The essentials
Indo-Islamic architecture developed after the 12th century, combining Central Asian and Persian ideas with Indian craftsmanship. Important new techniques were the true arch (with a keystone) and the dome, built with lime mortar. Earlier Indian buildings mainly used the trabeate system (beams over posts); Islamic buildings used the arcuate system (arches).
The Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque and the Qutb Minar in Delhi were begun under Qutbuddin Aibak; the Minar was completed by Iltutmish. The Alai Darwaza (1311), built under Alauddin Khalji, is an early example of a true dome and arch with fine red sandstone and marble decoration. Regional styles developed in Jaunpur (Atala Masjid), Bengal, Gujarat and the Deccan. The Gol Gumbaz at Bijapur, tomb of Muhammad Adil Shah, has an enormous dome and a "whispering gallery". The Charminar (1591) at Hyderabad was built by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah.
Mughal tombs use the charbagh (four-part garden). Humayun's tomb in Delhi, built after his death on the initiative of his widow, has a double dome and set the model for later tombs. The Taj Mahal at Agra, built by Shah Jahan for Mumtaz Mahal, is famous for white marble, symmetry and pietra dura (inlay of coloured stones). The Jama Masjid in Delhi is also Shah Jahan's.
Key points
- Mosque parts: mihrab (niche in the qibla wall showing the direction of prayer), minbar (pulpit), minaret, courtyard (sahn).
- Jali – pierced stone screens; squinch – support that turns a square into a base for a dome.
- Double dome: an inner and an outer shell.
Exam tips
- Learn builder–monument pairs, and the meaning of mihrab, minbar, pietra dura and charbagh.
Common mistakes
- Saying the Qutb Minar was completed by Aibak; Iltutmish completed it.
- Confusing trabeate (beam) with arcuate (arch).