1.1 Delhi Sultanate architecture

The Delhi Sultanate period (1206-1526 CE) saw the rise of a unique architectural style blending Islamic and Indian traditions. This fusion resulted from interactions between Turkish and Afghan rulers and the local population, marking a shift from earlier Hindu and Buddhist styles.

Delhi Sultanate architecture combined Central Asian, Persian, and Indian influences. It introduced new elements like domes, arches, and minarets while incorporating local materials and craftsmanship. This synthesis laid the foundation for later Mughal architecture and left a lasting impact on Indian architectural history.

Emergence of Delhi Sultanate architecture

• The Delhi Sultanate period (1206-1526 CE) witnessed the development of a distinct architectural style that blended Islamic and Indian traditions
• This architectural style emerged as a result of the political and cultural interactions between the Turkish and Afghan rulers of the Delhi Sultanate and the local Indian population
• The Delhi Sultanate architecture represents a significant phase in the evolution of Indian architecture, marking the transition from the earlier Hindu and Buddhist styles to the later Mughal style

Influences on Delhi Sultanate architecture

Central Asian influences

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• The Turkish and Afghan rulers of the Delhi Sultanate brought with them architectural traditions from Central Asia, particularly from the regions of Transoxiana and Khorasan
• These influences included the use of brick and stone masonry, the construction of domes and arches, and the incorporation of geometric and floral patterns in decoration
• Central Asian influences can be seen in the use of the four-iwan plan in mosques and the construction of tall, tapering minarets (Qutb Minar)

Persian influences

• Persian architectural traditions, particularly from the Seljuk and Ilkhanid periods, also had a significant impact on Delhi Sultanate architecture
• Persian influences included the use of glazed tiles for decoration, the incorporation of muqarnas (stalactite vaulting) in domes and niches, and the use of pointed arches
• The use of Persian-style calligraphy in Arabic script for decorative inscriptions on buildings also became prevalent during this period

Indian influences

• Local Indian architectural traditions, particularly from the Hindu and Buddhist styles, also influenced the development of Delhi Sultanate architecture
• Indian influences can be seen in the use of trabeate construction (post and lintel) alongside arcuate construction (arches and domes), the incorporation of carved stone columns and brackets, and the use of decorative motifs such as lotus flowers and kirtimukhas (faces of glory)
• The use of local building materials, such as sandstone and marble, and the adaptation of Indian craftsmen's skills also contributed to the unique synthesis of styles in Delhi Sultanate architecture

Architectural styles of Delhi Sultanate

Mamluk style

• The Mamluk style (1206-1290 CE) represents the earliest phase of Delhi Sultanate architecture, characterized by the use of red sandstone and the incorporation of Indian architectural elements
• Notable examples of the Mamluk style include the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque and the Qutb Minar in Delhi, which showcase the use of carved stone columns and brackets from Hindu and Jain temples
• The Mamluk style also introduced the use of the pointed arch and the true dome in Indian architecture

Khalji style

• The Khalji style (1290-1320 CE) is marked by a greater use of marble and the introduction of more refined decorative techniques, such as the use of inlaid marble and the carving of intricate floral and geometric patterns
• The Alai Darwaza, a gateway in the Qutb complex, is a prime example of the Khalji style, featuring a combination of red sandstone and white marble, intricate carved decoration, and the use of pointed arches and domes

Tughluq style

• The Tughluq style (1320-1414 CE) is characterized by a shift towards simpler, more austere architectural forms, with a focus on the use of stone rubble masonry and the construction of massive, fortified structures
• Notable examples of the Tughluq style include the Tughlaqabad Fort and the Tomb of Ghiyath al-Din Tughluq in Delhi, which showcase the use of sloping walls, pointed arches, and domes
• The Tughluq style also introduced the use of the pishtaq (a tall, recessed arch) in the entrance portals of buildings

Sayyid style

• The Sayyid style (1414-1451 CE) represents a brief phase in Delhi Sultanate architecture, characterized by a return to more ornate and decorative forms
• The use of glazed tiles and the incorporation of more intricate floral and geometric patterns in stone carving became more prominent during this period
• The Moth Ki Masjid in Delhi is an example of the Sayyid style, featuring the use of colored tiles and intricate stone carving

Lodi style

• The Lodi style (1451-1526 CE) is the final phase of Delhi Sultanate architecture, characterized by a further refinement of decorative techniques and the use of more delicate, intricate forms
• Notable examples of the Lodi style include the Lodi Gardens in Delhi, which contain several tombs and mosques featuring the use of double domes, intricate stone carving, and the incorporation of jali screens (pierced stone screens)
• The Lodi style also witnessed the introduction of the Timurid-inspired Charbagh (four-garden) layout in tomb complexes, which would later become a prominent feature in Mughal architecture

