Introduction
The late medieval period saw great developments in the field of architecture begins with the gurid occupations of India at the close of the 12th century A.D. the indo Islamic style was neither strictly Islamic nor strictly Hindu. The architecture of the late medieval period can be divided into two main categories. they are the Delhi or the imperial style and the Mughal architecture. the imperial style developed under the patronage of the sultans of Delhi. The Mughal architecture was a blend of the architecture of central Asia and the Hindu architecture of India. The most important factors common to both forms of architecture were hat the both styles had ornamental decorations very vital and that the open court in many cases were surrounded by colonnades. The Islamic rule in India saw the introduction of many new architecture in the architecture styles. Some of the basic features of Mughal architecture are the round domes, high minarets, Mehrabs, pillars open courtyards etc. red sandstone was used for construction of huge buildings and forts. however later on red sandstone was replaced with white marble when the stress was more on beautifying of the buildings with the use of colored designs precious and stones gold and silver waters and minute carvings.
Characteristics of indo – islamic architecture
The indo – islmic architectures features the utilizations of chaityas tall towers and half domed double portals. The buildings and other edifices are generally decorated richly in geometrical and arabesques designs these designs were carved on stone in low relief, cut on plaster painted or inlaid. The use of lime as mortar was also a major element distinct from the traditional building style.
The tomb architecture is also another feature of the Islamic architecture. Tomb architecture generally consisted of a domed chamber a cenotaph in its center with a mihrab on the western wall and the real grave in the underground chamber.
The Mughals added a new dimension by introducing gardens all around the tomb. The Mughal tombs were generally placed at the center of a huge garden complex these gardens were sub divided into square compartments known as char Bagh. The Mughal also built large gardens in various levels and terraces on the char Bagh pattern. The Mughal are also credited to have introduced the double dome system of dome architecture and the pietra dura style of inlay decorations.
The superb examples of indo Islamic architecture of Qu tub minar , alai Darwaja ,quwat ul Islam mosque Tughlaq bad fort , Fatehpur Sikri Agra fort , taj mahal , red fort Delhi etc.
TAJ MAHAL
Name Taj mahal
Artist unknown
Builder shahjahan
Medium white marble from Makrana
Period 1631 to1651 A.D.
Place Agra
Courtesy archeological survey of India
DESCRIPTION
Taj mahal is the wonder of the world, it is a beautiful building made up of white Makrana marble and is situated in Agra on the bank of river Yamuna.
The monument was built by shahjahan in the memory of his wife Mumtaz mahal. It covers an area of 22 acres and was constructed by 20000 artists and workers in 20 years. The monument is an exemplary example of architecture with attractive minarets, domes, canopies, arched gates and platform that are inordinately ornamented and engraved. Carved jalis on the structure make the interior of the monument lighted up with natural light.
The embellishments adorning taj mahal such as engravings arabesques designs of flowers and leaves and geometric pattern on wall and ceilings are studded with colored stones and are cut in such a way that the dark part has thick stone lighter part has thin stone.
QUTTAB MINAR
Name Qutab Minar
Artist unknown
Builder Qutab di Ebak
Medium stone structure
Period 12th century
Place new Delhi
Courtesy archeological survey of India
DESCRIPTION
Qutab Minar is a world-famous minaret built by Qutab din Ebak the founder of Delhi sultanate and his successor son in law Iltutmish. Qutab means pole or column built as a symbol of justice and sovereignty. This minaret was used by Muslim priest to call the worshippers to offer prayer. the Minar is near the southern gate called Ali Darwaja of quwatal Islam Mosque. Qutbuddin Ebak had perhaps only succeeded in raising he first story the remaining stories has been completed by Iltutmish. From the Nagri and the Persian inscription on the Minar that it appears it was damaged twice by lightening in 1326 and 1328. The circumference of the minarets is 13.75m at the base and about 2.75m on the top with the height of 72.5m and 379 steps. it is the highest stone tower in India. initially it has six stories but now it has five stories decreasing upwards. The first three stories have been made by engraving red sand stones in specific shapes mix of polygon and circular shape and engraving the best calligraphy on them. The upper stories have been completed with combination of red sand stone and white marble.
GOL GUMBAJ
Name Gol Gumbaj
Artist unknown
Medium brick and concrete
Period 1627-57 A.D.
Place Bijapur
Size 185sqm
Courtesy archeological survey of India
DESCRIPTION
The Gol Gumbaj is the tomb or mausoleum of Mohammad Adil shah. it is one of the biggest domes of Asia and largest building in Bijapur and also in of the most celebrated monument of India built in 1659 it is the archeological zenith of indo Islamic style
The tomb resembles a giant cube crowned by a hemispherical dome with seven storied octagonal minarets at each of its four corners capped by smaller domes each story had seven arched windows. the tomb is almost round at the centers and at minarets also so it is called Gol Gumbaj. inside the building in vast hall arcs giving the dome support and a whisper gallery where sounds get magnified and echoed many times over.