king who is credited with the founding of
Delhi. The base of the pillar is knobby, with
small pieces of iron tying it to its
foundations, and a lead sheet covers the
portion concealed below the present
floor- level.
• Slightly tapering shaft is 7.20 m, of which
93 cm is buried below the ground.
• The metal of the pillar has been found to
be almost pure malleable iron – non
corrosive single piece of iron , a standing
testimony to the metallurgical skill of
ancient Indians.
TOMB OF ILLTUTMISH, QUTB COMPLEX

• Built in 1235 by himself

• North-west of the enlarged mosque at the
Qutb, built a little before 1235 AD.
• Had arches and semi domesunder
squinches are laid in indigenous corbelled
fashion
• A square, 42 feet in side and with a height
of almost 30 feet its plain with unadorned
exteriors.
• Intended to be covered by dome -
evident by squinches
• Interiors – whole of which is covered from
top to bottom on all four sides by rich
carvings almost rivaling Hindu temple
sculpture on the sandstone- clad walls.
• The cenotaph and the three arches of the
mehrab towards the west(marking the
direction of Mecca) are both in marble, a
garland of inscriptions from the Quran.
TOMB OF ILLTUTMISH, QUTB COMPLEX

• Architecturally speaking, Iltutmish‟s tomb is

interesting as it reveals quite clearly the first
attempt in India to solve the dome on a
square‟ problem.
• A squinch was employed and a half arch
dome spanning across the corners of the
square base and making the square an
octagon.
• This can be repeated to transform the
octagon into a sixteen-sided figure on
which the base of the dome may rest.
• That the dome, if ever built
subsequently collapsed was a
testimony to the fact that it was
imperfectly constructed.
• However an important start was made
in this direction.
TOMB OF SULTAN GHARI

• Iltutmish constructed the tomb for his

son Nasir-ud-din- Mohammed
• Also called the Sultan Ghari or Sultan of
the cave.
• This is probably due to the subterranean
tomb chamber.
• The octagonal platform above was
probably intended to support a pillared
pavilion, the whole of which has
disappeared or never was built.
• The tomb isimplanted in a Ghari (cave)
approached by winding steep stairs made
of stone, and supported by pillars and
flooring.
• The cave iscovered by an octagonal roof
slab.
• The exterior of the roof structure built in Delhi
sandstone with marble adornment exhibits a
walled area with bastions on corners, which
impart it the look of a fortress in Persian and
Oriental architecture.
• The platform was surrounded by a rubble
arcade on a high plinth.
TOMB OF SULTAN GHARI
KHALJI DYNASTY (1290 - 1320)
KHALJI DYNASTY (1290–1320)

• Firoz Jallal-Ud-Din Khalji ascended the throne at Delhi at the age of 70.
• Alla-Ud-Din Khalji murdered Jallall-Ud-Din and crowned himself the King.

CONTRIBUTION TOARCHITECTURE
• Alai Darwaza at Qutb Complex (Darwaza at the Qutb Minar which served as an entrance
gateway to the mosque at the Qutb Complex)
• Addition to Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque – Iltutmish enlarged the size by three times while
Alla-Ud-Din by sixtimes by adding another cloister around the existing one.

• Alai Hauz at Hauz Khas ( reservoir at Haus Khas around 1311AD)

• New city of Siri Fort ( Second city of Delhi)

• Alai Minar

• Jamat Khana Masjid near Nizamuddin inDelhi

• Ukha Masjid in Bharatpur in Rajasthan were also built during this period.
 ALAI DARWAZA, KHALJI DYNASTY (1290–1320)
• The southern gateway of the Quwwat-ul-Islam
mosque, as extended by Alau'd-Din Khalji, is known
as the Alai-Darwaza and it has several inscriptions
executed to form an ornamental surface.
• It is the first building employing wholly the Islamic
principles of accurate construction and
geometric ornamentation.
• Important among these characteristics are
wide and bulging dome (10.3m) with a central
knob, pointed horse- shoe shaped arches and
squinches and 'lotus-bud' fringes of the arches.
• Blend of red sandstone and white marble as
facing elements
• Slender pilaster work
• Treatment of outer façade as two storeyed
building with blind windows in its non existent upper
storey
• Jaali has been used as a sensible architectural
device for illumination and ventilation
• The jaalis were star and hexagon shaped and the
patterns were complex – these formed the
forerunner to what the Mughals later elevated to
great works of art.
ALAI DARWAZA, KHALJI DYNASTY (1290–1320)

