DISSERTATION

FINAL RESEARCH PROPOSAL

NISHANA NASRIN

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TITLE

ORNAMENTATION IN ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURE, ITS EVOLUTION AND TRANSFORMATION IN KERALA

INTRODUCTION

Islamic architecture combines a wide range of both secular and religious styles from the foundation of Islam to the
present day .Today’s Islamic architecture is the result of its influences from Roman, Byzantine and Persian lands
which was conquered during the 7th and 8th centuries by Muslims. Apart from this it also had influences from Chinese
and Indian architecture with the spread of Islam to Southeast Asia. From the principal Islamic architecture like
mosques the buildings of less importance such as public baths, fountains and domestic architecture was derived.

Throughout the history one important characteristic identity of the Islamic architecture was its ornamentation which
is used in mosques and other Islamic buildings. The study about Islamic architecture was mainly focused on its
formation from pre-existing traditional elements and how these various elements where brought into a unique
synthesis. Islam does not prescribe any particular form of art but it does restrict certain fields of expression. The
ideologies of Islam depend on certain principles that fixed and could not be changed from time to time. That is the
intellectual vision inherited in Islamic art. The ornamentation in Islamic architecture repeats the same forms which
makes it a traditional heritage art.

Islamic architecture makes use of specific ornamental forms, including mathematically complicated , elaborate
geometric and interlace patterns , floral motifs like the arabesque and elaborate calligraphic inscriptions ,which serve
to decorate building ,specify the intention of the building by the selection of textual program of the inscriptions .The
geometric or floral ,interlaced forms ,taken together, constitute an infinitely repeated patterns that extends beyond
the visible world. The ornamentation in Islam was influenced by its concept of infinite proves of the existence of one
eternal God. And because of this non- figural ornaments are used in mosque and buildings around the Muslim world.
Hence they are decorated using beautiful, embellishing and repetitive Islamic art instead of using pictures of human
and animals. This makes it different from other styles.
Calligraphy is another element in ornamentation of Islamic architecture. Calligraphy is a visible expression of
spiritual concepts. Contemporary artists in the Islamic world draw on the heritage of calligraphy to use calligraphic
inscriptions or abstractions in their work.

Over the years, It is interesting to see how the ornamentation in Islamic architecture has shaped across different
countries. Islamic architecture is also widely influenced by these western styles and contemporary architecture. It is
also notable how the highly ornamented style of architecture has changed over the period of time and how
contemporary mosques with minimal ornamentation and clean edges have been evolved in the present day.
This research analyses the ornamentation in Islamic architecture in Kerala to understand its influences from various
examples. Another important question to be answered in this research is regarding certain concepts of Islamic
architecture influenced by Ideologies of Islam regarding the heavy ornamentation. Though Islamic architecture is
highly ornamented which began with construction of mosques and palaces by kings there remains a question
whether Islam truly promote such ornamentation and luxury in its religious principles and scholars .This can also
help to understand the changing Islamic architecture from highly ornamented traditional styles to the minimal
contemporary styles of architecture.
Kerala Islamic architecture is influenced by the Kerala temple architecture since before the influence of Islamic
architecture temples where the only examples of religious construction available and the craftsmen of the temples of
Kerala held the construction of mosques in Kerala.
Islam spread in Kerala through its trade relation with the Arabian peninsula which is known as the cradle of Islam.
The first mosque to be built in Kerala is at Kodungalloor which was built after the Chera king embraced Islam. Later
on when Islam spread more among the native population many other mosques where build .Ruling kingdoms like the
arrakal community and Kozhikode Zamorins converted to Islam. Consequently by fifteenth century Islamic
constructions in Kerala reached considerable heights.

