DELHI OR IMPERIAL STYLE -UNIT III

DEVELOPMENT OF ARCHITECTURAL STYLE DURING THE RULE OF THE SLAVE, TUQLAQ, SAYYID AND
LODHI DYNASTIES-IMPORTANT EXAMPLES FOR EACH PERIOD

Delhi / Imperial Style:

The Imperial style of Islamic architecture flourished at the capital of Delhi for 350 years with
five Muslim dynasties.
a)Mohammed Qasim- Earliest Mosque at Bhambore

b) Slave dynasty -Its members were not of royal blood but belonged to a system of slavery
which at that time was an accepted practice. One of Mohammed of Ghor’s slaves
QutbUddin Aibak was appointed as governor for Ghor’s possessions in India. After the death
of Muhammed of Ghor, Qutbuddin established & extended the slave dynasty in India & he
was followed by nine other slave kings. Qutbuddin & his son-in-law shamsuddin, Iltutmish
were the most active patrons of the building art & they almost layed the foundations of this
style in India.

Qutb-un-din-Aibak-
 “Qutb Mosque
 Qutb Minar”
 “Arhai-din-ka- Jhompra”.
Iltutmish-
 “Extension of the Qutb complex
 Tomb of Iltutmish”
 Cave of the Sultan- Sultan ghari
Balban-
 Tomb of Balban
c) Khalji Dynasty-
Ala-ud-din khalji
 “Extension of the Qutb Complex”
 “Alai Darwaza & Alai minar”
 “Alai Hauz (Hauz Khas)
 “City of Siri”
 “Jamat Khana Masjid”

d) Tughlaq dynasty-
Ghias-ud-din Tughlaq-
 “Tomb of Rukhn-i-Alam”
 “Tughlaqabad”
 “Tomb of Ghias-ud-din Tughlaq

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Md-bin-Tughlaq-
 “Daulatabad”
 “Improvements to Tughlaqabad”
 “Bijori Mandal”

Firuz shah Tughlaq-

 “Firuz shah kotla”,
 Hans khas
 “Kalan” Masjid”,
 Ashok lat
 “Kali”
 “Khirki Masjid”
 “Begumpuri” / Tomb of Telengam.

e) Sayyid Dynasty-
Mubarak Sayyid and Mohammed Sayyid -
 Tombs of Mubarak Sayyid & Mohammed Sayyid

f) Lodi Dynasty-
Sikandar Lodi -
 Tomb of Sikandar Lodi
 Moth ki Masjid
 Tombs of Isa Khan, Adham Khan
 Bara Gumbad
 Qila-i-Kunha
 Jamala Masjid

Slave dynasty –
Introduction:
Its members were not of royal blood but belonged to a system of slavery which at that time was
an accepted practice. Therefore, it was not unusual for them to rise to high positions.One of
Mohammed of Ghori’s slaves QutbUddin Aibak was appointed as governor for Ghori’s
possessions in India(1191 A.D).
After the death of Muhammed of Ghori, Qutbuddin established & extended the slave dynasty in
India & he was followed by nine other slave kings. Qutbuddin & his son-in-law shamsuddin,
Iltutmish were the most active patrons of the building art & they almost layed the foundations
of this style in India.

Qutb-un-din-Aibak-
 “Qutb Mosque
 Qutb Minar”
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  “Arhai-din-ka- Jhompra”.
Iltutmish-
 “Extension of the Qutb complex
 Tomb of Iltutmish”
 Cave of the Sultan- Sultan ghari
Balban-
 Tomb of Balban

Qutb-un-din-Aibak-

Qutb – ud –din Aibak, the founder of the slave dynasty - lost no time in consolidating his power
in India by erecting monumental buildings of stone on the site of Qala-i-rai-pithaura which he
converted into the Muslim capital of Delhi.

