|
Muslims & Architecture
|
|
Written by Webmaster
|
|
Monday, 26 November 2007 |
|
Authored by Dr
Ausaf Sayeed
Reproduced with courtesy from Culturopedia.com
Indian architecture took new
shape with the advent of Islamic rule in India towards the end
of the 12th century AD. New elements were introduced
into the Indian architecture that include: use of shapes (instead of natural forms); inscriptional art using decorative
lettering or calligraphy; inlay decoration and use of coloured
marble, painted plaster and brilliantly glazed tiles. In
contrast to the indigenous Indian architecture which was of the trabeate order i.e. all spaces were spanned by means of
horizontal beams, the Islamic architecture was arcuate i.e. an arch or dome was adopted as a method of bridging a
space. The concept of arch or dome was not invented by the
Muslims but was, in fact, borrowed and was further perfected by
them from the architectural styles of the post-Roman period. The Muslims used the cementing agent in the form of mortar for
the first time in the construction of buildings in India. They
further put to use certain scientific and mechanical formulae,
which were derived by experience of other civilizations, in
their constructions in India. Such use of scientific
principles helped not only in obtaining greater strength and
stability of the construction materials but also provided
greater flexibility to the architects and builders. This
amalgamation of the Islamic and Indian elements led to the
emergence of a new form of architectural style called the Indo-Islamic Architecture.
One fact that must be
stressed here is that, the Islamic elements of architecture
had already passed through different experimental phases in
other countries like Egypt, Iran and Iraq before these were
introduced in India. Unlike most Islamic monuments of these
countries, which were largely constructed in brick, plaster
and rubble, the Indo-Islamic monuments were typical
mortar-masonry works formed of dressed stones. It must be
emphasized that the development of the Indo-Islamic
architecture was greatly facilitated by the knowledge and
skill possessed by the Indian craftsmen, who had mastered
the art of stonework for centuries and used their experience
while constructing Islamic monuments in India.
In simple terms the Islamic
architecture in India can be divided into religious and secular.
Mosques and Tombs represent the religious architecture, while
palaces and forts are examples of secular Islamic architecture.
Forts were essentially functional, complete with a little
township within and various fortifications to engage and repel
the enemy.
|