Introduction
Islamic Art works produced from the 7th century onwards in places which were inhabited by Muslim populations. The entire extent of Islamic architectural works includes fields as varied as architecture, calligraphy, painting and ceramics among others.
Islamic art has expanded from many sources like Roman, Early Christian art and Byzantine. The influence of the Sassanian art of pre-Islamic Persia was of supreme significance.
History of Islamic Art
Islamic Art in India came with the advent of the Delhi Sultanate and the Slave dynasty. They brought with them elements and styles of Islamic art. With the founding of Islamic kingdoms in Gujarat, Kashmir, Bengal, Malwa, Jaunpur and the north Deccan, Persian traditions gradually started fading away and an original form of Islamic art was now developed. This art was the result of the interaction between Muslim and Hindu art of the region.
Though artistic objects were not much in production at this time, manuscript illumination was a major art during this initial era of Muslim rule in India. The Sultanates were later replaced by the Mughals and the greatest Islamic art in India was produced during this period. There was seen the development of a distinctive plan and style in Islamic Architecture and this was seen reflected in the various splendid monuments built during this time.
Elements of Islamic Art
Islamic Art does not just refer to the devotion only. It includes the rich and diverse Islamic culture as well. The combined nature of Islamic Art developed on the foundation of Pre-Islamic traditions in the various countries conquer and a closely integrated blend of Arab, Turkish and Persian traditions brought together in all parts of the new Muslim Empire.
It is the art of a development formed by a mixture of historical conditions, the take-over of the Ancient World by the Arabs, the enforced union of a vast territory under the banner of Islam, a territory which was in turn raid by various groups. From the beginning, the direction of Islamic Art was largely determined by political structures which cut across geographical and sociological boundaries.
The Arabesque style used in Islamic art is mostly held symbolic of the all pervasive and infinite nature of Allah. A choice specimen of calligraphic writing is often a prominent decoration in a room. A frieze of inscriptions was a common adornment of a building. The best expression of Islamic art can be found in architectural constructions, especially the mosque.
Influences on Islamic Art
The Arab part is at all times the most significant. It contributed the basis for the development of Islamic Art with the message of Islam, the language of its Holy Book, the Quran and the Arabic form of writing. The importance of the Turkish element in Islamic culture can perhaps best.
A number of sources have gone into the making and development of Islamic art. These include Roman, Early Christian art and Byzantine styles which were adapted in Islamic art as well as architecture. A major influence which had a deep impact on Islamic art is that of the Sassanian art of pre-Islamic Persia. The various Central Asian nomadic incursions introduced yet newer elements into Islamic art.
Islamic Art in Northern India
Islamic art in Northern India is spread over the states of the northern parts of India like Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi. The Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal dynasty in India had encouraged the introduction of Islamic style in Indian architecture and several other forms of art. Numerous mosques, tombs, minarets and other monuments in the country reflect a unique blend of Indo-Islamic art and Hindu, Buddhist or Jain architecture. Islamic art is quite popular in these parts, especially the places which were inhabited by Muslim communities.
Islamic Art in Jammu and Kashmir : Jammu and Kashmir boasts of some mosques which are made of wood and covered with steeples, instead of domes. This was due to the fact that Muslims had imbibed Hindu architectural styles while constructing certain mosques in this state. Other types of Islamic art involve Shalimar Gardens, Begamabad Bagh, Nila Nag Bagh, Nishatbagh and Jami Masjid, Friday mosque located in Srinagar. The ancient art of weaving carpets and shawls are also among the prestigious Islamic arts of Jammu and Kashmir. The designs of carpets are influenced by Persian styles, and so are the motifs of the Kashmiri shawls.