His Important Projects:

 He constructed the Qutb Mosque on the foundation of a Hindu Temple with the
Spoilsfrom existing buildings. It was merely an assortment of pillars arranged in
columned aisles to produce the necessary mosque enclosure.
 Qutb Screen-On the western side of this enclosure– first example of a definite
Islamicelement erected in Indian soil.
 Qutb Minar:-This was the monumental tower to form part of the Qutb Mosque.
 Arhaidin Ki Jhompra –out of the spoils of other buildings.
These examples show that a clear cultural & creative current was finding its way to Delhi & it
had some relationship with west-Asia.

Example 1: Qutb Mosque Or The Quwwat – Ul – Islam Mosque Or The Might Of

Islam
 In the centre of the Hindu Citadel was a large temple, which he ordered to be
dismantled.
 Retaining intact the chabbutra or plinth of an old temple – it was enlarged to double its
size sufficiently spacious to accommodate the mosque.
 The mosque was rectangular in plan 212’0” X 150’0” cloisters all around on the four
sides.
 It had a courtyard 14 1’0” X 105’0” surrounded by cloister 3 aisles deep.
 Necessary height was achieved by placing one column above another.
 Its arcaded aisles were composed of pillars carved in perfect Hindu Style.
 The arrangement of pillars on Mecca Side was more spacious & elaborated into a series
of bays covered by shallow domes to form the sanctuary.
 In front of the centre of the sanctuary the famous Iron pillar from Mathura was erected
deprived of its crowning figure of garuda.

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Example 2: Qutb Screen(1199)
 Two Years after the construction of the Qutb Mosque its inappropriateness was
overcome by the introduction of an important Islamic, architectural, elements in
mosques the “Maqsura Screen” across the entire front of the sanctuary,
 Through the openings of which the congregation in the courtyard could view the imam
of person leading prayers.-
 This screen as a whole formed a great wall of masonry over 50’0”ht. at the centre &
108’0” wide & 8’6” thick.
 It was peirced by five openings a large central archway 45’0” height with a span of
22’0”.
 On either sides were 2 smaller arches -25’0” high above the side arches was a kind of
clerestory having a series of four smaller arched opening one over each of the side
arches.
 There was little attempt at articulation of the mosque composition as a whole the
screen was almost an independent object in itself.
 With a low pillared sanctuary at its rear, the clerestory served no practical purpose of
lighting or ventilation.
 Attempt to reproduce the mosque façade in Persia without understanding its structural
meaning & relation to the rest of the building.
 The rough rubble masonry was covered with a veneer of red sandstone.
 Entire surface was decorated with rich patterns, , a border of spiral form contrasting
with the upright lines of decorative calligraphic inscriptions from the Quran.
 The indigenous workmanship is obvious from the construction of the Arch.
 Prior to the Qutb Mosque, for some centuries, in countries under Muslim rule, the TRUE
ARCH had been employed.
 But here, the rudimentary system of CORBELLING out the Arch was used.

Example 3: Qutb Minar

 Qutbuddin laid the foundations of a structure which when completed-became one of
the most remarkable architectural monuments ever produced.
 Even today –after 800 years of building in Delhi, the Qutb Minar remains the most eye-
catching monument in the capital.
Reasons for the construction of the Qutb Minar :
 To Commemorate Muslim victories on the battle field.
 Formed an adjunct to the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque as a minaret to call the faithful to
prayer.
 Served the obvious military function of a watch tower. The plains around were visible
for miles form the top.
 To proclaim the prestige & authority of Islam over the whole world. The term “Qutb”
signifies a pole, an axis & thus the pivot of Justice, sovereignty of faith.

