Influence of Turks on Indian Architecture

1. Introduction

• The advent of Turks in India inaugurated a new era in the history of Indian architecture.
• Turks brought with them architectural ideas developed in Persia, Arabia, and Central Asia.
• This marked a significant interaction between two rich architectural traditions that had already developed in India.

2. Synthesis of Architectural Traditions (Indo-Islamic Architecture)

• The interaction between the Persian/Central Asian (Turko-Islamic) and indigenous Indian traditions resulted in a new synthesis of architectural styles.
• This unique Indian style of architecture is often referred to as Indo-Islamic Architecture.
• The rulers of the Sultanate were great patrons of architecture, initiating this synthesis.
• During the Mughal period, the flourishing of this synthesis took place, and some of the greatest monuments of India were built.
• This synthesis was not merely an adoption but an assimilation and adaptation, leading to truly innovative designs.

3. Contributions of Muslim Rulers

• One of the greatest contributions of the Muslim rulers was in the domain of architecture, where the spirit of synthesis was most apparent.
• According to Prof. H.K. Sherwani, there was a constant interplay between the Perso-Turks and the Hindus, not only on the battlefield but also in cities and bazaars.
• Their ideas were profoundly ingrained in each other's culture and ideals, which became visible in medieval architecture, art, and literature.

4. Characteristics of Muslim/Turkic Architecture in India

For a proper understanding, it's essential to look at the characteristics influenced by Muslim architectural traditions, driven by their religious beliefs and practical needs:

• Massive and Extensive Buildings: Emphasis on grandeur and monumental scale.
• Arcuate Style: Prominent use of true arches, domes, and vaults, replacing the traditional Indian trabeate (post-and-lintel) style. This was a significant structural innovation.
• Domes: Large, prominent domes (e.g., bulbous or double domes) became a defining feature.
• Minarets: Tall, slender towers accompanying mosques (e.g., Qutub Minar).
• Lofty Portals and Gateways: Grand entrances to complexes (e.g., Buland Darwaza).
• Open Courtyards: Integral part of mosque and tomb architecture.
• Absence of Human and Animal Sculpture: Due to Islamic injunctions against idolatry, traditional Indian sculptural forms depicting deities or human figures were largely replaced.
• Emphasis on Calligraphy: Inscriptions from the Quran in various calligraphic styles (e.g., Thuluth, Naskh) adorned buildings.
• Geometric Patterns and Arabesque: Extensive use of intricate geometric patterns and arabesque (intertwined floral and foliate designs).
• Pietra Dura: Inlay work of semi-precious stones into marble, especially during the Mughal period.
• Materials: Use of brick, mortar, rubble, and later, red sandstone and white marble. Mortar as a binding agent was a significant Turkish contribution, enabling larger and more stable structures.
• Gardens: Introduction of the 'Charbagh' (four-part garden) layout, symbolizing paradise, especially during the Mughal era.

5. Characteristics of Hindu Architecture (for contrast and fusion)

Hindu architecture, preceding and co-existing with the Turkic influence, contributed distinct elements to the synthesis:

• Vastness and Stability: Emphasized strength and longevity.
• Magnificence and Majesty: Grand temples often dedicated to deities.
• Sublimity and Infinite Richness: Characterized by intricate carvings and detailed sculptural work.
• Extensive Decoration: Buildings extensively decorated with beautiful flowers, leaves, and a multitude of deities and mythological scenes.
• Trabeate Style: Primarily relied on the post-and-lintel system for construction.

6. Evolution of Indo-Islamic Architecture: Key Periods and Examples

The new architecture was quite different from other architectures prevailing in India like those of Jaunpur, Bengal, Bijapur, Gujarat, etc., as it incorporated elements from diverse traditions, leading to regional variations within the broader Indo-Islamic style.

6.1. Delhi Sultanate Period (1206-1526 CE)

• Qutb-ud-din Aibak:
  • Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque (Delhi): One of the earliest mosques, built on the ruins of a Hindu temple, incorporating existing Hindu and Jain architectural elements.
  • Qutub Minar (Delhi): Started by Aibak, completed by Iltutmish. A blend of Hindu and Islamic decorative motifs, with verses from the Quran and Arabic characters alongside Hindu carvings.
• Iltutmish:
  • Sultan Ghari's Tomb (Delhi): India's first monumental tomb.
  • Tomb of Iltutmish (Delhi): Features intricate carvings and the first true arch.
• Alauddin Khalji:
  • Alai Darwaza (Delhi): Gateway to Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, noted for its perfect dome and true arch. First use of true arch in India.
  • Siri Fort and Hauz Khas.
• Tughlaq Dynasty: Marked by a decline in aesthetic elegance, but increased emphasis on strength and austerity, often using grey sandstone.
  • Tughlaqabad Fort (Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq).
  • Firoz Shah Kotla (Firoz Shah Tughlaq): Introduced Tughlaqi style, characterized by sloping walls.
• Sayyid and Lodi Dynasties: Development of octagonal tombs with domes, double domes (e.g., Tomb of Sikandar Lodi, Lodi Garden).

6.2. Regional Styles

• Bengal Style: Unique brick architecture (e.g., Adina Mosque, Gaur).
• Gujarat Style: Integration of temple elements like elaborate carvings, minarets, and jharokhas (e.g., Jama Masjid at Ahmedabad, Teen Darwaza).
• Malwa Style: Distinctive and robust (e.g., Mandu Fort, Jahaz Mahal).
• Deccan (Bijapur, Golconda): Grand domes (Gol Gumbaz, Bijapur), slender minarets (Charminar, Hyderabad).
• Jaunpur Style: Known for 'propylon' or massive gateways (e.g., Atala Masjid).

6.3. Mughal Period (1526-1857 CE)

• The pinnacle of Indo-Islamic architectural synthesis.
• Babur and Humayun: Laid the foundation.
• Akbar (Red Sandstone Period): Blended Hindu and Persian elements.
  • Humayun's Tomb (Delhi): Prototype of the Taj Mahal, first garden-tomb, featuring charbagh layout and double dome.
  • Agra Fort: Combination of Hindu and Islamic features.
  • Fatehpur Sikri: A planned city, including Buland Darwaza, Jami Masjid, Panch Mahal. Extensive use of red sandstone and intricate carvings.
• Jahangir: Transition phase, increased use of marble and more delicate ornamentation.
  • Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daula (Agra): First tomb entirely in white marble, featuring 'Pietra Dura' inlay work.
• Shah Jahan (White Marble Period): Apex of Mughal architecture, known for elegance, symmetry, and extensive use of white marble.
  • Taj Mahal (Agra): Considered a marvel of the world, perfect blend of Persian, Central Asian, and Indian elements.
  • Red Fort (Delhi) and Jama Masjid (Delhi): Grand structures in red sandstone and marble.
  • Diwan-i-Aam and Diwan-i-Khas (Red Fort): Symbolizing imperial power and refined aesthetics.
• Aurangzeb: Simpler, less elaborate structures, reflecting his austere nature and focus on expansion.

7. Conclusion

• The influence of Turks on Indian architecture was transformative, leading to the birth of a vibrant and unique Indo-Islamic style.
• It represents a seamless fusion of diverse traditions, resulting in masterpieces that stand as a testament to shared cultural heritage and artistic collaboration.
• This architectural legacy remains one of the most visible and cherished aspects of India's historical landscape.