THE SULTANATE

ARCHITECTURE
DELHI
HOA – III PRESENTATION
BY: SIMRANJOT KAUR
MEGHA SHARMA
KABIR SARDANA
NIDHI SHARMA
 CONTENTS
1. Introduction
2. Recap: slave dynasty
3. Khaljī dynasty
4. Tughlaq dynasty
5. Sayyid dynasty
6. Lōdi dynasty
7. Comparison
8. Conclusion
9. References
 INTRODUCTION
• Delhi- situated on the west bank of river Yamuna
• Capital of earliest Muslim rulers of India(608-1211)
• Exceptions: Daulatabad, Agra, Lahore until the deposition of Bahadur
Shah in 1858
• Capital of British India from 1911 and after 1947, of independent
India
• Pronunciations variations: Under common Muslim usage, in Urdu and
Hindi- dihli; In Punjabi- Dilli.
• The earliest appearance of Islamic architecture in India is referred to
as the imperial style.
 INDO- ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURE
Divided into the following phases:
• SLAVE DYNASTY(1206-1290)-by qutb-ud-din aibak
• KHALJĪ DYNASTY(1290-1320)- firuz ala-ud din khalji
• TUGHLAQ DYNASTY(1320-1413)
• SAYYĪD DYNASTY(1414-1451)
• LŌDI DYNASTY(1451-1526)
RECAP: SLAVE DYNASTY
 THE KHALJĪ DYNASTY
• Under the Khaljī dynasty, the reign of ‘Alā’ al- Dīn Khaljī brought the Muslim power to its supremacy, The Quwwat- al
Islam mosque was extended, Alai minar added.
• With this dynasty, a distinct of short- lived style appears, a keynote of which is provided by ‘Alā’ al- Dīn’s southern
doorway known as the ‘Alā’ ī Darwāza, south gateway to the mosque.
• Built with specially quarried stone; not improvised from Hindu materials.
• Chief characteristics is the shape of the arch ,i.e., Voussoired and the pointed horseshoe shape.
• In case of external arches, on the intrados, a fringe of conventionalized stone spear- heads.
• Masonry is well finished and jointed.
• Decoration in the form of Bandeaux of calligraphy and a running merlon- like ornament being now more prominent
that of the diaper and rosette patterns in basso relievo with which the earlier builders were to cover the entire walls.
• Of all the works of Khaljī, only in the ‘Alā’ ī Darwāza, the entire surfaces are so treated and in addition, the use of white
marble bandeaux inscriptions, pilasters and architraves.
• Works of similar style exist in Delhi at Jamā‘at Khāna mosque .
• Many of the other Khaljī period buildings incorporating much pillaged temple material but showing also many
characteristics mentioned above….and most significantly pointing out the expansion of this early sultanate style.
Ala ī Darwāza