• The celebrated gateway, built of red

sandstone, is 17.2 m square with arched
openings on all sides, and is surmounted
by a wide but shallow dome on an
octagonal base achieved through
squinches with concentric series of
arches.
• The northern arch is semicircular, while
others have a pointed horseshoe shape,
with radiating voussoirs laid on the
principle of true arch.
• The underside of the arches is fringed
with 'lotus-bud' embellishment, not
merely in the openings, but also in the
perforated side-windows.
• Its excellent proportions, profuse
geometrical carvings on the interior,
inscriptional bands of white marble and
other decorative details in red stone
make it a very pleasing structure
T U G H L AQ DYNAS TY (132 0 – 1413)
 TUGHLAQ DYNASTY
• The rulers of Tughlaq Dynasty also
undertook considerable construction
activities, including building three of the
seven ancient cities of Delhi.
• Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq (1320 1325 AD)
built Tughlaqabad, the third city of Delhi,
in 1321 – 1323 AD).
• 8 CITIES OF DELHI
1. Lalkot

2. Siri

3. Tughlaqabad

4. Jahanpanah

5. Firozabad

6. Purana Qila

7. Shajahanabad

8. New Delhi
TOMB OF GHIYASUDDIN TUGHLAQ
 The tomb of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq, built of
red sandstone, is an irregular pentagon in
its exterior plan and its design is of the
pointed shape and is crowned by a finial
resembling the kalasa and amla of a
Hindu temple.
• Walls were made at an angle of 75
degrees with the ground (Multan
Influence)
• Plan was based on the contours of the
site.
• Tomb is connected to the fortress by a 250
yards(228.6m) causeway, built over what at
one time would have been a sheet of
water but today dry land.
• Square tomb of 61 feet side.

• Height 80 feet
• Arch and lintel construction – mixed
attitude of Hindu builders to arched and
lintel and beam method
• True arch and redundant stone lintel
installed just below the springing line of the
arch
FIROZ SHAH KOTLA

• 800 m x 400m.
• Consists of private palaces, mosques,
harems of royal court, gardens, baths,
tanks, barracks, armory, servant
quarters.
ROYAL PALACE,
FIROZ SHAH KOTLA
• Three tired structure
• Every platform is set back from the preceding one
to create terraces in front of a series of
compartments
• Inspiration of the building was the terraced
Buddhist viharas.
• Inhabited by the concubines of the King.
• Influence of the pseudo militaristic style of
Ghiyassuddin Tughlaq is evident
• Stone stambha of Asokan period is alsopresent.
FIROZ SHAH TUGHLAQ

