![]() The developments of the Islamic architecture took place in two different categories, Imperial Style and the Mughal Architecture. The development of the Imperial style of architectural happened under the Sultans of Delhi whereas the Mughal architectural development took place under the guidance of Mughal rulers in the latter half. These architectures were derived from the existing art of Central Asia and developed in India under different Muslim dynasties. The imperial style of Islamic architecture may be divided into five phases corresponding to the five Muslim dynasties which prevailed in Indian subcontinent region from the twelfth to the sixteenth centuries. They are the Slave Dynasty, Khalji Dynasty, Tughlaq Dynasty, Sayyid Dynasty, and the Lodi Dynasty. All the rulers from every dynasty had passion for building art. The style of Islamic architecture developed in the Slave dynasty was maintained for a period of over three and a half centuries that was introduced in last years of the twelfth century. Qutb-ud-din established the Slave dynasty 1206 in Delhi where he maintained the ancient tradition of building arts of Arabs. Their productions played a major role in the significance in laying the foundations of the style. At first they marked the place for mosques, with a central place of assembly for the people. Then, under his guidance the local workmen constructed the mosque. In such circumstances the first Islamic building in India of decent stone was the wonderful creation, a patch work of older materials, beautiful in detail, as its arcaded aisles were composed of pillars carved in Hindu style. As a whole the architecture became the amalgamation of Hindu culture to that of the Islamic tradition. In view of the unusual object of these early examples of Indo-Islamic architecture, and the input each makes to the development of the style, every building constructed during the dominance of the Slave Kings possesses interest and value. The Slave dynasty was the most active patron of the Islamic architecture and their creations were of the greatest significance in laying the foundations of the style in India. After the end of the Slave dynasty, this tradition was followed and developed by the Khalji dynasty. ![]() After the Khalji dynasty, it was the Tughlaq dynasty who ruled over the Delhi Sultanate and was fond of building arts. The architecture of Tughlaq dynasty developed in Indian subcontinent when Ghazi Tughlaq became the ruler of Delhi defeating the Khaljis. They belonged from the Turkish origin and were in power at Delhi for almost hundred years. The major contributions to the Islamic architecture were Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq, the founder of the dynasty, his son, Mohammed Shah Tughlaq, and the most creative emperor Firoz Shah Tughlaq. Feroz Shah Tughlaq was considered as a great admirer of Islamic architecture. He created Ferozshah Kotla, the fifth city of Delhi. In Tughlaq dynasty many artisans were hired to construct several building arts in Indo-Islamic architectural style. This fusion style of architecture in India gradually developed into a great architectural significance during the Tughlaq dynasty in India. Each ruler of this dynasty contributed several architectural creativities to the capital city. ![]() The last development of Islamic architecture was the Mughal architecture that took place in the Mughal era under several Mughal emperors. This era is considered as the historic period of the Mughal dynasty that ruled Delhi and the other parts of India from 1526 to 1858. It was the longest lasting Muslim dynasty that created amazing arts and architectures. They created a vast empire in India with creative hub of Islamic culture to the cities like Delhi, Agra, Lahore (now in Pakistan) and Fatehpur Sikri. They were aware of the influence of Islamic architecture and used them as their status symbol. regime. Taj Mahal at Agra, Humayun's tomb at Delhi, Tomb of Khan-i Khanan in south Nizamuddin, Red Fort at Agra, Mausoleum of Akbar at Sikandara city outside Agra, Tomb of Itimad al-Dawleh at Agra, and the Nawab Safdar Jang's tomb at Delhi still stands as the logo of the marvelous Mughal architecture. The Islamic architectures were wonderful and expressive and evolved into memorable architectural styles in India, affected by local influences. The Islamic architectures of medieval period are still considered as the heritage of India. (Last Updated on : 06-02-2012) |
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Islamic Architecture