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Architecture of the Delhi Sultanate

1. Qutb Minar Complex (Delhi)

• Location: Delhi
• Name Origin: Named after the Sufi saint Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki.
• Initial Construction:
  • Started by Qutbuddin Aibak (first Muslim ruler of Delhi) in 1193.
  • He only completed the basement.
• Subsequent Construction:
  • Iltutmish (Aibak’s successor) added three more stories.
  • Firuz Shah Tughluq added the fourth and fifth stories in 1368.
• Key Structures within the Complex:
  • Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque: The mosque for which the Qutb Minar serves as the victory tower.
  • Alai Darwaza:
    • Built by Alauddin Khalji in 1311 AD.
    • Serves as the main, domed entrance gateway to the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque.
    • One of the first buildings in India to employ a true Islamic architectural style.
    • Notable for introducing the horseshoe-shaped arch.
  • Tomb of Iltutmish: Located within the complex.
  • Tomb of Balban:
    • Significant for featuring the first true arch constructed in India.
    • Recognized as India’s first tomb built in the Indo-Islamic style (constructed in 1287 AD).

2. Other Important Monuments & Sites

• Arhai Din Ka Jhonpra
  • Location: Ajmer, Rajasthan
  • Significance: One of the oldest mosques in India.
• Tughluqabad
  • Built by: Ghiyasuddin Tughluq
  • Time Period: 1320-1325 AD.
• Jahaz Mahal (Ship Palace)
  • Location: Mandu, Madhya Pradesh
  • Built by: Sultan Ghiyasuddin Khalji
  • Purpose: Served as a harem for the Sultan.
  • Design: Built between two artificial lakes, making it resemble a ship.
• Jama Masjid
  • Location: Gulbarga
• Atala Masjid
  • Location: Jaunpur
  • Associated Dynasty: Sharqi dynasty.

3. Architectural Styles & Features

• First True Arch: Introduced in the Tomb of Balban.
• Horseshoe Arch: First introduced in the Alai Darwaza.
• Dynastic Architectural Signatures:
  • Khaljis: Used the ‘Lotus bud’ fringe on the underside of arches.
  • Tughluqs: Associated with the emergence of the octagonal tomb style.
  • Sharqis: Known for building massive entrance gates with inclined walls.
  • Vijayanagara Style: Used Bodegoi (mythical lion) figures in pillars.

4. Rajput Architecture (Mewar)

• Kirti Stambha (Chittor)
  • Built by: Rana Kumbha of Mewar.
  • Purpose: To commemorate his victory over Mahmud Khalji of Malwa.
  • Inscription: The ‘Kirti-Stamba Prashasti’ (eulogy) was composed by the poet Atri Kavi.
  • Construction: The monument itself was constructed by Jaita.

5. Chronological Order of Construction

The correct chronological order of building these sites is:

1. Qutb Minar (1206-1236 AD)
2. Tughluqabad (1320-1325 AD)
3. Lodi Garden (1451-1526 AD)
4. Fatehpur Sikri (1571-1585 AD)

Know More About  Delhi Sultanate: Art and Architecture:

• Delhi Sultanate: Art and Architecture– Old Year Questions and Answers
• Delhi Sultanate: Art and Architecture One Liner Questions & Answers