• Hisconstruction works were of a uniquesimple style characterized by the use of

inexpensive materials. The medieval rulers, who were used to the convenience of
choosing newlocations for starting new constructions, rarely adopted restoration of
previous buildings.
• It was only Feroz Shah Tughlaq who took up large scale restoration works and
repaired hundreds of monuments, including the Qutb Minar which was damaged
by lightning in 1369AD.
• The Kali Masjid (1320AD), the Khirki Masjid (1375AD) and the Kalan Masjid (1375AD) also belong to this
period, the last two being raised on a tankhana or substructure of arches
 KHIRKI MASJID
• Khirki Masjid belongs to the Indo-Islamic style of
Architecture.
• Indo-Islamic architecture is a distinctive blend of Islamic as
well as traditional Hindu style of architecture.
• Its roof is a unique feature which was unheard of in
Islamic mosque architecture.
• The presence of a number of domes on the roof covering
the mosque and the latticework (jali) on the windows are
suggestive of Islamic style of architecture.
• The pillars and brackets within this structure show local
Hindu influence.
• It is a small quadrangle-shaped mosque, and the only one of
its kind because it is closed on top unlike mosques which
usually have an open courtyard where the Muslims offer their
prayers to God.
• The mosque has elaborate latticework on its windows (
carved stone screens) but these were simple compared to
the Mughal buildings which came much later.
• The pillars and brackets in the mosque show a high degree
of indigenous influence.
• The roof of the Khirki Masjid is divided into squares through
which sunlight streams in. Most of the squares, however, sport
groups of domes on them.
• The mosque, which is built with rubble masonry covered
externally with plaster, has majestic steps leading up to it.
SAYYID DYNASTY (1414 – 1451)
 SAYYID DYNASTY (1414 – 1444)
• Due to the inheritance of greatly weakened state
treasury, both Sayyid and Lodi dynasty didn’t
construct any monumental buildings.
• So their interest for Architecture and design was
projected through small tombs and mosques.
• During the Sayyid and Lodi Dynasties, more than
fifty tombs of different sizes were constructed.
• The Architecture during this dynasty followed
a new form, which was later followed by the
Mughals.
• There were 2 different forms of tomb
construction – Square and Octagonal.
• Octagonal plan was surrounded by arched
walkway and was one storey in height.
• Square plan was without walkway and was 2 or 3
storey in height.
• Both buildings had a dome and pillars on each
side of the octagon and square type.
• Important features were the proportions of the
height to width.
 TOMB OF MUBARA SHAH SAYYID
• The Mubarak Sayyid tomb is octagonal in
plan with a massive dome and eight
octagonal roof kiosks(chhatri) on each side.
• The roof kiosks occupy the middle of the sides
and stone buttresses are set at the vacant
corners of the structure.
• This design gives the tomb a pyramidal
effect as a whole.
• The funerary mosque stands near the tomb
and it is assumed that the tomb and
mosque once stood within precinct walls.
• Enlargement and refinement of the
proportions of Tughlaq prototype
• 9m long side of octagon with arched colonnade
• There are merlons on the parapet and kiosks
above the verandahs.
• 15m high dome placed over 21m wide
octagonal base – improved in tomb of
Muhammad Sayyid a decade later.
TOMB OF MUHHAMAD SHAH SAYYID

• This octagonal tomb of Mohammad

Shah Sayyid is located near the south-
west corner of the Lodi Garden.
• The tomb was built in 1444 for the third Sayyid
Sultan Muhammad Shah.
• The architecture follows the style of Khan-I-
Jahan Telangani‟s tomb and the Mubarak
Shah Sayyid tomb with some modifications.
• It has a fuller dome on a raised on a seat
surrounded by chhatris.
• Each of the octagonal side has a three-arch
opening bordered by inclined columns at
each corner.
• This is one of the best monuments of the
Sayyids.
• The tomb is beautifully ornamented and
some of the original coloured plaster-work
is still visible
• The 8 pillared chathris, the dome of typical
Afghan type, sloping masonry of buttresses,
guldastas above the corners, and small
minirets along the edges of the drum are the
important features.
• There are 8 graves in the building, one at the
center is that of Muhhamad Shah.
TOMB OF MUHHAMAD SHAH SAYYID
LODI DYNASTY (1451 – 1557)
LODI DYNASTY (1451 – 1557)

• The Lodis introduced the concept of double domes built one upon the other leaving some
space inbetween.
• Two different types of tombs with octagonal and square plans respectively
began to be constructed.
• The tombs of Sikander Lodi (1517 AD) is of the octagonal type.
• The square tombs are represented by such monuments as the Bara Khan Ka
Gumbad, Chota Khan Ka Gumbad, Bara Gumbad, Shish Gumbad, Dadi Ka
Gumbad and the Poli Ka Gumbad.
• The tomb of Isa Khan (1547 AD), the tomb of Adham Khan (1561 AD), Moth ki Masjid
(1505 AD), Jama Masjid (1536 AD) and the Qila-I-Kuhna Masjid belong to the final phase
of the Delhi style of architecture.
• Double dome – outer dome to splendid heights without allowing inner chamber to
appear disproportionately tall.
• Inner and outer dome with void inside –perfect proportion in interior as well as exterior
• Ornamental garden – tombs in gardens, formaland elaborate arrangement.

