Page 73 - SST Class 07
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g The first new element added in the Indian
architecture was the use of shapes instead of
natural forms. This apart, use of calligraphy
as inscriptional art was also a new element
added by Muslims.
g Muslims added the inlay decoration and use
of coloured marble, painted plaster and
brilliantly glazed tiles.
g The Dome was a new element added by the
Muslims. In contrast to the indigenous
Indian architecture which was of the
trabeated order, i.e., all spaces were
Victory Tower
spanned by means of horizontal beams, the
Islamic architecture was arcuate, i.e., an dry Delhi region. He also laid the foundation of a
arch or dome was adopted as a method of large tank called Hauz-i-Shamsi in Mehrauli.
bridging a space. Here, we have to note that Vijayanagar
the arch or dome was not an invention of The Vijayanagar rulers built beautiful structures,
the Muslims, but was borrowed and impro- especially temples, at Hampi. The Vittalaswami
vised from the architectural styles of the Temple, the Virupaksha Temple and the Hazara
post-Roman period. Rama Temple are fine specimens of the temple
g The Muslims used the cementing agent in architeature. Beautiful sculptures adorm the walls
the form of mortar / Limestone / Chuna for of these temples.
the first time in the construction of buildings Bahmani
in India. The Bahmani Sultans patronised architeature.
g The Indo-Islamic monuments were typical They built numerous mosques, madrasahs and
mortar-masonry works formed of dressed tombs. Some famous monuments are the Jama
stones. It must be emphasised that the Masjid at Gulbarga and the three famous monu-
development of the Indo-Islamic architec- ments at Bidar—the Jami Masjid, the Madrasah
ture was greatly facilitated by the knowledge of Mahmud Gawan and his tomb.
and skill possessed by the Indian craftsmen Successors of the Bahmanis
who had mastered the art of stonework for The Qutb Shahis continued the architeatural
centuries and used their experience while traditions of the Bahmanis. The fort at Golconda
constructing Islamic monuments in India. is a massive structure. Other structures con-
Rajput Kingdoms structed by them are the Mecca Masjid and the
The rulers of the kingdoms in the Rajputana famous Char Minar at Hyderabad. It has four
region built many forts. The Mehrangarh Fort in gates and four minarets.
Jodhpur and the fort at Chittor are imposing The Adil Shahis also built numerous monuments.
structures. Rana Kumbha constructed the Victory Among the famous ones are the Ibrahim Rauza
Tower at Cittore. and the Gol Gumbaz. The latter is the tomb of
Iltutmish built the ‘Gandhak ki Baoli’ to tide over Muhammad Adil Shah. It has one of the world’s
the water shortage. It was the first step-well in the largest domes.
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