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  It marked the eastern limit of the spread of Islam.
Characteristic features :
 The Qutb Minar was situated outside the mosque enclosure.
 The Qutb Minar consisted of four stories originally, diminishing as they ascend with a
projecting balcony dividing each stage.
 Lower 3 storeies untouched
 4th storey-circular kiosk with window openings & a domical roof
 Later domical roof removed & an additional storey added increasing the height&
changing the proportions.
 Circular in plan with a base diameter of 46’0” diminishing to 10’0” at its summit.
 Every stage is treated with a different pattern
 1st Stage – Stellate or wedge shaped flanges alternating with rounded flutes
 2nd Stage- circular projection
 3rd Stage – Star-shaped
 4th Stage – circular
 It is entered by a doorway on the northern side.
 A stairway spirals its way up to each balcony, finishing with a platform on the uppermost
storey.
 The most elegant features of the monument are the balconies and there means of
support.
 The balustrade around these balconies took the shape of stepped balustrades, when
they were first built.
 A system of “STALACTITE BRACKETING” supported their weight.
 A cluster of mini-arches or small alcoves, with brackets in between were used here.
 The little alcoves are patterned with a network like honey combing.
 Vivid colour of its red sandstone, the changing texture of its fluted stories, the contrast
between alternating spaces of carving and plain masonry, the play of the shadows under
the balconies, all combine to impart an effect of VITALITY.
 The tapering of the structure was done for 3 reasons:
1) To give the whole structure an upward impulse
2) To create an illusion of increased height
3) For stability

Example 4: Ajmir Mosque: Arhai-din-ka-Jhompra

 Another important structure is attributed to Qutbuddin –not at Delhi but at Ajmer.
 Construction began on the site of an old, probably the site of an old mela or fair ground,
which lasted for 2 ½ days.
 It was the same as the Delhi mosque, completed out of Hindu materials.
 It was twice as big as the Delhi mosque.
 The resultant was more graceful with its slender pillars, finer proportions in its
columned aisles, more finished roofing.

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  Increased height was obtained by superimposing 3 Hindu pillars, 20’height was
obtained.
 Since it was located on high ground, a tall stairway in 4 flights was added to the east
entrance.
 Interior of the mosque consisted of merely an open courtyard with cloisters around.
 Later, an arched screen was built across the façade of the sanctuary by his son-in-law
Shamshuddin Iltumish.

Shams – Ud – Din – Iltutmish (1211 - 1236)

During his reign four important architectural works were done:
a) Addition of a Screen to the Ajmir Mosque
b) A grand extension to Qutb Mosque (1229)
c) The tomb of his son, called “Sultan Ghari” or “Sultan of the Cave” (1231)
d) His own tomb at Delhi (before 1235)

Example 1: Screen at Ajmir Mosque

 No upper storey or Triforium
 Above the main archway are Fluted Minarets, one on each side.
 The main arch is less curved and resembles the 4 centered types, commonly referred to
as the Tudor arch which is invariably found in the later Indo – Islamic Style.
 The smaller side arches (64 in numbers), four are of the Multifoil Pointed variety, rare in
Indian architecture.
 But, the principal change is seen in the Character of Surface Decoration. The exquisite
floral decoration is absent and wherever inscriptions are not required, conventional
patterns of a mechanical order are introduced.
 On the whole, it extends over a width of 200’ its central parapet is 56’ high and its
masonry is nearly 12’ thick.
 There is a small, rectangular panel in the spandrel of each archway – originally used as a
system of lighting in the ancient mosque of Arabia, but now purely as a decorative
motif.

Example 2: Extension of Qutb Mosque

 Enlarged the original mosque enveloping it within a much more spacious courtyard &
extending the screen of arches to the sides. – in other words doubled the entire
conception.
 Nothing very notable except its size.
 Cloisters are plainer.
 The screen also merely duplicates the existing range of arches.
 Even though the indigenous principal of over sailing courses was used, the Ogee curve
gives way to a simple arch, forming “Equilateral Arches”,
 Similar to the “Decorated Gothic Arch”.
 The surface decoration was similar to the one at Ajmer.

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Example 3: Cave of the Sultan- Sultan ghari
 This was the first example of a MOUNMENTAL TOMB in the Architecture of India.
 The sultan Ghari is so called, as the cenotaph is in an underground chamber and the
entire scheme is so designed that it would provide a suitable retreat for minor
ceremonies.
 Privacy on these occasions was ensured, as the tomb was contained within a substantial
masonry arcade. It was raised on a high plinth, with a massive gateway on the eastern
side.
 The exterior is built of grey granite with circular bastions at each angle of the square.
 Within the enclosure is a square courtyard of 66’ side.
 In the centre is an Octagonal platform, forming the roof of the tomb-chamber below.
 There are pillared arcades on the east and west sides.
 Perhaps this was designed to support a superstructure probably a pillared pavilion with
a Pyramidal roof.

