Indo-Islamic Architecture

Features
  • Arches and Domes: - ‘arcuade’ style of architecture replaced Trabeat style of architecture.
  • Minars: around the mosques and the mausoleums.
  • Mortar: cementing agent
  • Natural Figurines: were used. Human and Animal figures are avoided.
  • Spaciousness, massiveness and breadth of buildings and structures.
  • Calligraphy: used as a means of decoration as well as
  • Arabesque method - use of geometrical ornamentation.
  • Decorations followed a symmetrical pattern.
  • Jaali work: a feature allowing light into the structures.
  • Water: pools in the premises of the building- for cooling, decorative and religious purposes.
  • Charbagh style of gardening: in which a square block is divided into 4 adjacent identical gardens.
  • Foreshortening technique: - inscriptions appear to be closer than it really is.
  • Pietra Dura and Mosaic designs: using cut and fitted highly polished gems and stones.
  • Local architects retained certain flavours of the local architectural traditions as well
Examples
  • Delhi Sultanate: Qutb Minar, Quwwat Ul Islam Mosque, Alai Darwaza, Lodi Gardens etc.,
  • Mughals: Taj Mahal, Red fort, Fatehpur sikri etc.,
  • Deccan sultanate: Gol Gumbaz, Char minar, Golconda fort etc.,
  • Provincial: Adina Mosque, Atala Mosque etc.
Influence
  • Southern Indian structures like Mysore palace
  • buildings under British like Parliament, Victoria terminus etc.,

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