Indo-Islamic architecture of Delhi

The conquest of India by the Muslims made an effective and distinct impact on the indigenous manifestations of life and culture, which gave rise, among other expressions of art, also to a new style in architecture. This style incorporated not only certain new modes and principles of construction but reflected also the religious and social needs of the adherents of Islam. The necessity of raising a round dome over a square construction introduced multiplication of sides and angles by providing squinches, so that a base with many sides, usually sixteen, could be obtained to raise a circular drum of the dome. A balcony was laid on cantilever brackets projecting from walls, which introduced as the 'chhajjas'(eaves or sunshades).Kiosks (chhatris), tall towers (minars) and half-doomed double portals are some of the other distinguishing features of the Indo-Islamic architecture.

   The difference in the lay-out of a temple and mosque is explained by the essential difference between the Hindu and Muslim forms of worship. In Hindu temples, one can see the 'garbha-griha'(image of deity) and often a small hall in front for the worshippers (mandapa). But the Islamic form of worship, with its emphasis on congregational prayer, requires a spacious courtyard (sihn) with a large prayer hall at its western end (liwan). Mosque also have wall of prayer hall called mihrab and a gallery or compartment which is sometimes screened off in a corner of te prayer hall where the ladies accommodate who observed purdah. The main entrance to a mosque is on the east and the sides are enclosed by cloisters (riwaqs). A tank (hauz) is provided for ablutions usually in the courtyard of a mosque. The mode, theme or motifs of ornamentation employed in Islamic buildings are also different from the earlier Hindu vogues.  The ornamental designs in Islamic buildings were carved on stone in low relief, cut on plaster, painted or inlaid. Muslim ornamentation, even on stone or other base, in effect is usually close to embroidery. Striking color effect was often obtained by en caustic enamel on tiles. Indo-Islamic architecture falls under three broad classes. The monuments erected by or under the patronage of the Sultans belong to the first class. Contemporaneously at least in part, monuments were also coming up in the different provinces, which were originally ruled by governors appointed by the Sultans, but which soon declared themselves independent. These exhibit a diversified but distinct class. To the class belong the constructions of the Mughals, who brought India under an almost united suzerainty.

   The monuments in Delhi belong to the first and third class. While among important monuments of the first class there exist only two outside Delhi- the Arhai-Din-ka-Jhonpra at Ajmer and the Jami- Masjid at Bari Khatu, district Nagaur- Delhi and Agra share between themselves the largest number of monuments erected by or associated with the Mughal rulers. Delhi has strong impression of Indo-Islamic art and architecture.