Medieval Architecture – UPSC Notes – Art & Culture

When Muslims took charge in the late 12th century, they brought together two different architectural styles. This is what we call as the Medieval Architecture. Over time, this mix created some of the most beautiful buildings in the Indian subcontinent, combining the best of both traditions. Mosques and tombs became the main focus of Islamic architecture in India.

Medieval Architecture – Key Features of Indo-Islamic Architecture

1. Construction Materials: Buildings were typically made using brick, lime, and mortar.
2. Arcuate Style: The prevailing architectural style featured arches, domes, and vaults.
3. Islamic Art Characteristics:
   • Avoidance of human figurines in favor of geometric patterns like arabesques, floral motifs, and various inscriptions.
   • Popular use of inlay on marble, known as Pietra dura.
4. Ornamental Screens: Buildings often showcased ornamental lattice screens with arabesques, star motifs, and various geometric shapes such as pentagons, hexagons, octagons, and circles.
5. Gardens in Design: Gardens played a significant role in the overall design and layout of Indo-Islamic architecture.

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Medieval Architecture – Architectural Styles in the Indian Subcontinent

1. Imperial Style:
   • Also referred to as the early Indo-Islamic style, this period witnessed the transformation of existing structures into mosques, incorporating elements from Hindu temples’ ruins. Palaces were adorned with intricate decorations like arches, domes, and Hindu motifs such as floral patterns.
2. Provincial Style:
   • Spanning over two hundred and fifty years, this architectural style involved using locally available materials and blending regional styles with Muslim features like domes, arches, minarets, and mihrabs. Initially utilizing the remains of Hindu and Jain temples, this style evolved to establish its unique building art.
3. Mughal Style:
   • Flourishing during the mid-16th to the 17th century under the Mughal Empire’s patronage, Mughal architecture is a fusion of Indo-Islamic, Persian, and Turkish influences. The result is buildings characterized by remarkable symmetry and uniform patterns, adorned with intricate ornamentation.

Different Kinds of Buildings in Medieval Architecture in the Indian Subcontinent

1. Mosques:
   • Mosques, also called “masjids,” are places where Muslim men gather for prayer.
   • They often have big prayer halls and might include attached schools called Madrasahs.
   • A special niche called the mihrab shows the direction of Mecca, an important part of mosque design.
   • Minarets, tall towers connected to or next to mosques, are used to announce prayer times.
   • Domes, also known as “qubba,” and fancy writing are common decorations in mosques.
2. Forts:
   • Forts are much bigger than palaces and act like a mini-city for kings and their people.
   • They’re mainly built for protection against enemies.
   • Different regions, like Gujarat and Punjab, show their own styles in fort construction.
3. Tombs:
   • The Taj Mahal is a famous example of Islamic architecture. It’s a white-domed marble building surrounded by gardens, fountains, and tall towers.
   • It follows a balanced and symmetrical design and is a great achievement in Mughal architecture.
   • Mumtaz Mahal’s tomb is just one of the many beautiful structures created during the Islamic rule in India.

Evolution of Medieval Architecture in India

Delhi Sultanate

• During the Delhi Sultanate, the arrival of Turks brought new architectural styles from Persia, Arabia, and Central Asia.
• Rulers incorporated engineering features like domes, arches, and minarets into structures such as palaces, mosques, and tombs.
• This period saw a blend of indigenous architecture with new techniques, resulting in landmarks like Quwwatul Islam Mosque, Qutub Minar, Hauz Khas, and the forts of Tughlaqabad.

Regional Kingdoms

• In Bengal, Gujarat, and Deccan, regional kingdoms developed distinct architectural styles.
• Examples include Jama Masjid, Sadi Saiyyad Mosque, and shaking towers in Ahmedabad, as well as Jama Masjid, Hindola Mahal, and Jahaz Mahal in Mandu.
• Bengal’s architecture featured oblong structures and unique roof construction.
• Jaunpur showcased the Atala mosque with a massive screen covering the dome, and the tomb of Hoshang Shah in Malwa was entirely made of marble with intricate inlay work.
• The Bahamani sultans borrowed styles from Persia, Syria, Turkey, and Southern Indian temples.

Mughals

• The Mughals introduced a new era in architecture, reaching the pinnacle of Indo-Islamic design.
• Examples include Humayun’s Tomb, forts in Agra and Fatehpur Sikri, Buland Darwaza, the tomb of Salim Chishti, Jodha Bai’s Palace, Ibadat Khana, and Birbal’s House at Fatehpur Sikri.
• Shahjahan, the greatest builder among the Mughals, extensively used marble with decorative inlay work, arches, and minarets.
• Notable structures from his era include the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, and the iconic Taj Mahal.
• The Taj Mahal reflects all architectural features developed during the Mughal period, including a central dome, minarets, gateway, inlay work, and gardens.
• The Mughal style continued to influence later periods with features like courtyards, pillars, and sculpted living beings.

FAQs

What is the medieval architecture of India?

Various regional styles stood out in Indian architecture, such as the Chola temples in South India, Rajput forts and palaces in the North, Mughal architecture in Delhi, and the Indo-Islamic style in Gujarat and Bengal. Each style was marked by the utilization of local materials, construction methods, and decorative motifs, contributing to their unique and distinctive characteristics.

What are the different kinds of structures built in Medieval India?

From the 8th to the 18th centuries, kings and their officials constructed two types of buildings. The first category included forts, palaces, and tombs. The second category comprised structures intended for public activities like temples, mosques, tanks, wells, and bazaars. By creating these structures for the use and convenience of their subjects, rulers aimed to earn their admiration.

What are the schools of architecture in Medieval India?

In Medieval India, the Bengal school was one among several provincial schools of architecture. Other provincial schools included the Jaunpur School, Malwa School, and Bijapur School. Examples of these schools’ architectural influences can be seen in places like Lodi Gardens and the city of Agra.

What were the two main styles of temple architecture in medieval India?

In India, the country’s temple architecture is broadly categorized into two major styles: Nagara in the north and Dravidian in the south. The Vesara Style, a third category, represents a fusion of both the Nagara and Dravidian styles of architecture.

What are three kinds of towns that emerged in medieval India?

A medieval town could be categorized as a temple town, administrative town, commercial town, or port town.

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