REPORT ON

INDO-ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURE

NAME: SALAHUDDIN BABAR

ROLL NO: AR – 19-09
SUBJECT: ARCHITECTURE IN PAKISTAN
SUBMITTED TO: AR SIR KHALID CHAUHAN

ASSIGNMENT: REPORT ON INDO-ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURE

 INDO-ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURE: A FUSION OF CULTURES
INTRODUCTION:
Indo-Islamic architecture is a fascinating blend of Indian and Islamic influences, reflecting
the rich cultural amalgamation that occurred with the advent of Islam in the Indian
subcontinent. This architectural style evolved over centuries, resulting in breathtaking
structures seamlessly incorporating elements from both traditions. In this presentation, we
will explore the key features of Indo-Islamic architecture, highlighting exemplary examples
from both India and Pakistan.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT:
• Early Islamic Conquests: The spread of Islam in the 7th century brought with it a
unique architectural language.
• Arrival in the Indian Subcontinent: Islam reached the Indian subcontinent in the 8th
century, leading to a cultural fusion.
KEY FEATURES OF INDO-ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURE:
• Blend of Cultures:
• Indo-Islamic architecture is a fusion of Indian and Islamic design elements.
• It reflects the cultural integration of Hindu and Islamic traditions.
• Use of Islamic Elements:
• Incorporates Islamic architectural features such as domes, minarets, and arches.
• These elements are adapted to suit the local context and climate.
• Courtyards and Gardens:
• Emphasis on open courtyards and gardens, providing a sense of serenity.
• Courtyards often serve as central spaces for religious and communal activities.
• Calligraphy and Ornamentation:
• Extensive use of Arabic calligraphy as decorative elements.
• Ornate designs and intricate patterns, including geometric and floral motifs.
• Use of Arches:
• Pointed and horseshoe arches are common, adding an elegant and distinctive
touch.
• Arches are employed in doorways, windows, and entrances.
• Minarets:
• Tall, slender towers with or without balconies.
• Used for the call to prayer (adhan) and as visual focal points in the architecture.
• Domes:
• Large and often bulbous domes, providing a grand and imposing appearance.
• Domes are commonly seen in mosques and tombs.
• Jali Screens:
• Intricately carved stone screens known as jali are used for decoration and to
regulate light and ventilation.
• These screens are often found in windows and balconies.
• Islamic Geometry:
• Application of geometric patterns, reflecting Islamic mathematical and artistic
principles.
• Geometry is used in tiles, carvings, and overall layout planning.
• Water Features:
• Inclusion of water features like fountains and pools for aesthetic and practical
purposes.
• Water is used to create a sense of coolness and tranquility.
• Tombs and Mausoleums:
• Elaborate tombs and mausoleums with intricate decorations.
• These structures often house the remains of religious leaders or royalty.
• Adaptation to Climate:
• Architecture designed to suit the local climate, with features like courtyards for
ventilation and shade.
• Mughal Influence:
• Mughal rulers, especially during the Mughal Empire, played a significant role in
shaping Indo-Islamic architecture.
• Taj Mahal is a prime example, showcasing Mughal architectural excellence.
• Functional and Aesthetic Harmony:
• Integration of functionality with aesthetics, creating structures that serve
practical purposes while being visually appealing.
• Building Materials:
• Red Sandstone and White Marble: Common materials reflecting the
region's natural resources.
• Inlay Work: Precise stone inlay, often depicting Quranic verses or floral
motifs.
INDO-ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURE IN INDIA:
1. Qutub Minar (Delhi):
• World's tallest brick minaret.
• Built in the 12th century during the Delhi Sultanate period.
• Combines Indo-Islamic and Persian architectural styles.
• Decorated with intricate calligraphy and geometric patterns.
• UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2. Taj Mahal (Agra):
• A masterpiece of Mughal architecture.
• Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century.
• White marble structure with Persian and Timurid design elements.
• Symmetrical layout, reflecting the charbagh style.
• Inlaid with precious stones and intricate floral patterns.
3. Jama Masjid (Delhi):
• India's largest mosque.
• Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century.
• Red sandstone and white marble construction.
 • Grand courtyard, imposing minarets, and a prayer hall adorned with intricate
calligraphy.
• Reflects a fusion of Indian and Persian architectural elements.
4. Fatehpur Sikri (Uttar Pradesh):
• Built by Emperor Akbar in the late 16th century.
• Mughal capital for a short period.