Islamic Art in Punjab : Punjab`s Islamic architecture was inspired by the arts of Ghaznavide-Saljuqian. Several kinds of architecture in this state are of outstanding quality and boast of excellent building arts. Five tombs in Multan (which constitutes present-day Pakistan) are fine instances of Islamic arts in Punjab. Horizontal beams of buildings were engraved with brickwork and other household elements like windows, doors and doorways. Dexterous craftsmen in Punjab produced these masterpieces of Islamic arts.
Islamic Art in Haryana : Though the Indian state of Haryana possesses an insignificant quantity of Muslims, there are numerous reputable mosques here, whose architectural styles have been inspired by the past Muslim rulers. Important examples of Islamic art in Haryana are Dargah of Bu Ali Shah Qalandar and Lat ki Masjid.
Islamic Art in Uttar Pradesh : The Mughal Dynasty enabled the development of many types of Islamic arts in Uttar Pradesh. Several, forts, palaces, monuments and buildings speak of Indo-Islamic architectural wonders. The `Taj Mahal`, `Fatehpur Sikri`, Mughal gardens constructed by Babur, Agra Fort manufactured during the reign of Shah Jahan and others contain some of the most famous Islamic arts. Some of the temples located in Vrindavan display Islamic features since they were constructed during the rule of Mughal emperor Akbar. Other buildings which consist of Islamic architecture are Chhota Imambara, Jami Masjid and the Asafi Imambara.
Islamic Art in Delhi : The Delhi Sultanate introduced innovative styles of arts and architecture which were Islamic in nature. Islamic art was combined with several Indian styles, which consequently produced many beautiful structures in the city. The style of domes made an advent into the nation due to the patronage of these Muslim rulers. The most perfect dome is believed to be that of the renowned monument, Taj Mahal. Several magnificent domes can be observed in the Mehrauli area of Delhi. The architecture of some of the historical buildings in Delhi has been influenced by Persian styles.
Islamic art in the country developed during the seventh century. It includes innumerable kinds of art forms in different fields like painting, calligraphy, ceramics and architecture. However, Islamic art is not only restricted to the religion of Islam but comprises the varying types of Islamic culture too.
Islamic Art in Western India
Islamic art in Western India encompasses various kinds of Islamic architecture and several other forms of art which thrived in the Western Indian states like Rajasthan, Gujarat and Maharashtra. Mosques, shrines, `dargahs`, royal palaces and many other instances of Islamic arts are exhibited through these manifold beautiful Islamic arts in these regions of the country. Many of the Islamic Monuments have acquired features of local architectural styles and characteristics of different religious styles.
Islamic Art in Rajasthan : The Ajmer Sharif Dargah in Rajasthan, which is the tomb of the Sufi saint Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chishti is visited by a vast quantity of devotees belonging to all religions, every year. The place is quite revered since devotees believe that visiting this holy shrine leads to the fulfillment of the desires and wishes of the visitors. `Urs` fair is celebrated every year to commemorate the six days of prayers during which this Persian saint had prayed near this place. This saint is said to be the founder of the `Sufi` sect at Ajmer. This shrine is considered the best specimen of Islamic art in the state. Apart from this, the `Adhai din ka Jhonpra` mosque is another brilliant example of Islamic architecture here. As suggested by its name, the construction of this mosque was completed within two and a half days. The mosque is skillfully decorated with arches embellished with intricate designs of Islamic calligraphy. Star-shaped minarets surround the Adhai din ka Jhopra mosque.
Miyan Bai`s mosque built on the models of the architecture patronized by Shah Jahan, is yet another impressive structure of Islamic arts in Rajasthan. Rajasthan boasts of a famous `chilla khana`, the house of meditation of a popular saint known as Miun ud-Din which he inhabited till his death is another center of Islamic arts. Nagaur district in Rajasthan possesses Kachehri Mosque which was erected by Muhammad Sharif Quraishi in 1638 following royal orders, which is also well-known for its Islamic architecture.
