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History of Architecture
Islamic Architecture

By Ar. Aamir Bakhtawar

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Indo Islamic Architecture
 Types of buildings
• Mosque • Gardens
• Tombs or mausoleum • Minarets
• Forts and palaces • Gateways
 Design characteristics
Zellij - Zellij is a style of
mosaic tile work made from
individually hand-chiseled tile
pieces.
The pieces were typically of
different colors and fitted
together to form various
patterns on the basis of
tessellations, most notably
elaborate Islamic geometric
motifs such as radiating star
patterns.
 Design characteristics
Symmetry - Symmetry is
created in Islamic geometric
design through the repetition
and mirroring of one or more
basic design units—usually
shapes such as circles and
polygons
 Design characteristics
Calligraphy – the art of
writing – is a unique feature of
Islamic art in that it has been
used in astonishingly varied
and imaginative ways. The
written word appears not just in
pen and paper but across all art
forms and materials, often
giving rise to works of great
beauty.
 Design characteristics
Arabesque – The arabesque is
a form of artistic decoration
consisting of "surface
decorations based on rhythmic
organic patterns.

Geometric patterns – built on

combinations of repeated
squares and circles, which may
be overlapped and interlaced,
as can arabesques (with which
they are often combined)
Design characteristics
 Arches in indo Islamic architecture

Ogee arch - An arch with a

pointed apex, formed by the
intersection of two S curves
usually confined to
decoration and not used in
arcade arches.

Depressed arch – A four-

centered arch is a low, wide
type of arch with a pointed
apex.
 Arches used in Islamic architecture

Cusped arch - Also known as a

polylobed or polyfoil arch, a cusped
arch is an arch with the arch's
underside lined with cusps.

Pointed arch – A pointed arch is an

archway with curved sides that meet
at a point, rather than a smooth semi-
circular curve.
Terminologies used in Islamic architecture

Iwan- An iwan is a rectangular hall

or space, usually vaulted, walled on
three sides, with one end entirely
open. Generally seen at the entrance
of the Islamic style buildings

Pishtaq –The formal decorative

gateway to the iwan is called
pishtaq.
Terminologies used in Islamic architecture

Charbagh or Chahar Bagh (gardens)

is a Persian and Indo-Persian
quadrilateral garden layout based on
the four gardens of Paradise
mentioned in the Quran.
 Mosque

Mosque place of ritual prostration')

is a place of prayer for
Muslims. Mosques are usually
covered buildings, but can be any
place where prayers (salah) are
performed.
 Indo - Islamic architecture buildings
Humayun’s Tomb( at Delhi)
•Material used – Red sand stone and marble
•The structure is built primarily with red sandstone, with white marble
accents and intricate decorative elements.
•Architecture elements – dome over drum and have finial above it.
•Chatries with spires called guldasta.
•Iwan and pishtaks used in main mausoleum.
•Series of arches (arcade) used in base platform.
•Charbagh style used.
 Indo - Islamic architecture buildings
Fatehpur Sikri( at Agra)
•Material used – Red sand stone and marble
•It is a forted palace with jama masjid and other important buildings
•The entrance to Fatehpur Sikri is through the Buland Darwaza (Gate of
Magnificence).
•The architecture of Fatehpur Sikri incorporates elements of water, such as
pools, tanks, and fountains, which were an integral part of Mughal gardens
and provided a sense of serenity and beauty to the surroundings.
 Indo - Islamic architecture buildings
Fatehpur Sikri( at Agra)
•The Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience) and Diwan-i-Aam is a
notable structure where the emperor held private and public meetings.
•The Panch Mahal is a five-story palace with a unique architectural design.
•The palace complex also includes the Jodha Bai Palace, which is an
exquisite blend of Rajput and Mughal architectural elements.
•The Tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti is a significant religious site within
Fatehpur Sikri.
•Clustered layout of courtyards (enclosures)
•Columned passageways called cloisters.
•City without roads
 Indo - Islamic architecture buildings
Fatehpur Sikri( at Agra)
 Indo - Islamic architecture buildings
Jama Masjid( at Delhi)
•Built in the 17th century, Jama Masjid is a
prominent mosque located in Delhi, India.

•The architecture of Jama Masjid reflects a

blend of Islamic, Persian, and Indian styles.

•The mosque is made primarily of red

sandstone and white marble.

•It was constructed by the Mughal emperor

Shah Jahan.

•Jama Masjid has three imposing gateways, the

largest of which is the eastern gateway called
the "Bab-i-Hosh" or "Gate of Restraint."
 Indo - Islamic architecture buildings
Jama Masjid( at Delhi)

8. cloisters
 Indo - Islamic architecture buildings
Jama Masjid( at Delhi)
•The mosque has a vast courtyard that
can accommodate thousands of
worshippers.
•The central prayer hall is adorned with
intricately carved marble panels and
calligraphy.
•The main prayer hall has three large
domes made of white marble and black
slate.
•The mosque features two tall minarets.
•The interior walls of Jama Masjid are
adorned with verses from the Quran
written in beautiful calligraphy.
•The mosque also houses several relics,
including a copy of the Quran written on
deer skin and the footprints of Prophet
Muhammad.
 Indo - Islamic architecture buildings
Taj Mahal( at Agra)
 Indo - Islamic architecture buildings
Taj Mahal( at Agra)
 Indo - Islamic architecture buildings
Taj Mahal( at Agra)
 Indo - Islamic architecture buildings
Red Fort( at Delhi)
•The Red Fort, also known as Lal Qila, is a
historic fortification located in Delhi,
India.
•Built in the 17th century, it was
constructed by the Mughal emperor Shah
Jahan,
•The fort is made primarily of red
sandstone, giving it its distinctive red
color.
•The architecture of the Red Fort combines
Persian, Timurid, and Indian styles.
•The fort has a rectangular shape defensive
walls.
•It features several impressive gateways,
including the Lahore Gate and the Delhi
Gate, which serve as the main entrances.
 Indo - Islamic architecture buildings
Red Fort( at Delhi)

•The fort has two main areas: the Diwan-i-

Aam (Hall of Public Audience) and the
Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience).
•The Diwan-i-Aam is an open-air pavilion
where the emperor would address the public
and hold court.
•The Diwan-i-Khas is a private audience
hall where the emperor would meet with
dignitaries and hold private discussions.
•The fort also includes several palaces, such
as the Rang Mahal (Palace of Colors) and
the Mumtaz Mahal (Palace of Arches).
•The fort is known for its intricate marble
inlay work, decorative arches, and ornate
balconies.
 Indo - Islamic architecture buildings
Red Fort( at Delhi)
Thank you