Islamic Art in India mushroomed most prominently during the reign of the mighty Mughal Empire, with several standing monuments bearing testimony to the same. The renowned visual art form saw its first traces in the country with the advent of the Delhi Sultanate, a Muslim kingdom that ruled mostly over Delhi and stretched over large parts of the Indian subcontinent for a period of 320 years, from 1206 to 1526 AD till the arrival of the Mughals. The art reached its zenith in the Mughal period, post which it traced its manifestation from medieval influence to the ensuing British era, i.e., European influential parameters.
Islamic Art during Delhi Sultanate in India
Islamic Art in its ancient form emerged in the 7th century from places inhabited by Muslim populations. It flourished with the patronage of Muslim rulers during the Delhi Sultanate, starting with those of the Turkic origin namely the Mamluks, the Khiljis, the Tughlaqs and the Sayyids, culminating eventually with the Afghan Lodi dynasty. New concepts and styles of Islamic Art took birth during the reign of Mamluks, well reflected in wood art, enamelled and gilded glass and inlaid metalwork. Islamic art during the Mamluks greatly inspired subsequent dynasties. Islamic Art from the very beginning was known to incorporate secular elements and this was evident in the Indo-Islamic architectural style, the monuments showcasing the same exhibiting influence of Indian, Islamic, Persian, Central Asian, Arabic and Ottoman Turkish influences. The most important of these monuments built during the Delhi Sultanate are in the World Heritage Site of Qutb Complex, such as Qutb Minar, the tallest brick minaret in the world built by Qutbuddin Aibak, the founder of Mamluk Dynasty.
Islamic Art during Mughal Rule in India
Islamic Art witnessed its rise to the hilt during the mighty reign of Mughal Empire in India, which spanned over 3 centuries from 1526 to 1857 AD. The Mughal Islamic art comprised manuscripts, jewellery, metalwork, armoury, coins, decorative art and painting. The Indo-Islamic architecture of the Mughal era was a blend of Islamic, Persian, Turkish, Arabic, Central Asian and native Indian architecture. A major facet of Mughal architecture is the symmetrical nature of buildings and courtyards. Akbar, who ruled in the 16th century, made major contributions to Mughal architecture, systematically designing forts and towns in similar symmetrical styles. The gate of a fort Akbar designed at Agra exhibits the Assyrian gryphon, Indian elephants and birds. Major examples include Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Humayun"s Tomb, Akbar"s Tomb and Jama Masjid.
Islamic Art post Mughal Empire in India
Islamic Art got unified with Christian influences post the Mughals, today bearing an international character, although the scenes or subjects may pertain to a single Islamic nation.
