Saturday 18 April 2015

4) What do you understand by the term ‘Indo-Islamic’ or ‘IndoSaracenic’ architecture? How did this architecture evolve in India? Discuss.

Indo-Saracenic or Indo-Islamic architecture refers to the fine amalgam of features of Indian architecture like the Rajput architecture with the features of the Islamic architecture in vogue in the Muslim world in the medieval period. Some major features of this architecture are:

1) The presence of a huge dome that covers a pillar-less hall.

2) Presence of minaret that bring about symmetry to the overall design.

3) Geometric designs with inlay work (pietra dura) and decoration with arabesque which is calligraphy of Koran's sayings in decorating.

4) Use of "jalli" and "chattri" to cover windows and doorways.

A fine example of this kind of architecture is the city of Fatehpur sikri built by Akbar the Great.

It first came with the Delhi Sultanate under Qutubuddin Aibak who got the construction of Qutub minar started. During this period the influence of the Muslim world could be seen in all major works. This was given huge boost by the Islamic dynasties in the Deccan region like Gujarat,Bijapur and Golconda. They assimilated located styles. The increasing influence of Persia empire and its culture on the Mughal court brought in the next phase of evolution and reached its climax. Finally, with the disintegration of the Mughal empire and the rise of independent rulers in Hyderabad, Awadh, Bengal etc the style took new inspirations and features from the local architecture.

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