Hoa 2: module 2

Islamic Architecture in India

Formation and development

•Origin-7th century – ‘Saracenic’- Sahara desert region- common faith – Muslim religion
•New style of architecture- Muslim style-Islamic style- Mohammedan style
•Spread over – Arabia- Egypt- Persia- Syria- Palestine- Spain –India through centuries
•In India –called as indo-Islamic /indo Muslim architecture
•Islam came to India particularly with merchants, traders, holy men and conquerors over a
passage of 600 years.

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Historical condition

•622 AD – Year of Hejira/ Hijri- founding of the first Muslim community

•Military conquest for the expansion of Islam
•Syria- Palestine-Egypt- Africa

•Muhammad Ghori -Ghurid dynasty -laying the foundation of Muslim rule in the Indian
subcontinent
•1101-1127 repeated attacks – some parts of N.India was conquered
•Appointed his slave lieutenant Qutb-ud-din-Aibak- as Sultan/ Governor- Delhi
•Later became ruler of independent kingdom- Delhi sultanate
•Laid the foundation of Muslim style in India

Part-A: Sultanate Period (1206- 1526 AD)

Part-B:Mughal Period (1526- 1707)

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Sultanate Period (1206- 1526 AD) / Imperial stlye

•Slave (Ghulam/Mamluk) Dynasty (1206- 1290 AD)

•Khilji Dynasty (1290- 1320 AD)
•Tughlaq Dynasty (13201- 1413 AD)
•Sayyid Dynasty (1414 - 1451 AD)
•Lodi Dynasty (1451 - 1526 AD)

Mughal / Moghul Period (1526- 1707 AD)

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Mughal / Moghul Period (1526- 1707 AD)

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 Essential parts of an Indian mosque

A mosque (masjid in Arabic) is a place of worship in Islam.

Although prayers can be said privately, either indoors or outdoors, nearly
every community of Muslims dedicates a space or building for
congregational prayer.

The main architectural components of a mosque are practical in

purpose and provide both continuity and a sense of tradition

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I s l a m i c A r c h i t e c t u r e i n I n d i a
•Sahn (courtyard)

The most fundamental necessity -able to hold the entire population of a city or town- a large
prayer hall-adjoined to an open courtyard, called a sahn. With a fountain, its waters- for the
ablutions (ritual cleansing) done before prayer.

•Mihrab (niche)

A niche in the wall that indicates the direction of Mecca, towards which all Muslims prayer-
a mihrab in India will be to the west, while a one in Egypt will be to the east. A mihrab is usually a
relatively shallow niche

•Musalla (Prayer Hall )

Inside, the central area for prayer is called a musalla (literally, "place for prayer").  It is
deliberately left quite bare. No furniture is needed, as worshippers sit, kneel, and bow directly on
the floor. There may be a few chairs or benches to assist elderly or disabled worshippers who have
difficulty with mobility.
Along the walls and pillars of the prayer hall, there are usually bookshelves to hold copies of the
Qur'an, wooden book stands (rihal), other religious reading material, and individual prayer rugs.

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Mimbar

The mimbar is a raised platform in the front area of

a mosque prayer hall, from which sermons or
speeches are given. The mimbar is usually made of
carved wood, stone, or brick. It includes a short
staircase leading to the top platform, which is
sometimes covered by a small dome.

Ablution Area
Ablutions (ritual washing or wudu) are part of the preparation for Muslim prayer. Sometimes a
space for ablutions is set aside in a restroom or washroom. Alternatively, there may be a
fountain-like structure along a wall or in a courtyard.

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Minaret
A minaret is a slim tower with balconies or open galleries from which a mosque's
muezzin calls the faithful to prayer five times each day. Minarets are distinctive traditional
features of many mosques, though they vary in height, style, and number. Minarets may be
square, round, hexagonal, octagonal, or even spiral and they are usually covered with a
pointed roof.
The word minaret derives from the Arabic word for "lighthouse"

Qubba (dome)

Most mosques also feature one or more domes, called qubba in Arabic. While not a
ritual requirement like the mihrab, a dome does possess significance within the mosque
—as a symbolic representation of the vault of heaven.

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•Slave (Ghulam/Mamluk) Dynasty (1206- 1290 AD)

1. Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, Delhi

2. The Qutb Minar, Delhi.
3. Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra Mosque, Ajmer
4. Sultan Ghari
5. Tomb of Iltutmish
6. Tomb of Balban

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