ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURE IN INDIA

Provincial style
DELHI OR IMPERIAL STYLE (SLAVE DYNASTY)
A.D. 1200- A.D. 1246

The Slave Dynasty was established by Qutb-ud-Din Aibak, a former slave of Muhammad
Ghori who had been installed as Governor in Delhi and who assumed independence
after Ghori's death.

The main building work during this dynasty was done by Qutb-ud-Din Aibak and his
son-in-law, Shams-ud-Din Iltutmish.

Main buildings:
Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque
Qutub Minar
Arhai Din ka Jhompra
Tomb of Nasir-ud-Din Mohammed (Sultan Ghari)
Tomb of Shams-ud-Din Iltutmish
QUWWAT-UL-ISLAM MOSQUE
QUWWAT-UL-ISLAM MOSQUE
Built by Qutb-ud-Din Aibak in Qila Rai Pithora, the ancient Hindu citadel.
Built on the plinth of a Hindu temple which was dismantled.
The plinth was expanded to cover a rectangle of 150' X 212'.
This stylobate was then enclosed by a wall with cloisters on
all sides.

Cloisters
Cloisters were three aisles deep.
Composed of pillars from Hindu temples,
placed one above the other to achieve the desired height

Sanctuary
The western part of the cloister was the sanctuary.
The arrangement of the pillars was made more spacious
and resolved into a series of bays with shallow domed roofs.
Courtyard
The courtyard is 105' X 141', surrounded by cloisters.
In the front of the centre of the sanctuary stands the iron pillar with the Garuda motif
removed from its pinnacle.

