Question

Did the regional architecture draw inspiration from the Sultanate architecture? Support your answer with examples.

Answer 1

The Indian regional architecture evolved under the influence of the Islamic architecture, which was brought to India by the rulers from the west. The regional architecture adopted some features of the Islamic architecture to evolve into a new style. Some examples are as under:

(1) The Sharqi kingdom of Jaunpur developed a new style of architecture called the Jaunpur architectural style. Bastions, minarets and the arch-and-beam combination used were its distinct features. Another feature was the facade of the mosques. Atala Masjid and Jami Masjid are its two examples.

(2) Within the Malwa region, the Indo-Islamic architecture thrived. The two cities Dhar and Mandu have a rich cultural legacy of mosques, tombs and palaces. The most distinctive feature is the artistic combination of the arch and lintel elements.

(3) In the Vijayanagar region, the finest examples of the Indo-Islamic fusion architecture can be found. The use of monolithic multiple pliers and pillars for architectural and decorative purposes is a distinct feature of the Vijayanagar style of architecture.