Bandeaux of calligraphy
 The Tughlaq Dynasty
• Under the Tughlaq dynasty, the Delhi empire was greatly expanded
• With the expansion came the Delhi style of all parts of that empire
• Of the work of first ruler, Ghiyāth al- Dīn Tughlaq, there are not
sufficient remains to show how early the Tughlaq traits developed,
besides the ruins of his capital city, Tughlāqābad.
• Major works for which he was responsible before his accession to
Delhi throne is the mausoleum of Rukn –I ‘Alam at Multan, Pakistan,
intended as his own tombs.
Ghiyāth al- Dīn Tughlaq Tughlāqābad Rukn –I ‘Alam at Multan
• Features- batter of the walls, sloping corner of the turrets reflected in the walls of Tughlāqābad.
• Profile of the dome is closer to pointed Multan model than the shallow dome of ‘Alā’ī Darwāza and Jamā‘at
Khāna of preceding dynasty.
________________________________________________________________________________________
Multani features of raised tileworks and wooden structural courses are absent nor is the octagonal shape
retained.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
• Tughlaq’s son Muhammad Bin Tughlaq(his occupation was only for five years), after his succession conceived
the idea of forming a second capital of Daulatabad and transporting there the elite population of Delhi.
• The old Hindu fort, the former Devagiri , at the new capital was extended and most likely the Khilji mosque
there was modified since its rear wall has tapering angle turrets.
• The fine stonework of earlier reigns almost disappeared and was replaced by cheaper material , plaster over
rubble core.
• Appearance of buildings in the 14th century in The Deccan, obviously close to earlier Delhi styles, artisans of
Daulatabad drifted from that Centre and formed other allegiances(other commitments): the earliest Bahmanī
tombs at Gulbarga support this view.
• Muḥammad Bin Tughlaq’s royal palaces at Delhi, The Bijay Mandal and the Hazār Sutūn, are too ruined to
draw conclusions of their architectural style, the only significant innovation found in Bijay Mandal remains was
the earliest Indian example of intersecting vaulting.
• Some ceramic fragments are known from the Ādilābād excavations.
• Under Muhammad's Nephew Fīrūz Shāh Tughluq The Building Art received an enthusiastic Patron .
• Plans and costings for each projected undertaking came first under the scrutiny of the dīwān-i wizāra .
• Red sandstone and marble were no longer used ,in Delhi the favorite Material were local quartzite for columns, jambs ,arches and other
elements build of compact plaster, usually whitewashed over a random rubble core .
• Ornamentation was minimalized; where it exists is usually of molded plaster than of carved stone.
• Aspects of Hindu tradition certainly found in the buildings of these phase; exemplified by the use of beam- and- brackets used in the openings,
main doorway tending to show a large arched opening, small openings of lintel- and- bracket construction is recessed.
• The new feature appeared for the first time in this phase was the use of sloping eaves(chajja) supported on corbels.
• Another innovation which now appears in the fortified works was the series of openings in a parapet or low wall (machicolation); This seems
to be of extra- Indian provenance.
• Planning of mosques- courtyards are partially covered ( supported by the Sanjar mosque at Nizammudin and mosque at Khirki village.
• Several mosques built on high plinth over a tahkhana storey; approached by flight of steps; tapering pillars; multiplied domes on roofs and
domed corner turrets appears in many works such as in Sultan Ghari, the tomb of Iltutmish son- all attributed to Fīrūz shah Tughlaq’s
renovations.
• After firuz’s conquest of the region of Jaunpur, façade of western līwān is occupied by a tall arched pylon which completely conceals the large
central dome from the courtyard.
• Most tombs are of square type.
• Wazīr Khān Tilangāni tomb is of great architectural significance, it is octagonal; top chamber is surrounded by a verandah with a shallow dome-
like cupola and three arched openings on each of the eight sides, continuous eaves and a single central dome crowned by amālka motif.
• Buildings during the time of firuz shah Tughlaq reflects a stage of new conquest of improvisations of Hindu materials, in addition some regional
trends not apparent in the buildings of this capital.
• Two buildings of the end of Tughlaq period : Tomb of Kabir al din Auliya at delhi, a poor and half scale copy of tomb of Ghiyāth al din Tughlaq
,showing a revival of polychromatic work in red sandstone and white marble; and the Jami masjid at Irich, entirely arcuate with some good
stonework, and arches and squinches in the façade, a familiar work under succeeding dynasties.
 The Sayyid Dynasty
• The Sayyid dynasty was founded by Khizr Khan, a former governor of Multan, who seized
power in Delhi in 1414.
• The dynasty was of Persian origin and claimed descent from the Prophet Muhammad.
• During their reign, the Sayyad faced numerous challenges, including the threat of the
Timurid Empire and internal power struggles.
• Architecture features of this dynasty: -The Sayyad dynasty made significant contributions
to Indian architecture, particularly in the development of Islamic architecture in the region.
Some notable architectural achievements of the Sayyad dynasty include:
• Mosques: The Sayyad's built several mosques, including the Khirki Masjid in Delhi, which is
one of the oldest mosques in India.
• Tombs: The dynasty built elaborate tombs, such as the Tomb of Mubarak Shah in Delhi,
which showcases a blend of Indian and Islamic architectural styles.
• Fortifications: The Sayyad's strengthened the fortifications of Delhi, including the
construction of the Siri Fort, which was built to protect the city from invaders. Palaces: The
dynasty built several palaces, including the Palace of Khizr Khan in Delhi, which was known
for its beautiful gardens and fountains.
• Some notable architectural features of the Sayyad dynasty include: Use of arches and
domes Intricate carvings and calligraphy Blend of Indian and Islamic architectural styles Use
of red sandstone and marble
miḥrāb-indicates the direction of prayer
 THE LŌDI DYNASTY
• The Lōdi tombs also exist in octagonal style, supported by the fine tomb of
‘Alā’ al- Dīn ‘Ālam , the largest of the series, at Tijara, and the tomb of
Sikandar, at the Delhi suburb of Khayrpur.