Screen (Maqsura)
In 1199, a screen of an arched facade was added across the front of the sanctuary.
The screen is a wall of masonry 50' high at the centre, 108' wide and 81/2' thick.
The screen is pierced by 5 arches, the central arch 45' high and 22' in span and two
smaller ones on each side, each 25' high.
Each smaller arch had a clerestory above it, mainly for decorative purposes as it did not
serve in any way the sanctuary behind it.
The facade is embroidered with carvings of floral devices and Quranic verses.
The arches are not true arches but built by corbelling, hence we know they were built by
local workmen acting on verbal instructions from a Muslim clerk of works.
The ogee shape of the arch may be derived from the Buddhist caves of the Barahar hills
of Bihar and the Stupas of Sarnath.
QUTUB MINAR
Built near Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque in 1200 by
Qutb-ud-Din Aibak.
The height of the tower is 238'.
The tower was originally four storeys high with a domed
roof. Renovations have added a storey.
The tower is entered from the a gateway on the north
side which opens out into a spiral staircase.
Storeys
Each storey has a different pattern in plan.
First storey- Alternate wedge shaped and round projections
Second storey- Circular projections
Third storey- Star shaped
Fourth storey- Round
Balconies
Each storey has a balcony around it.
The balustrade around the balcony originally showed
merlons called kanjuras.
The balconies are supported by stalactite vaulting,
represented by clusters of miniature arches with
brackets in between, influenced by the tracery
of temple ceilings
ARHAI DIN KA JHOMPRA
Built by Qutb-ud-din Aibak in 1200 A.D. at Ajmer.
Built on a levelled terrace probably used previously as a fair ground for a fair which lasted
21/2 days, hence the name of the structure.
Built on the same lines as the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque, using materials from surrounding
temples, but twice the size of the Delhi mosque.
Three pillars from Hindu temples are placed one above the other to achieve the height of
the cloisters which is 20'.
Tall stairway in four flights reaching up to front portico with a minaret on each side.
A screen was added across the front of the sanctuary by Iltutmish. Above the main arch
over the parapet are two minarets. The arches are of the 4 centered type.
The smaller arches are of the multi-foil pointed style, inspired by Arab sources.
The screen is 200' wide, 56' high at the centre and 12' thick.
The rectangular panel is seen in the spandrel of each arch, a feature seen in ancient
Arabian mosques
TOMB OF NASIR-UD-DIN MUHAMMAD (SULTAN GHARI)
Built by Shams-ud-Din Iltutmish as a tomb for his son in A.D. 1231 near Delhi.
First example of a tomb building in India.
The structure is raised on a high plinth with a massive portal on the east.
The cenotaph is an underground chamber, giving the structure its name.
The structure is built in the manner of a walled enclosure.
The enclosure is contained within a massive masonry arcade.
The exterior is built of grey granite with circular bastions projecting from each corner of
the square.
Within the enclosure is a courtyard 66' square.
In the centre of the courtyard is an octagonal platform which forms the roof of the tomb
chamber.
Two pillared arcades in white marble are built on the eastern and western sides. The
western arcade resolves into a mosque chamber for private prayers.
The mosque sanctuary has a central domed nave with a foliated arch as mihrab and aisles
on either side. The whole is fronted by a colonnade of marble pillars with bracket capitals.
Apart from the mihrabs, the entire composition is of Hindu extraction
TOMB OF SHAMS-UD-DIN ILTUTMISH
Built in A.D. 1235 just outside the Quwwat-ul-Islam
mosque.
A compact square structure of 42' side with
entrances at three sides and western wall enclosed
to accommodate 3 mihrabs.
Exterior is relatively plain, but interior is richly
decorated. A square hall of 30' side, its walls are
relieved with white marble insertions. Quranic
verses in Kufri, Tugra and Nashtalik characters with
geometrical patterns interspersed.
Most of the roof has collapsed, but remains show it
to have been a shallow dome composed of
concentric rings of masonry which collapsed due to
excessive span.
The most interesting feature is the first appearance in India of the 'Squinch'. This consists
of projecting a small arch across the upper side of the corners of the square room,
turning it into an octagon, then repeating the process to turn it into a 16 sided base in
which a dome can rest.
In this case, the squinch is a half-dome, though built on the corbelling principle. Thus, this
is an Indianized version of the squinch
 Islamic Architecture in Delhi under Khaljis (1290-1320 C.E):
After the death of Shams-ud-din Altumush of Slave dynasty in 1234 C.E, there
were no prominent kings and no buildings were undertaken for about three
quarters of a century. There was a gap in between the dynasties as there was no
proper political leadership for some time.
Jalal-ud-din Khalji was governing the kingdom at Delhi. He was assisted by Alla-
ud-din Khalji who hails from a village near Ghazni in Afghanistan. Alla-ud-din
killed Jalal- ud-din and became independent king and ascended the throne in
1296 C.E.
1. Alla-Ud-Din Khalji’s Extension to Qutb Mosque,
Delhi:
1300 C.E Alla-ud-din further extended Qutb mosque
already built earlier. The sanctuary of the mosque was
extended on north and the cloisters were extended on
north and east sides. By this the mosque became large in
size.
Within the mosque in the spacious northern courtyard, a
colossal Minar with its proportions double to that of Qutb
minar was commissioned. Construction of such a grand
and huge Minar could not be completed by the death of
Alla-ud-din in 1316 C.E. This Minar was named as Alai
minar after the name of Alla-ud-din. It rose up to nearly
one storey where the work was stopped. The tower now
remains solid as blunt tree trunk
2. Alai Darwaja, Delhi, 1305 C.E:
A small building having been
completely finished is the southern
entrance structure to Alai mosque
at Delhi. Extension done by Alla-ud-
din to Qutb mosque here is named
as Alai mosque. Darwaja means
door in Hindi language.
Alai Darwaja is a self-contained
Gateway built about the year 1305
C.E. This is one of the four entrances
to Alai mosque, two of which to be
on the long eastern side and one
each on north and south sides. This
is a cubical structure of 17 metres
side in plan with a total height of
over 18 metres up to the top of its
domical finial. Though this is a small
building, but the design is new and
original.
Inspired by this, Ghiyas ud din
Tughlaq’s tomb was built after some
20 years having similar features.
Interior:
It consists of a square hall inside having a dome roof. Its circular rim was supported on Squinch
arches built at each of four corners following the method of radiating Voussoirs, thus converting
the square base into an octagon. The Squinch arch has taken the shape of a semi-vault made
with mini semi-vaults in rows.
Exterior:
In their design the three outer faces of Alai Darwaja are much alike. Each contains a tall archway
over a flight of steps leading to the interior. Below is a plinth elegantly carved in varied bands.
The wall surface above the plinth is divided into two storeys. The two lower were built into
arched recesses filled with perforated stone grilles. Above this the upper was carved into
rectangular panels.
All this was well executed in a combination of red sandstone and white marble. The borders
were finely decorated with arabesques and inlaid geometrical patterns. A shallow white marble
dome rises above as a roof.
Central Arch:
The outstanding gracefulness of the façades lies in the shape of central arches. The arch is
pointed horseshoe type. Around its outlines is a band of fine inscription carved in white marble.
On its underside or intrados of the arch, there are fringe of sphere heads.
On either side of the arch two slender ornamental pillars took place, which have some fine
carving on its shaft. The whole of this arch with its pillars was fitted in a rectangular frame
bordered with repeating patterns and inscriptions in white marble.
Conclusion:
The various qualities of Alai Darwaja are remarkable, particularly in the shape of arches, the
method of walling, the system of support to the dome, the surface decoration, coloured texture
and fringe of sphere heads in arches. All these were well executed in a combination of dressed
sandstone and white marble.
Other Structures:
The other structures, which were built during this period are here listed which are now
crumbled and broken pieces:
i. City of Siri, second of the seven cities of Delhi
ii. Alla-ud-din Khalji’s tomb
iii. Madarassa
iv. Jamaat khana masjid
Tughlaq Dynasty
Islamic Architecture in Delhi under Tughlaqs (1320-1413 C.E):
Out of many rulers of Tughlaq dynasty at Delhi, only three appear to have influenced the art
of building.
These were:
i. The founder of the dynasty, Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq (1320 – 1325 C.E)
ii. His son Mohammed Bin Tughlaq (1325- 1351 C.E)
iii. Firuz shah Tughlaq (1351 – 1388 C.E)
Besides other important architectural undertakings, each added his own capital city to the
two already existing at Delhi.
Architectural Characters:
Buildings of Tughlaqs developed strong building forms and elements and had influenced
further future buildings.
The striking elements here are:
i. Battering walls
ii. Simple straight line arches
iii. Sphere heads in intrados of arches
iv. Projection of middle portion of wall on each face
v. Lintel and Arch combination
vi. Buildings of Sayyids, Lodis, Jaunpur and Malwa province structures built in 15th century
showed the influence of Tughlaq dynasty architecture.
vii. First of the dynasty Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq, an elder man and a soldier came to the throne
and reigned for barely five years.
Ghiyas-Ud-Din Tughlaq’s Buildings:
1. Tughlaqabad:
This took the form of a third city at Delhi known as Tughlaqabad. Standing on a highest point, this city
is now totally in ruins, wild, lifeless and desolate. It is now huge masses of broken masonry.