Example 4: Tomb Of Iltutmish’s Son (1231)

 Situated outside the Qutb mosque on the N-Western side.
 It is a square, compact structure of 42’0” side with an entrance doorway on three sides
to accommodate a series of three Mihrabs on its inner face.
 Exteriors – plain & unfinished.
 Interior hall 30’0” X 30’0” elaborately decorated.
 Sandstone walls relieved with white marble & inscriptions from the Quran, Geometric &
conventional motifs used.
 Roof: Initially – Concentric rings of masonry – unable to withstand – so collapsed.
 Later – square bay converted into a circle ,the square compartment below & circular
base above –achieved by the squnich system

Method of construction of the DOME- Squnich System

 The earliest if not the first attempt in India to devise an organic union between the
rectangular/square shape of the space below and the circular base of the dome above.
 The “SQUINCH” system was employed in this case.
 The squnich consisted of projecting a small arch or similar element across the upper part
of the square hall converting its square shape into an octagon which again if necessary
may be transformed into a 16 sides figure in the same manner, over which the dome
rests.
 With the tomb of Iltutmish, Islamic architecture under slave kings closes. For 60 years
there were no structures of importance constructed.

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Khalji Dynasty
Introduction:
After the death of Sham-ud-din Iltumish and slave dynasty in 1234, the rise of khalji dynasty in
1290, no buildings of considerable importance was built.In 1926 Ala-ud-din khalji ascended the
throne as the 3rd ruler of the Afganized turks i.e.khaljis near Ghazni
He brought a decisive advance in the field of architecture.

Most Important Projects :

 Most important building projects consisted of a scheme to construct an immense
congregational mosque at the Qutb which would include the 2 mosque already erected
within its perimeter; with the largest enclosure more towards the northern end.
 Within this spacious enclosure, Alauddin Khalji proposed to raise a colossal minar (Alai
minar) its proportions double that of Qutb Minar (only 1 storey was constructed)
 After his death in 1316 the construction was stopped and only completed portion of the
project was the southern entrance to the courtyard, the Alai Darwaza or gateway of
Alauddin.
 In the character of its architectural treatment, form and construction it is clear that it
had some fresh architecture Influence.
 This can he seen in :
1) The shape and inventiveness of the arches.
2) Method of walling
3) Concept of the dome
4) Method of support of the dome
5) The design of surface decoration.
 The architectural influence is clearly the style of the Saljug’s

Example I : Alai Darwaza / Gateway of Ala-ud-din

Introduction:
The Alai darwaza was erected to serve as one of the 4 entrances to the mosque enclosure 2 of
which were on the long eastern side and 1 on the north and south each. Only the southern
entrance (or) Alai Darwaza was complete in all it parts. Hence, it is an insolated structure
without much meaning as it exists today.
The execution of the Alai Darwaza was specially done first, either to provide a formal entrance
through which the ruler could pass to view the progress of work, as his royal residence was to
the southern side. Influence of West Asian style was seen because skilled masons and artists
who were refuges from west Asia were employed for the construction.

Plan :

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  The Alai Darwaza is a building of moderate size. Originally, there was a pillared portion
carrying a small dome attached to the northern face of the gate house and within the
mosque courtyard. Only the gate house remains now.
 The gate house has a main central hall, a cubical structure of 55’0” side in plan with a
doorway flanked by perforated stone windows in the middle of each side. The single
inner room is 360’ X 360’ with a domed ceiling.

Elevation :
 The 3 outer faces are much alike, each with a tall archway over a flight of steps leading
to the higher floor of the interior.
 The vertical sides of the plinth have varied elegantly carved bands.
 The surface of the wall above is divided into 2 stories. The top storey is divided into
rectangular panels in 2 levels the lower storey has 2 perforated stone grills (or) arched
recesses on either sides of the central gateway.
 The total height to the top of the domical finial is over 60’0”.
 The entire structure is executed in a combination of Red Sandstone and white
marble arabesques and decorative inscriptions.