Islamic Arts in Gujarat : Sidi Bashir Mosque in Ahmedabad, which is also referred to as `Jhulta Minar` or `Shaking Minarets` is extremely popular throughput India due to its unique style of Islamic architecture. It was constructed by Sidi Bashir who was a slave of Sultan Ahmed Shah in the year 1452. It is said that if one of the minarets tremble slightly, the second minaret also vibrates for a few seconds, though the passage between them is devoid of any vibration.
Islamic Art in Maharashtra : The Aurangabad region of Maharashtra is complete with magnificent pieces of Islamic arts which have been introduced since the arrival of the Delhi Sultanate in the nation. Bibi Ka Maqbara located at this place is a reputable Islamic art form in the state.
Islamic arts in Western parts of India attract millions of visitors throughout the year, particularly the Ajmer Sharif Dargah in Rajasthan, Islamic structures in Aurangabad, Maharashtra and numerable other forms of Islamic art are immensely popular not only in the country, but also globally.
Islamic Art in Eastern India
Islamic art in Eastern India involves several monuments, mosques, buildings and other forms of art widespread in the Eastern Indian states of West Bengal, Bihar and Jharkhand. Islamic architecture has been existent in these potions since the era of the Delhi Sultanate, the Mughal Dynasty and thereafter. The settlement of Muslim rulers, Mughal kings and Muslim communities had encouraged many types of Islamic arts in these states. Therefore, Islamic art displayed in these regions belong to the ancient, medieval and modern ages. Tombs, `dargahs` and many other kinds of buildings are present as a testimony of Islamic art in Eastern India.
Islamic Art in West Bengal : The Gaur area of West Bengal possesses some of the most renowned masterpieces of Islamic art. Laltan Masjid in Gaur is considered the best instances of Islamic art in this state. The mosque`s front wall is adorned with colourful tiles and its prayer room contains a domed ceiling. The Qaddam Rassul Masjid located here consists of sloping eaves. Some Hindu temples situated here were inspired by the Islamic architecture and possesses octagonal pillars on the main entrance. Another impressive Islamic arts structure is the Katra Mosque in Murshidabad which was erected by Nawab Murshid Quli Khan. It is said that this mosque has been constructed as a replica of the Kaaba Mosque, Mecca and represents Islamic art in medieval India.
Adina Mosque and Eklakhi Mausoleum in Malda district and Tipu Sultan Mosque in Kolkata are amongst the numerable Islamic monuments in West Bengal. Eklakhi Mausoleum located in Hazrat Pandua, Malda is considered to be the tomb of Sultan Jalaluddin Mohammad Shah, the son of Raja Ganesha. This monument has curved cornices and terraces crowned with domes. The Tipu Sultan Mosque in Kolkata built by Tipu Sultan`s youngest son, Prince Ghulam Mohammad and Nakhoda Mosque in Chitpore Road, Kolkata are among the other notable Islamic art features.
Islamic Art in Bihar : The Mughal emperor Shah Jahan is believed to have constructed a court in Rajmahal area of Bihar during his reign. He is known to have built several famous Islamic buildings in this state. In 1628, Shah Jahan had constructed an `Idgah` when he was the governor of Bihar. Among the pre-Mughal Islamic art forms, the Hajipur Jami Mosque and Farid Bukhari`s Bihar Sharif Mosque are quite reputed. Saif Khan, one of the agents of Shah Jahan had built a `madrasa` or school under the regime of this Mughal ruler. It is located on the back of River Ganga and imparted education to over 100 students. The city of Patna boasts of a number of mosques situated along the bank of River Ganga. The mosque of Hajji Tatar built by Shah Jahan is the best known demonstration of Islamic art in Bihar. Beautifully carved black stones have been employed in the arches of this mosque. Habib Khan`s mosque made in 1638 near Bihar Sharif is another excellent Islamic art form here. The mosque of Raja Bahroz constructed under the rule of Shah Jahan is amongst the many Islamic monuments which have been influenced by those in Bihar Sharif.