2. Ghiyas -ud –din- Tughlaq Tomb

In contrast to the ruined structure of Tughlaqabad, his tomb is in surprisingly perfect condition.
Originally standing within artificially lake,a detached structure connected with the citadel by an
elevated causeway two hundred and fifty yards long.
The pentagon shaped like plan is guarded with parapet walls that support massive cone-shaped
bastions at every intersection. Its greatest length being less than 300 ft.
Tomb building is of red sandstone with certain portion ,including dome of white marble.
Tomb’s square base of 61 feet and the entire height of the structure is approx 8o feet.
Most interesting feature is the detrmined slope of outer walls of tomb building, as these are inclined
at angle of 75 degree seems like a pyramid.
In the centre each side is recessed a tall pointed archway ,accommodating doorways on three side
and mihrab in one side at west direction.
Most notable imposition is the introduction of lintel in archway, that is combination of two support
system, an arch and lintel.

.
Mohammed Bin Tughlaq’s City (1325 – 1351 C.E):
Mohammed Bin Tughlaq built the fourth city at Delhi enclosing the space between the
first and second cities by means of fortified walls of prodigious thickness. Very little of this
city and the walls remain now and it is all in ruins

Firuz Shah Tughlaq’s Buildings (1351 – 1388 C.E):

Firuz shah has passionately devoted to building art. He built structures by using inexpensive
materials and restored and repaired predecessors’ old monuments and replaced top floors of
Qutub Minar in white marble damaged by lightening.
The following few structures are selected for description:
1. Firuzabad (the fortress of Firuz shah), Delhi, 1354 C.E
2. Khirki Masjid, Delhi, 1380 C.E
2. Tomb of Khan-i-jahan Tilangani, Firuzabad, Delhi, 1370 C.E
3. Tomb of Firuz shah Tughlaq, Delhi, 1388 C.E
Firuzabad, Delhi, 1354 C.E:
Firuz shah Tughlaq constructed a new palace fort at Delhi which is the fifth successive fort
built at Delhi. Now it is called Kotla Firuz Shah. The remains of this city now show the
amenities, necessities and fully equipped royal residences. It is adjacent to Yamuna River.
The fort is a rectangle of less than ¾ kilometre long by 1/3 kilometre broad. Its longer axis is
running north south surrounded by high battlemented walls with tall spreading bastions at
intervals. The main entrance is on western side consisting of a strongly fortified gateway.
The fort consists of the following structures:
i. Palaces:
On opposite side to the main gate across the width overlooking the river were the palaces,
royal and private residences receiving pleasant air carried across the river water. The other
area of the fort is divided into rectangular courts.
ii. Diwan-i-Am:
One of the large structures was the Diwan-i-Am or Hall of public audience with a spacious
open quadrangle surrounded by pillared verandahs for transactions of official and court
affairs.
iii. Jama Masjid:
Towards the centre and against the river was the Jama masjid, a large structure to
accommodate ten thousand persons.
iv. Arcaded Terraces:
Another large structure occupying a prominent position is series of square arcaded terraces
diminishing as they ascend to produce a kind of stepped pyramid, on the summit of which
one of the Asoka’s famous pillar brought from Ambala was placed. The remainder was
pavilions, grape and water gardens, baths, tanks, barracks, armoury and servants’ quarters all
conveniently disposed.
Firuzabad is the most pulsating example. Similar fortresses were built by Moguls later inspired
by this fort, especially the Red fort, Delhi.
KHIRKI MASJID
• Enterance of khirki masjid in south.
• The word 'Khirki' prefixed to masjid is an Urdu
word that means "window" and hence is also
called "The Masjid of Windows“
• The Masjid, which is in a quadrangular shape,
was built as a fortress with an unusual fusion of
Islamic and traditional Hindu architecture.
• Instead of a one big open courtyard, the
mosque has four smaller square courtyards
measuring 30 Ft x 30 Ft. Due to the modern day
construction found all around, little sunlight
filters in through the lattices on the upper floors.
• Another interesting aspect of this mosque is its
design of the terrace. Partitioned into 25 squares
of equal size, each square has 9 domes on each
side, measuring 81 in all & these square blocks
are alternated by 12 flat roofs, giving a very
distinct shadow upon the interiors. One can take
the eastern flank stairs to reach the roof & a visit
is imperative to comprehend the mathematical
beauty of its design.