Arches:
 The graceful of the faced lies in the shape of its arches, particularly the central opening
the proportions of which is one of the best of Islamic architecture.
 It is of the pointed horse-shoe or “keel”type of arch. It is a true arch constructed with
radiating voussiors of stone masonry.
 The decorative treatment of the arch emphasizes it beauty of from.
 Around its outlines is a band of inscription carved in white marble and on the under side
or intrados is a fringe of spear heads.
 In the spandrels are sockets which once contained projecting bosses, typical of the
Saljugs.

Ornamentation:
 Supporting the arch are slender nook shafts and the whole is contained within a
rectangular frame work bordered repeating patterns and inscription in white marble.
 The colored plastic composition or scheme was balanced and even though the entire
surface was carved in low and high relief.
 The 3 outer facades are Islamic in style but the 4th façade on the north within the
missing portico is indigenous in character.
 The opening of this doorway has a semicircular arch a shallow traefoil forming its outline
with motifs repeated in the some way as done on temples which is contrary to Islamic
convention.

Method Of Support Of The Dome :

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  The squinch system was employed with true arches having radiating voussiors as in all
parts of the building.
 The construction or execution of the squnich arch was done in a very artistic manner. In
each angle of the hall, is an alcove or semi-vault of pointed arches recessed one within
the other forming the support for the dome.
 The circle is converted to an octagon, the octagon to a square and the load of the dome
is gracefully transferred to the ground.

Construction Techniques:
 Alternate courses of stretchers and headers for the walls.
 Radiating voussiors of dressed stones were used for the construction of arches.
 The arches were pointed horse- shoe as keel.
 Squinch system was used, by reversing the pointed arches the circle was changed into
octagon and then by further recessing it, it was changed into a square.
Method of stone masonry:
 Was of an unusual and determinative character.
 It consisted of laying their masonry in 2 different courses, a narrow course of headers
alternating with a much wider course of stretchers forming a firm bond.
 A similar system is seen in the west Asian (parthian palaces and bldgs of syria).

Example II : Jamaat khana Masjid or Hazrat Nizamuddin’s tomb

 In plan it was rectangular its facades consisting of 3 broad arched openings having a
wide land of inscription and the spear head fringe in its intrados.
 The mosque is in 3 compartments corresponding to the 3 arches covered with 3 shallow
domes.
 The central larger compartment is 38’0” side with 2 large archways giving access to the
other 2 compartment.
 These archways have a band of Quranic inscription around them and the spear head
fringe in the intrados.
 Squnich arches same as the Alai Darwaza is used a slight different that there was an
intervening storey or triforium imposed at the base of the dome.
 Indigenous handling brought in a few changes particularly in the shape of the arch – the
springing of the arch is flattened - and there is the ogee at the crown which is an
indigenous influence –

Other Architectural Works Of Alauddin Khalji :

 City of siri -2nd of the7 cities of Delhi (little remains today)
 His own tomb Ruined
 A college
 Bridge over the Camberi River in chitor.

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The Tughlaq Dynasty (A.D. 1320 – A.D. 1413)
Introduction:
The dynasty of the Tughlags, who ruled for 100 yrs, consisted of 11 rulers, out of which 3 were
interested in the art of building. They were:
 The founders of the dynasty Ghiyas-Ud-Din-Tughlaq I (1320 – 25)
 His son Mohammed Shah Tughlaq (1325 -51)
 Firoz Shah Tughlaq (1351-88)
Each ruler added his own capital city to the two already existing at Delhi.

1. Ghiyas – Ud – Din – Tughlaq

Architecture during this limited period(ruled only for 5 years) was concentrated on the creation
of the 3rd city of Delhi known as Tughlaqabad.