Islamic Art in Orissa : Islamic art in Orissa made its advent in Orissa with the arrival of the Mughals and Afghans in this part of the country. Therefore innumerable Islamic architectural shrines are deft instances of architectural brilliance of Islamic arts in Orissa. Maximum number of these monuments is based in the city of Cuttack. Built in 1636, Lal Bagh Palace was a major palace meant for Mughal governors. Dewan Bazar Mosque located at Cuttack is believed to be the oldest mosque of Cuttack. The Juma Masjid of Balu Bazar, Fateh Khan Mosque, Mohammadia Bazaar Mosque, Qadam Rassool and Sardar Khan Bazaar Mosque are a few of the most illustrious elements of Islamic arts in Orissa.
The eastern parts of India comprise multiple forms of Islamic arts which reflect the tastes of the medieval Islamic rulers in India.
Islamic Art in Southern India
Islamic art in Southern India comprises the wide variety of Islamic arts demonstrated in the South-Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala. The regional Islamic architectural style of the Deccan is a significant form of Islamic arts in India. Massive monumental stonework, giant domes shaped like bulbous onions which were adorned with meticulous stone carvings, stylized arches and medallions were the main characteristics of Islamic arts in these portions of the country. Besides Islamic architectural art, the art of jewellery carving constituted an important Islamic art form, especially during the Mughal Dynasty.
Islamic Art in Andhra Pradesh : Islamic architecture in Andhra Pradesh includes the Indo-Persian style, Qutub Shahi style and the style of Asaj Jahi. The main cities of Deccan which reflected Islamic art forms are Golconda, Bijapur, Gulbarga and Bidar. Deccani Islamic art came into prominence following the establishment of the Bahmani dynasty. The Bahmani style consisted of tombs, mosques and many other art forms which started developing in this region of Southern India. The Charminar and Charkama in Hyderabad displayed colossal arches, which was the impact of regional contribution. The Osmania University, Purani Haveli Palace, Chow Mahalla and Falaknama Palace are interesting instances of Islamic art in this state which have been influenced by Asaf Jahi. The rulers of Asaj Jahi blended the styles of European, Hindu and Islamic architecture in many of their monuments and buildings. The Tomb of Mohammad Kuri Qutub Shahi is amongst the numerous Islamic buildings which are worth mentioning.
Islamic Art in Karnataka : Gulbarga area, Karnataka is a reservoir of many Islamic art forms like the Haft Gumbaz, Bidar fort, Sora Kamba Mosque, Mehtar Mahal, etc. It is believed that a majority of these Islamic monuments have been constructed following the styles of the tomb of the Tughlaq Dynasty of Delhi. The area of Bijapur in Karnataka is famous for its vast number of Islamic ruins in the southern parts of the country. bangalore contains the palace of Tipu Sultan, which is completely based on Islamic patterns of architecture. Other Islamic buildings are tombs, mosques, palaces and forts. Geometrical motifs and detailed Islamic calligraphy have been utilized to decorate the walls, arches and pillars of these structures. The Solah Khamba Mosque, Jami Mosque and Madrasa, or school built by Mehmud Gawan are among the significant Islamic arts of Southern India. The Tomb of Al Baridi and Rangeen Mahal are enriched with wood carvings, shell work and coloured tablets. Lal Mahal, the tombs of Hyder Ali, Fakrunnisa Begum and Tipu Sultan, Ibrahim Roza and Mihrath building are amongst the several well-known Islamic arts in Southern India.
Islamic Art in Kerala : Cheraman Palli or Cheraman Juma Masjid Kanjiramottom Mosque, Thazhathangady Juma Masjid, Odathil Pally or Odathil Mosque, Pazhayangadi Mosque, Jamat Mosque and Malik Dinar Mosque are a few of the acclaimed forms of Islamic arts in the state of Kerala.
Islamic art forms in Southern India are innumerable and are quite popular among Indians and even foreign tourists.