But initially mosque Architecture of Kerala did not exhibit any of the features of Arabic style or indo-Islamic
architecture of the imperial and provincial school in North India .Hence the intricate ornamentation of Islamic
architecture cannot be seen in the traditional Islamic architecture of south India. Wood was one of the main materials
used in its construction. Hence, the major ornamentation works seen are the wood carvings present on the pulpits of
the mosques. For example, the Jama Masjid at beypore and Mishkal mosque at Kozhikode has the pulpit build by the
ship masters of Arabic vessels.
The first influences of Arabic style of Kerala construction in seen in subtle manner in secular architecture of muslims.
Apart from the intricate wooden and stone carvings, flower motifs with different petals of varied size are also
engraved on the mosques. Inscription of Quranic verses can also be seen on them.

In the present day the Islamic architecture is quite different from the traditional styles. The reason for this is the
influences from the Arabic styles, availability of materials, construction techniques etc. With contemporary styles
influencing architecture all over it had its influences on the Islamic architecture as well. In Kerala new mosques tend
to follow certain contemporary styles with less intricate ornamentation or other decoration. Different styles of
minarets and domes with more angles and clean edges are seen. These changes came with the questioning of the
relevance of the features that create an identity of the Islamic architecture and breaking the traditional thoughts.

The change in the ornamentation elements in Kerala can be analysed by studying the different mosques and other
buildings throughout from the beginning of Islamic Architecture. From this we expect to understand the different
ornamentation techniques, patterns and materials used in Kerala and understanding its transformation. This will
help us to propose new guidelines in construction for Islamic architecture to preserve its tradition and the vast
ornamentation.

AIM

The aim of this study is to contextualize the concept and analyze the Islamic traditional ornamentation, focusing
on the principles of Islamic ideology, which was behind the formation of a distinct identity and uniform
architecture in Islamic cities and across time. Second step is about suggesting some of the Islamic architectural
elements as new ornamental elements that have the same effect within the limit of Islamic ideology and
principles, in order to present new ornamentation elements. Finally applying the new elements in models of
artistic paintings as a practical application done by researcher to produce the new vision as a contemporary
Islamic ornamentation.
The aim of this study is to contextualize the concept and analyse the Islamic traditional ornamentation, focusing on
the principles of Islamic ideology, which was behind the formation of a distinct identity and uniform
architecture in Islamic cities and across time and to propose guidelines to be followed in the ornamentation of Islamic
architecture in Kerala and understand its relevance.

OBJECTIVES

1. To examine the rich historical and cultural traditions from which the art of Islamic ornamentation has emerged.

2. Analyse the transformation of ornamentation in Islamic architecture of Kerala and find out the similar and
dissimilar elements of ornamentation in traditional Kerala Islamic architecture and Arabic styles.

3. To understand the elements, materials and concepts used in the ornamentation of traditional Islamic architecture
different places and Kerala in detail.

4. Review and compare the transformation of ornamentation in traditional Islamic architecture and modern Islamic
architecture in Kerala.

SCOPE

1. The detailed study of ornamentation in Islamic architecture and its evolution and transformation in Kerala will
help us to establish an understanding of the necessity to preserve them.
2. It will open to wide range of studies regarding the philosophies of Islamic architecture.

3. Creating new elements and patterns in ornamentation using new techniques and materials combining both
traditional Kerala styles and indo Islamic styles from the studies carried out.

4. To make ornamentation in Kerala Islamic architecture styles to reach different parts of the world.

LIMITATIONS

1. The ornamentation elements in Kerala are limited compared to the vast intricate styles across the Arabian
Peninsula.

2. The ornamentation in Islamic architecture is broad topic that needs to be broken down to analyse its importance in
different context.

3. Though the guidelines to protect the vast culture regarding ornamentation in Islamic Architecture is necessary the
objection from a certain part of the society that claims theories which questions the necessity of the luxury in the
ornamentation of Islamic architecture is limitation to this whole process.

METHODOLOGY

 Understanding the philosophies and elements in Islamic architecture and ornamentation generally across
different regions.
 Analysing the evolution and transformation of ornamentation in Islamic architecture in Kerala
 Listing out the different mosques and palaces in Islamic architecture styles according to their timeline to
understand how it is evolved in its ornamentation and techniques.
 Literature studies and data collection of various elements in relation to the studies of ornamentation

 Compilation of different Architectural data obtained from different studies.