Example I : 3rd city of Delhi –“Tughlaqabad”

 The city was built on a rock formation. Nothing of this remains today.
 This was the first of the great complexes combining a city, fort and palace.
 The city is in two parts consisting of a citadel and the city.The fortress city had inclined
stone walls and spreading towers.
 This city is irregular in outline because of the topography of the site. (follows the shape
of the rocky outcrop) It is a rough rectangle of approximately 2200mts each way.
 The enclosure walls had huge circular bastions sometimes in 2 storey, having
battlemented parapet on top and sloping sides perforated by innumerable openings for
arches.
 The enclose wall had 52 gateways each flanked by towers and approached by broad
ramps for passage of elephants.
 The citadel dominates the whole structure and was surrounded by a moat.
 The citadel was a fortress and palace combined, being divided into two enclosures.
 The former was a keep with case mates, embrasures galleries and guarded entrances.
 The latter contained the royal residence the halls of audience, some rooms which may
have been roofed over with wooden chambers.
 A long underground corridor to pass in and out of the citadel was present.
 Through this corridor communication could be maintained with an important past of the
fortress: THE TOMB OF GHIYASUDDIN TUGHLAQ at Tughlaqabad.

Example II:The Tomb Of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq (A.D.1325)

Introduction:

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The tomb is in a surprisingly perfect condition.Initially standing within an artficial lake, it is a
detached structure which is connected to the citadel by an elevated causeway 250m long and it
takes the form of a self contained miniature fortress.
It was intended to be a “dougon” (or) place of last resort for Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq.The entire
structure including the entrance is contrived as a death trap a series of under ground rooms
which have no connection to the mortuary chamber. The rooms were meant for keeping the
hoarded wealth.

Exterior Plan and Elevation:

 The exterior plan of this fortress-tomb is an irregular pentagon with a spreading bastion
at each angle, an unusual shape dictated by the small rocky island on which it was built.
 The tomb is placed diagonally at its widest part, such that it is oriented towards Mecca.
 The courtyard within is of the same unsymmetrical outline with the tomb building
placed at the wider part facing the west.
 In plan, the exterior measurement is – 61’0” X 61’0” and the Over all height including
sandstone finial – 80’0” approx.
 The most striking part is the 75 degree slope of the outer walls.
 In the centre of each side there is a recessed, tall, pointed archway, three of which
contain doorways. The fourth on the western site accommodates the Mihrab in the
interiors.
 The tomb bldg is of red sandstone with certain portions including the dome of white
marble.
 This structure is similar to Alai Darwaza in the treatment of the pointed arches a spear
head fringe but has certain marked difference.
1. Shape of the arch – Modified into a Tudor outline. There is a slight ogee
curve at the crown.
2. The imposition of a lintel across the base of the arch- combining 2
principles of support, the arch and the beam, the fusion of 2 system the
trabeate and the arcuate. The beam was merely ornamental with the
addition of a bracket under the ends of the beam.
Interior:-
 The interior of this tomb is a single chamber 30’0” X 30’0” light admitted through the 3
arched openings.
 The domed ceiling is supported on 4 squinch arches in the same manner as the Alai
Darwaza but has 3 projecting blocks of stone acting of brackets.
 The dome is of the pointed or “Tartac” shape typical of the later indo- Islamic style.
 The construction of the dome was by means of headers and stretchers of marble
attached to a brick and cement core, dowelled in with metal clamps with temporary
centering.
 The span of the dome – 55’0” and is crowned by a finial resembling the kalasa and amla
of a Hindu temple.

Ineffective Elements In Its Design:

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  The weak projection of the central bays framing the archways and the timid extension
of these above the parapet disproportionately small merlons.
 Rectangular marble panels tend to be mean and featureless, not in keeping with the
bold, robust character of the main composition.

Unusual Development In Design:

 Slope or batter of the walls of the Tomb of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq which is an influence
from the mausoleum of shah – rukn – i-alam at multan.
 In multan, there was scarcity of stone. So they used brick for construction. In important
structures for stability they used sloping walls and other unlined features which
dominated the design.

2.Mohammed-bin-Tughlag
Juna killed his father and crowned himself as Mohammed-bin-Tughlag. Mohammed was
learned and interested in Medical sciences and philosophy.