• GUMBADS OF THELODIS
• Gumbads are domes.
• These are tomb structures.
LODI GARDEN
TOMB OF SIKADER LODI (1518), LODI GARDEN
• A copy of tomb of Mubarak Sayyid, the
kiosks being removed and replaced by semi-
minarets called Gulsastas attached the
base.
• Placement of tomb with a garden, Lodi
gardens in New Delhi a formal and
elaborate arrangement along with impressive
gateways- clue for the development of
Garden and tomb of the Mughals
• Sikander Lodi was the second of the Lodi
suntans, who had built his capital in
Sikandarabad near Agra. His tomb was built in
1517- 18 in the Sayyid-Lodi style of octagonal
tombs.
• This maqbara (tomb) is similar in design to the
Muhammad Shah Sayyid maqbara in the
Southwest corner of the Lodi Garden except • Further into the gardens, are remains of
that: a watercourse connected to the
• A large enclosure wall surrounds the
tomb of which the western wall serves the Yamuna river to Sikander Lodi‟s tomb.
purpose of a mosque • The tomb of Mohammed Shah, the
• There are no chatris around the dome last of the Sayyid dynasty rulers, the
• The dome is a double dome earliest of the tombs in the garden, was
• At the top of the dome, there is a lotus built in 1444 by Ala- ud-din Alam Shah as
instead of a small chatri a tribute to Mohammed Shah
TOMB OF SIKANDER LODI, LODI GARDEN
 BARA KHAN KA GUMBAD, LODI GARDEN
• Bara Gumbad, or Big Dome consists of a
square tomb with a predominant white dome,
built during the Lodi period (1451- 1526).
• It consists of a large rubble-construct dome, it
is not a tomb but a gateway to an attached
three domed masjid both built in 1494 during
the reign of Sikander Lodi.
• There is also a residence surrounding a
central courtyard, where the remains of a
water tank can be seen.

BARA GUMBAD MOSQUE

• The Bara Gumbad mosque has three domes
and five arched openings.
• The interior of the mosque is heavily decorated
with florals, geometric designs and holy
inscriptions.
• The hall in front of the mosque served as a
guest house.
• There are remains of a water tank in the
courtyard.
SHEESH GUMBAD, LODI GARDEN

• Opposite the Bara Gumbad is the Sheesh

Gumbad (Glass Dome) for the glazed tiles
used in its construction which contains the
remains of an unknown family.
• Thiswas also built during the reign of
Sikander Lodi.
 MOTH KI MASJID
• The towers have arched openings at the rear end of the roof
with domed octagonal chhatris (the Cenotophs) on the
related walls. The west side wall is provided with tapering
turrets that depict a sophisticated outline.
• The Cenotophs were the first of its kind to be built in India and
since then these have been replicated in several other
monuments, even in the Deccan. There are three impressive
domes inside the prayer hall with the Mihrab located on the
west qibla wall of the central dome, which is the largest of the
three domes. The Mihrab depicts Quranic inscriptions in flora
Nakashi in Iranian design. Turrets project out of the qibla. The
central dome is supported on squinches. The domes on both
flanks are borne on muqarnas pendentives. Carved panels of
red sandstone and white marble and plaster, as well as
glazed tiles embellish the walls of the mosque
• Five towered passage in the Mosque
• An unusual feature of this mosque built in Indo–Islamic style of
architecture is that it has an austere design with no minarets,
calligraphic decorations and embellishments, which are
otherwise traditional features of mosques. The dome is
semicircular and windows have latticework screens.
MOTH KI MASJID
MOTH KI MASJID
• The towers have arched openings at the rear end of the
roof with domed octagonal chhatris (the Cenotophs) on
the related walls. The west side wall is provided with
tapering turrets that depict a sophisticated outline.
• The Cenotophs were the first of its kind to be built in India
and since then these have been replicated in several
other monuments, even in the Deccan. There are three
impressive domes inside the prayer hall with the Mihrab
located on the west qibla wall of the central dome,
which is the largest of the three domes. The Mihrab
depicts Quranic inscriptions in flora Nakashi in Iranian
design. Turrets project out of the qibla. The central
dome is supported on squinches. The domes on both
flanks are borne on muqarnas pendentives. Carved
panels of red sandstone and white marble and plaster,
as well as glazed tiles embellish the walls of the mosque
• Five towered passage in the Mosque
• An unusual feature of this mosque built in Indo–Islamic
style of architecture is that it has an austere design with
no minarets, calligraphic decorations and
embellishments, which are otherwise traditional features
of mosques. The dome is semicircular and windows
have latticework screens.