 Classifying and listing down various guidelines for preserving the ornamentation in Islamic architecture in
Kerala context.

RELEVANCE OF THE STUDY

Architecture keeps on changing with the changing views, concepts and requirements of the users and the Architects.
But it is important to understand the advantages and disadvantages of such changes. The vast architecture of the past
forms our rich heritage. Conserving them and passing on the elements of such architectural heritage keeps together
the architecture of different eras. Islamic architecture has evolved through many phases. Though there are changes in
the architectural elements in it across different regions the basic ideologies of it remains the same. Kerala Islamic
architecture is part of the rich heritage of Kerala architecture. Its ornamentation elements are influenced by its
climate, availability of materials and the culture of Muslims here. But it still follows the ideologies that are common in
Islam around every country. The relevance of this study can only be understood by understanding early history and
evolution of the Kerala Islamic architecture. Then by analysing the ornamentation in contemporary Islamic
architecture will help us to understand the need for preserving intricate ornamental details that reflect the
craftsmanship of our ancestors. Kerala has a unique style of architecture be it the temples, mosques or churches.

Though Kerala had trade relation with the Arabian Peninsula during the spread of Islam in Kerala, the initial Islamic
architecture of Kerala was not influenced by Arabic or indo Islamic styles as seen in other parts of the country. The
typical mosque styles with minarets or domes were absent in any kind of Islamic architecture. But however the
ornamentation was similar though it was different in the medium used. Our decorations were the carvings detailed
out in wood, calligraphic inscriptions etc.

Though Islamic architecture of Kerala in general has been studied many times, the ornamentation elements are
mostly left out or not focussed in detail though it is the defining character of Islamic architecture. Ornamentation in
Islamic architecture is known as the Arabic details, floral embellishments, inscriptions etc. But beautiful vernacular
styles of many places are left out even in those places .People are more interested in incorporating Persian or Arabic
styles in new mosque, residences or Islamic centers. This is also because of the people of Kerala who live in these GCC
countries attempting to recreate them. Sometimes to show their wealth or luxury. This study might help to create
more importance to our traditional styles and elements of ornamentation .Also protect them. Ornamentation is that
element of Islamic architecture which is generally recreated or replicated in other buildings to show their religion,
culture or wealth than the planning features of Islamic Architecture.

Nowadays many traditional mosques are reconstructed or replaced. They are constructed in RCC, brick glass etc.
They do not have any traditional resemblance. There is also no attempt to create an alternative modern static
expression. But these contemporary styles uses disproportionate elements painted in garnish colours like marriage
halls or shopping complexes. Some of them do not have any features of Islamic architectural ornamentation. The only
feature common would be the minarets and arches which neither belong to local tradition nor are expression of the
possibilities of new construction. The indigenous architecture is getting formatted in the same loud manner which is
contrast to the scale and structure of traditional low key character.

Our traditional Islamic architecture was more influenced by the Buddhist which is unknown to present generation.
This study would also help us to reveal more about the ancient Buddhist-Islamic architectural legacy. This is because
they were mostly Buddhist before the spread of Islam in 7 th century and they still are known as Baudhars in some
regions. The wooden artwork and ornamentation was influenced by the Buddhist architecture. For example, in the
Vallyath Juma pally the notable apsidal façade facing the east is which is influenced by Buddhist architecture is now
masked by recent concrete and metal constructions. Such concrete mockeries and shallow imitations must be
removed and the ancient Kerala Buddhist style must be exposed to posterity.

The guidelines to such restoration can be proposed on the basis of the conclusion derived from this research. There is
lot other hidden information regarding Islamic ornamentation and other styles which influenced them. In present era
where all such works are neglected the study will help to instill a kind of awareness and responsibility in people to
preserving such works.

REFERENCES

Books

 Muslim architecture of south India.

Architectural Elements in Islamic Ornamentation: New Vision in Contemporary Islamic Art-Research.