His Contributions:
 Built the 4th city of Delhi, joined the 2nd city Tughlaqbad and first city, (Qutb complex) by
enclosing the space between them by fortified walls.This came to be known as city of
Jahanpannah.
 He also added the fort of Adilabad at the other end of the lake opposite Tughlaqbad.
Eg:The Bijal Mandal part of a “palace of 1000 columns.
 Secular architecture is usually represented by fortresses and palaces. In this instance,
the example is the nobleman’s private residence known as the “Bara Khamba” or
“Twelve Pillars”.

Example I:Bara Khamba

 It had an enclosed courtyard with the well and bathing facilities in the center with
quarters for servants and stables around.
 An inner staircase leads to the large flat roof or terrace guarded by a parapet wall which
was used in summer.
 Connected with the courtyard, is a pillared compartment with coffered ceiling.
 Outside is the garden with a well and a chabutra or sit-out.
 The whole is contained within a high and substantial protective wall for security and
privacy.
 There is a square, three storied tower which is accessible from every part of the ground
floor. The sloping wall of the tower and the pyramidal roof suggests the existing
architecture style.

In the reign of Mohammed Tughlaq the capital was changed from Delhi to Daulatabad in
Deccan. The forced migration led to misery and affected seriously the continuity of the style of
architecture.Only by the enthusiastic patronage of Md.Tughlaq’s successor Firoz shah Tughlaq,
was the style revived.
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Firoz Shah Tughlaq:
In his rule of 37yrs he produced a style of his own. He was so dedicated to the art of building
that he made it almost part of this faith. He made 1200 gardens 200 towns, 40 mosques, 30
villages, 30 reservoirs, 50 dams’ 100 hospitals, 100 public baths and 150 bridges around Delhi.
His was the First Islamic city of Delhi to be built on the banks of the River Yamuna.
Due to scarcity of skilled stone masons and experienced workmen very plain but serviceable
buildings were constructed. In place of sandstone ashlar, random rubble was used. Structural
elements like lintels, pillars and doorposts are of roughly dressed stone monoliths. Effect of
slope is emphasized by the attachment of tapering turreted buttresses at the quoins crowned
with low domes.
With masonry of a loosely knit order, additional strength and stability was got by constructing
certain portions thicker at the base than the top although it was not structurally necessary. This
gave an illusion of great power. Architecture produced was dull and features a scheme of
somber monochromes and half tones. Architecture was devoid of ornamentation contrary to
the indigenous style.

His Important Projects:

 Most important project was the construction of the 5th city of Delhi known as Firuzabad
or the “Firuz shah kotla” apart from Jaunpur, Hissar, etc.
 Hauz-i-khas
 “Kalan” Masjid”,
 “Kali” Masjid
 “Khirki Masjid”
 “Begumpuri” / Tomb of Telengam.

Example I :Firuzabad (Kolla Firuz)

 The 5th city of Delhi known as Firuzabad was built by Firoz Tughlaq in 1354.
 The site of the Firuz Shah kotla is on an extensive plain bodering the Yamma River. The
city was fairly symmetrical in plan.
 The palace city is a slightly irregular rectangle, 800m long and 400m wide having
defensive walls.
 The city was surrounded by a high battlement wall tall spreading bastions at
intervals.Easter side is the longer side is parallel and abutted the banks of the rivers.
 The main entrance to this enclosure was on the western side and consisted of strongly
fortified gateway.
 On the opposite side to the main gate across the width of the kotla, was a large
rectangle enclosure overlooking the river.
 Within this were the palaces, royal and private residences.Most of them aligned along
and above the outer wall to receive the benefit of the cool air carried across the water.
 The rest of the space within the kotla walls was divided into square and rectangular
courtyards.

