Delhi Sultanate Architecture: Features and Important Buildings

Delhi Sultanate Architecture refers to the architectural style which rose under the Delhi sultans. It started in the 13th and continued till the 16th century. It was marked by the synthesis of Indian and Islamic architectural elements. It is also known for its use of red sandstone and marble, elaborate carvings and calligraphy. Persian and Central Asian styles have an impact on them.  

In this article, we will learn about the Delhi Sultanate Architecture. This forms a significant part of the UPSC IAS exam. UPSC Prelims and UPSC Mains Paper I have many questions about this topic. It is also an important topic for UPSC History Optional and essential for the UGC NET History exam. Every year over 5-7 questions on art history are in the question paper.

Architectural Features Of Delhi Sultanate

Let us discuss about some architectural features of Delhi Sultanate.

Use Of Red Sandstone And Marble

The architecture of the Delhi Sultanate was characterized by the use of red sandstone and marble. Red sandstone was used for the construction of walls, domes, and minarets. Marble was used for intricate carvings and calligraphy. Also, the Taj Mahal is built of marble.

Intricate Carvings And Calligraphy

Delhi Sultanate Architecture was known for its intricate carvings and calligraphy. Such arts were used to decorate buildings and convey religious messages. The calligraphy was usually in Arabic, while the carvings often depicted Islamic motifs and designs.

Fusion Of Islamic And Indian Elements

Delhi Sultanate Architecture was a fusion of Islamic and Indian elements, reflecting the cultural diversity of the region. While Islamic elements such as arches, domes, and minarets were prominent, Indian elements such as chhatris and jharokhas were also incorporated.

Important Buildings Of Delhi Sultanate Architecture

Let us look at some of the Important Buildings of Delhi Sultanate Architecture:

Qutub Minar

Fig: Qutub Minar

Delhi is home to the Qutub Minar, a 73-meter-tall minaret. Qutb-ud-din Aibak, who established the Delhi Sultanate, constructed it at the beginning of the 13th century. The minaret is composed of red sandstone and marble, and it is calligraphed and intricately carved. It is regarded as a pinnacle of Delhi Sultanate architectural design.

Alai Darwaza

Fig: Alai Darwaza

Delhi has a gateway called the Alai Darwaza. Alauddin Khalji constructed it in the 13th century, and now it is regarded as one of the pinnacles of Delhi Sultanate architecture. The red sandstone entranceway is adorned with calligraphy and exquisite sculptures.

Jama Mosque

Fig: Jama Mosque

It may be found in Delhi. Midway through the 17th century, Shah Jahan, the Mughal ruler, constructed it. One of India's biggest mosques is this one. The mosque is constructed from red sandstone and white marble, and it is ornately calligraphed.

Iltutmish Tomb

Fig: Iltutmish Tomb

Delhi is home to the Tomb of Iltutmish, a mausoleum. It was built for Iltutmish. It was constructed at the beginning of the 13th century. The mausoleum is composed of red sandstone and is adorned with calligraphy and elaborate sculptures. It is regarded as one of the oldest instances of architecture from the Delhi Sultanate.

Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra

Fig: Adhai Din Ka Jhopra

Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra is a mosque located in Ajmer, Rajasthan. It was built in the early 13th century by Qutb-ud-din Aibak and is one of the oldest surviving examples of Delhi Sultanate Architecture. The mosque is made of red sandstone and is decorated with intricate carvings and calligraphy.

Tughlaqabad Fort

Fig: Tughlaqabad Fort

Tughlaqabad Fort is a fortress located in Delhi. It was built in the 14th century by Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq, a sultan of the Delhi Sultanate. The fort is made of red sandstone and is known for its massive walls and bastions. It also has a large underground tunnel system that was used to store supplies and ammunition.

Firoz Shah Kotla

Fig: Firoz Shah Kotla

Firoz Shah Kotla is a fort located in Delhi. It was built in the 14th century by Firoz Shah Tughlaq, a sultan of the Delhi Sultanate. The fort is made of red sandstone and is known for its massive walls and gateways. It also has a large Baoli (step-well) and a mosque.

Hauz Khas Complex

Fig: Hauz Khas Complex

The Hauz Khas Complex is a complex of buildings located in Delhi. It was built in the 14th century by Alauddin Khalji and is known for its mosque, madrasa (Islamic school), and water tank. The complex is made of red sandstone and is decorated with intricate carvings and calligraphy.

Lodi Gardens

Fig: Lodi Gardens

Lodi Gardens is a public park located in Delhi. It was built in the 15th century by the Sayyid and Lodi dynasties of the Delhi Sultanate. The park contains several tombs and monuments from the period, including the tombs of Muhammad Shah and Sikandar Lodi. The buildings are made of red sandstone and are decorated with intricate carvings and calligraphy.

Causes Of The Emergence Of Delhi Sultanate Architecture

Various features led to the beginning of Delhi Sultanate Architecture:

• Fortifications and defensive constructions were built during the Delhi Sultanate, a time of political unrest and conflict. Buildings from this era, like the Tughlaqabad Fort and Firoz Shah Kotla, were frequently constructed as fortifications.
• Muslim and Indian cultures intermingled and merged during the Delhi Sultanate, which was a time of cultural exchange and fusion. As a result, Indian and Islamic architectural features, such as chhatris and jharokhas, were combined.

Important Art And Architecture Of Delhi Sultanate

Let us have a look at the following table to give a glance at important buildings in the Medieval India.

Conclusion

Delhi Sultanate Architecture was a unique style of architecture that emerged during the rule of the Delhi Sultanate in India. It was characterized by the use of red sandstone and marble, intricate carvings and calligraphy, and a fusion of Islamic and Indian elements. Some of the important buildings from this period include the Qutub Minar, Jama Masjid, and Tughlaqabad Fort. The emergence of Delhi Sultanate Architecture was influenced by Persian and Central Asian styles, political instability and conflict, cultural exchange and fusion, and religious and cultural patronage.

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