Key architectural elements

Arches

• Arches were a fundamental element in Delhi Sultanate architecture, used in the construction of gateways, mosque entrances, and tomb facades
• The pointed arch, introduced from Persian and Central Asian architectural traditions, became the most common type of arch used during this period
• The use of arches allowed for the creation of larger, more open interior spaces and the construction of taller, more imposing structures

Domes

• Domes were another essential element in Delhi Sultanate architecture, used in the construction of mosques, tombs, and palaces
• The use of true domes, constructed using the squinch transition from a square base to a circular dome, became widespread during this period
• Double domes, consisting of an outer dome and an inner dome, were also introduced during the later phases of the Delhi Sultanate, particularly in the Lodi style

Minarets

• Minarets, tall towers used for the call to prayer (adhan), became a prominent feature in Delhi Sultanate mosque architecture
• The Qutb Minar, a 73-meter-tall minaret in the Qutb complex, is the most famous example of a Delhi Sultanate minaret, featuring a tapering profile and intricate carved decoration
• Minarets were often constructed using a combination of stone and brick masonry and were decorated with carved bands of calligraphy and geometric patterns

Muqarnas

• Muqarnas, a type of ornamented vaulting featuring a series of small, honeycomb-like niches, were introduced to Indian architecture during the Delhi Sultanate period
• Muqarnas were used in the decoration of domes, niches, and transitional zones between arches and domes
• The use of muqarnas added a sense of depth and complexity to the interior spaces of buildings and became a hallmark of Islamic architectural decoration

Jali screens

• Jali screens, pierced stone screens featuring intricate geometric and floral patterns, became a prominent decorative element in Delhi Sultanate architecture
• Jali screens were used in the construction of windows, balconies, and partitions in mosques, tombs, and palaces
• The use of jali screens allowed for the filtration of light and air into interior spaces while maintaining privacy and adding a sense of visual complexity to the building's facade

Materials used in construction

Sandstone

• Red sandstone was the primary building material used in the early phases of Delhi Sultanate architecture, particularly during the Mamluk and Khalji periods
• Sandstone was readily available in the Delhi region and was used in the construction of mosques, tombs, and fortifications
• The use of sandstone allowed for the creation of intricate carved decoration, as seen in the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque and the Alai Darwaza

Marble

• White marble became increasingly popular as a building material during the later phases of the Delhi Sultanate, particularly during the Khalji and Tughluq periods
• Marble was used in the construction of tombs, mosques, and palaces, often in combination with red sandstone to create a striking visual contrast
• The use of marble allowed for the creation of more refined and delicate decorative elements, such as inlaid patterns and intricate carvings

Limestone

• Limestone was used as a secondary building material in Delhi Sultanate architecture, often in combination with sandstone and marble
• Limestone was used in the construction of foundations, walls, and domes, particularly in the Tughluq period
• The use of limestone allowed for the creation of more durable and weather-resistant structures

Brick

• Brick was used as a building material in Delhi Sultanate architecture, particularly in the construction of fortifications and lesser buildings
• The use of brick allowed for faster and more economical construction compared to stone masonry
• Brick was often used in combination with stone, with stone being used for the facing of walls and brick for the core

Tiles

• Glazed tiles were introduced as a decorative element in Delhi Sultanate architecture, particularly during the Sayyid and Lodi periods
• Tiles were used in the decoration of mosque and tomb facades, often in combination with stone carving and inlaid marble
• The use of tiles allowed for the creation of colorful and intricate patterns, adding a sense of visual richness to the buildings

Types of Delhi Sultanate buildings

Mosques

• Mosques were the most important religious buildings constructed during the Delhi Sultanate period, serving as places of prayer and congregation for the Muslim community
• Delhi Sultanate mosques typically featured a courtyard surrounded by arcades, with a prayer hall on the western side facing Mecca
• Notable examples of Delhi Sultanate mosques include the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque, the Jama Masjid in Delhi, and the Moth Ki Masjid

Tombs

• Tombs were another significant type of building constructed during the Delhi Sultanate period, serving as the final resting places for the sultans and their family members
• Delhi Sultanate tombs typically featured a square or octagonal plan, with a central dome and surrounding arcades or chambers
• Notable examples of Delhi Sultanate tombs include the Tomb of Ghiyath al-Din Tughluq, the Tomb of Sikander Lodi, and the Bara Gumbad in the Lodi Gardens