FEATURES:
• The tombs placed here are in a fortified enclosure, of which the Tilangānī
tomb is the last extant example.
• Mughals practices surrounding the mausoleum by a garden.
• His tomb stand in a large walled enclosure with decorative corner turrets and
an ornamental doorway.
• Part of the west wall is built upwards and buttressed to form an external
miḥrāb and is presumably the Qānātī mosque .
• Here, as in some of the square tombs, part of the external surface is
embellished with glazed tiles(mostly blues and greens).
• The dome, as in the earlier tomb of Shīhāb al- Dīn Tāj Khān , has an inner and
 Two delhi mosques of this period are particularly significant in the development of
Lōdi style which persists well into until the Mughal period-

• The mosque of Abū Amjad at Khayrpur have massive tapering pillars with rear angle
flanking the buttress of the Miḥrāb.
• These pillars having band of vertical fluting alternately angled and rounded as in the
lowest storey of Quṭb Mīnār.
• The central bay of facade projected outwards and upwards, a succession of receding
architraves and soffit in each arch opening is given.
• On the other hand, the other mosque approaches more nearly to Mughal and Sūrī
periods in which buttresses are confined to the position with a projection to west
wall.
• Rear angle are furnished in 2 storey building with open octagonal towers.
• The pylon like frame of central arch similar to Khayrpur mosque as well as a fine
cluster plaster with Decoration of tile work with contrast to red sandstone and white
marble.
Notable monuments:-
• Tomb of Sikandar Lodi: A beautiful tomb built in 1517, which showcases
a blend of Indian and Islamic architectural styles.
• Jama Masjid: A large mosque built in 1528, which is one of the largest
mosques in India.
• Lodi Gardens: A beautiful garden built in the 15th century, which is a
popular tourist destination.
• Purana Qila: A fort built in the 16th century, which was used to protect
the city from invaders.
• Bara Gumbad: A large dome built in the 15th century, which is a notable
example of Lodi architecture.
 COMPARISON
_________________________________________________________
• The Sayyad dynasty marked the beginning of Islamic architecture in
India, and their style was more austere and simple.
• The Lodi dynasty, which came later, built upon the foundations laid
by the Sayyad's and developed a more ornate and grand style, which
was influenced by Persian and Central Asian styles. The Lodi style, in
turn, influenced the development of Mughal architecture, which
became even more ornate and grand.
_________________________________________________________
 CONCLUSION
Alai Darwāza, Khaljī arch. style Limited architectural
Intricate geometric patterns, pointed innovations due to political
arches, decorative calligraphy instability.

Tughlaq
Slave dynasty Khaljī dynasty Sayyid dynasty Lodi dynasty
dynasty

Lodi gardens in delhi

Quwwat al Islam mosque, Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
features tombs of
Built under Qutb ud din aibak Tughlāqābad fort
delhi rulers.
Introduced pointed arches and Massive stone walls
Sikandar Lodi tomb is
domes
a notable example.
Mosques constructed by the
Demolished hindu and Jain temple
 References: https://pwonlyias.com/udaan/imperial-style-
khilji-tughlaq/

https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/islamic-architecture-
in-india-imperial-style/238675566

THANKS