Question

Explain the characteristics of the Islamic architecture in India by giving examples.

Answer 1

The Islamic style of architecture began in the medieval period. This architecture was a mixture of Persian, Central Asian, Arabic and pre-Islamic Indian styles. The Muslim sultanates patronised this architecture.

Characteristics:

1. Islamic architecture is characterised by large and tall buildings.
2. The buildings were mostly symmetrical and had a courtyard.
3. Marbles were also used in construction.
4. There was usually a large space below a high dome.
5. The architecture involved skilled stone masonry work.
6. There was the use of columns, brackets, and hypostyle halls.

Examples:

1. The Qutub Minar at Mehrauli in Delhi is the highest minaret in the world and is 73 meters in height. The construction was started by Qutubuddin Aibak, and it was completed by Iltutmish.
2. The Taj Mahal, the real beauty of Islamic architecture, was constructed by Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, Mumtaj Mahal.
3. The Gol Gumbaz, built at Bijapur in the 17th century, is the burial site of Mohammed Adil Shah.