Forts

• Forts were constructed during the Delhi Sultanate period to serve as military strongholds and administrative centers
• Delhi Sultanate forts typically featured massive stone walls, bastions, and gateways, with palaces, mosques, and other buildings located within the fortified enclosure
• Notable examples of Delhi Sultanate forts include the Tughlaqabad Fort and the Kotla Firoz Shah

Palaces

• Palaces were constructed during the Delhi Sultanate period to serve as the residences and administrative centers for the sultans and their court
• Delhi Sultanate palaces typically featured a complex of courtyards, halls, and chambers, with elaborate decorative elements such as carved stone, inlaid marble, and glazed tiles
• Notable examples of Delhi Sultanate palaces include the Jahaz Mahal in the Hauz Khas Complex and the palace complex within the Kotla Firoz Shah

Stepwells

• Stepwells, also known as baolis, were constructed during the Delhi Sultanate period to serve as sources of water for drinking, bathing, and irrigation
• Delhi Sultanate stepwells typically featured a deep well with a series of steps leading down to the water level, with surrounding arcades and chambers providing shade and shelter
• Notable examples of Delhi Sultanate stepwells include the Rajon Ki Baoli and the Gandhak Ki Baoli in Delhi

Notable examples of Delhi Sultanate architecture

Qutb Minar

• The Qutb Minar is a 73-meter-tall minaret located in the Qutb complex in Delhi, built during the Mamluk and Khalji periods
• The minaret features a tapering profile with five distinct stories, each marked by a projecting balcony and intricate carved decoration
• The Qutb Minar is constructed using red sandstone and marble and is considered one of the finest examples of Delhi Sultanate architecture

Alai Darwaza

• The Alai Darwaza is a gateway located in the Qutb complex, built during the Khalji period by Ala-ud-din Khalji
• The gateway features a combination of red sandstone and white marble, with intricate carved decoration and the use of pointed arches and domes
• The Alai Darwaza is considered a masterpiece of the Khalji style and showcases the synthesis of Islamic and Indian architectural traditions

Tomb of Ghiyath al-Din Tughluq

• The Tomb of Ghiyath al-Din Tughluq is a mausoleum located in Delhi, built during the Tughluq period
• The tomb features a square plan with sloping walls, a central dome, and surrounding arcades, constructed using stone rubble masonry
• The Tomb of Ghiyath al-Din Tughluq is a prime example of the Tughluq style, showcasing the shift towards simpler, more austere architectural forms

Lodi Gardens

• The Lodi Gardens is a park located in Delhi, containing several tombs and mosques built during the Lodi period
• The gardens feature notable examples of the Lodi style, including the Tomb of Sikander Lodi and the Bara Gumbad, showcasing the use of double domes, intricate stone carving, and jali screens
• The Lodi Gardens are a testament to the refined and delicate architectural forms developed during the final phase of the Delhi Sultanate

Hauz Khas Complex

• The Hauz Khas Complex is a group of buildings located in Delhi, built during the Khalji and Tughluq periods
• The complex features a large water tank (hauz), a madrasa (Islamic school), a mosque, and several tombs and pavilions
• The Hauz Khas Complex showcases the integration of different building types and the use of a variety of architectural styles, including the Khalji and Tughluq styles

Significance of Delhi Sultanate architecture

Fusion of Islamic and Hindu traditions

• Delhi Sultanate architecture represents a unique fusion of Islamic and Hindu architectural traditions, reflecting the cultural interactions between the Turkish and Afghan rulers and the local Indian population
• The incorporation of Indian architectural elements, such as carved stone columns, brackets, and decorative motifs, alongside Islamic elements, such as pointed arches, domes, and calligraphy, created a distinctive style that would influence later architectural developments in India

Influence on later Mughal architecture

• Delhi Sultanate architecture had a significant influence on the development of Mughal architecture, which emerged in the 16th century
• Many of the architectural elements and styles developed during the Delhi Sultanate period, such as the use of domes, arches, and intricate decorative techniques, were further refined and elaborated upon during the Mughal era
• The Mughal architecture, exemplified by iconic buildings such as the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort, can be seen as a continuation and culmination of the architectural traditions established during the Delhi Sultanate

Legacy in Indian architectural history

• Delhi Sultanate architecture represents a crucial phase in the development of Indian architectural history, marking the transition from the earlier Hindu and Buddhist styles to the later Islamic styles
• The buildings and monuments constructed during the Delhi Sultanate period serve as important examples of the cultural and artistic exchanges that took place between the Islamic world and the Indian subcontinent
• The legacy of Delhi Sultanate architecture can be seen in the continued use of many of its architectural elements and styles in later Indian architecture, as well as in the preservation and appreciation of its monuments as an integral part of India's cultural heritage