• Unique red sandstone structures, including the Buland Darwaza.
• Integration of Hindu, Persian, and Central Asian architectural styles.
5. Humayun's Tomb (Delhi):
• Tomb of Mughal Emperor Humayun.
• Constructed in the 16th century by his widow, Haji Begum.
• Persian-inspired charbagh garden layout.
• Use of red sandstone and white marble with intricate geometric and floral
designs.
• UNESCO World Heritage Site.
6. Red Fort (Delhi):
• Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century.
• Iconic red sandstone fort with marble and inlay work.
• Lahore Gate and Diwan-i-Khas showcase Indo-Islamic architectural elements.
• Reflects the grandeur of Mughal architecture.
7. Akbar's Tomb (Sikandra):
• Tomb of Emperor Akbar.
• Blends Hindu and Islamic architectural styles.
• Fusion of red sandstone and white marble.
• Four-tiered minarets and intricate geometric patterns.
8. Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra (Ajmer):
• Originally a Sanskrit college converted into a mosque.
• Distinctive Indo-Islamic arches and domes.
• Blend of Hindu and Islamic architectural elements.
9. Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park (Gujarat):
• UNESCO World Heritage Site.
 • Mixture of Islamic, Hindu, and Jain architecture.
• Jama Masjid and Pavagadh Fort showcase Indo-Islamic influences.
10.Bijapur Gol Gumbaz (Karnataka):
• Mausoleum of Adil Shah II.
• Second-largest dome in the world.
• Islamic arches and geometric patterns.
• Reflects the Deccan Sultanate style.
INDO-ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURE IN PAKISTAN:
1. Badshahi Mosque (Lahore):
• One of the largest mosques globally, built during the Mughal era.
• Constructed by Emperor Aurangzeb in the 17th century.
• Red sandstone and white marble construction with intricate inlay work.
• Grand courtyard and impressive minarets showcase Mughal architectural
brilliance.
• Adjacent to the Lahore Fort, forming a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2. Shalimar Gardens (Lahore):
• Mughal garden complex built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century.
• Terraced levels, flowing fountains, and reflective pools.
• Influenced by Persian garden design principles.
• Ornate pavilions and water channels showcase Indo-Islamic aesthetics.
3. Lahore Fort:
• UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Reflects a blend of Mughal and Sikh architectural styles due to later
modifications.
• Akbari Gate and Sheesh Mahal demonstrate intricate craftsmanship.
• Strategic location along the Ravi River.
4. Wazir Khan Mosque (Lahore):
• Constructed during the reign of Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century.
• Known for its colorful tile work, frescoes, and intricate calligraphy.
• A prime example of Mughal architecture in Punjab.
5. Derawar Fort (Cholistan Desert):
• Built by Rai Jajja Bhatti, a Rajput ruler, in the 9th century.
• Later captured and renovated by Nawab Sadeq Mohammad Khan I of
Bahawalpur.
• Massive square fortress with 40 bastions.
• Reflects the architectural diversity of the region.
6. Shah Jahan Mosque (Thatta):
• Built during the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century.
• Beautiful blue glazed tiles, minarets, and domes.
• A fine example of Sindhi and Timurid architectural fusion.
7. Makli Necropolis (Thatta):
• UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Sprawling cemetery with tombs and mausoleums.
• Mixture of Islamic, Persian, and local architectural styles.
• Includes impressive structures like the Tomb of Isa Khan Tarkhan II.
8. Hiran Minar (Sheikhupura):
• Built by Emperor Jahangir in memory of his pet deer.
• Unique minaret adorned with stone elephant tusks.
• Reflects Mughal love for nature and innovative architecture.
9. Ranikot Fort (Sindh):
• The largest fort in the world with a circumference of about 26 km.
• Believed to have been built during the Sassanian period.
• Influenced by Persian and Central Asian military architecture.
10.Chauburji (Lahore):
• Built during the Mughal era.
• Originally a garden gateway.
• Features a distinctive four-arched monument with intricate tile work.
 LEGACY AND IMPACT:
• Cultural Integration: Indo-Islamic architecture symbolizes the synthesis of diverse
cultures.
• Architectural Innovation: Advancements in engineering, astronomy, and
mathematics.
• Influence on Later Styles: The Mughal and Deccan Sultanate architectures drew
inspiration from Indo-Islamic styles.
CONCLUSION:
Indo-Islamic architecture stands as a testament to the harmonious coexistence of diverse
cultures. The melding of Indian and Islamic architectural traditions has produced some of the
world's most stunning structures, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to inspire and
captivate. As we explore these architectural marvels in India and Pakistan, we gain a deeper
understanding of the historical, cultural, and artistic connections that define this unique style.