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  Directly opposite the main entrance was a large rectangular court defined by cloisters
meant to be the Diwan-i-am (hall of public audience), a spacious open quadrangle
surrounded by a pillared verandah for transaction of political and official affairs.
 Just behind this was the Diwan-i-khas (hall of private audience) where the king held his
cabinet meetings.
 In the other courtyards were structures such as pavilions, grape, and water gardens,
baths, tanks, barraks and armory, and servant’s quarters.
 Against the river wall towards the center was the main congregational mosque, the Jami
Masjid with a capacity of 10,000.
 Mosque-Most of them built around Old Delhi:
1. Kali Masjid(A.D.1370)
2. Begumpuri Mosque at Jahanpanah(A.D.1370)
3. Khirki Masjid at Jahanpanah(A.D. 1375)
4. Kalan Masjid at Shahjahanabad(A.D.1375).
Most important ones are Kali Masjid and Kalan Masjid

Example II :Mosques
Similarities - Kali Masjid and Kalan Masjid
 Both Mosques raised on a ‘tahkhana’ or substructure of arches.
 Entrances were boldly projected approached by a flight of steps with rounded bastions
thrown out from each corner, the entire composition having a fortress like appearance.
 The massive arched and buttressed pylon-like-structure placed in the middle of the
maqsura was another feature.
 Doorway - Arch and beam doorway
 A cruciform plan with the two main aisles crossing at right angles and having a series of
square bays with cloisters around.
 The corners of each bay have heavy piers supporting Tudor arches between and each
bay is roofed by a cup shaped dome.

Khirkhi masjid :
 Has wide cloisters, the entire are of the mosque is covered except four open
quadrangles one in the center of the four quarters.
 A distinctive feature of the pylon façade is the tapering turret at the corners creating the
sloping appearance.

Example III :Tomb Of Firuz Shah Tughlaq(Hauz-i-khas)

 The mausoleum of Firuz now known as the Hauz-i-khas consists of the tomb and a
college all situated beside an ornamental take.
 Square in plan and 45’0” side externally, its plain cemented walls slope gently, each side
relieved by a projecting surface two of which have shapely arched openings.
 Above the parapet which has ornamental merlons rises an octagonal drum supporting a
shallow and slightly pointed dome.

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  Extending in front of the southern side is a low platform or small terrace surrounded by
a stone railing of graceful design composed of uprights and two horizontals, the whole
forming a private enclosure.
 Interiors: The interior of the tomb is a square chamber with squinch arches in each
angle, to support the dome. An arched Mihrab is sunk in the western wall.
 Both in the interior and exterior of this tomb, there is a certain amount of inscribed
arabesque ornamentation added by Sultan Sikander Lodi later.
College:
 The college of Theology or a madrassa was long the Northern and Western banks.
 The college buildings are 2 storeyed domed and pillared halls.
 The upper storey is at ground level with ample cross ventilation.
 The lower storey is just above water level and closed on one side.
 At the corner where the 2 wings of the college buildings met was the tomb.

Tomb of khan – i-Jahan (official at the court of Firuz) Delhi – Built in 1368 A.D.
 The tomb structure so far had been square in plan, but this one was octagonal in plan.
The eight sided plan was an experimental effort and its proportions are crude and
imperfect.
 The shape and architectural treatment of this tomb bears resemblance to one of the
most sacred mosques of Islam “The Dome of the Rock” at Jerusalem. All the features of
this mosque are reproduced in this example at Delhi.
 Each side of its octagonal verandah contains three Tudor arches and over these projects
a wide “CHAJJA” or eaves board – an element which from now onwards was
consistently maintained.
 Another innovation was the imposition of a range of eight cupolas on the roof rising
above the parapet one over each octagonal side around the central dome.
 From this comparatively small beginning was developed those large and stately
octagonal mausoleums like.
 Tomb of Mubarak Shah Sayyid (1434)
 Tomb of Isa Khan (1547)

After Firuz shah, Timur (grandson of changez khan) the mongol took over rule.There were civil
wars and anarchy.Timur destroyed and burned Delhi.Thus the Tughlaq Dynasty ended.
Note:Why every new city of Delhi (of the seven cities of Delhi) was built north of its
predecessor?
The reasons are:-
1. To receive fresh air and water from the Yamuna.
2. Fresh winds and Yamuna flowed into Delhi from the Northern Mountain ranges.

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Sayyid Dynasty-
Introduction:
After the invasion of Timur, Delhi was devastated. 15th and 16th early centuries saw the
devlopment of a style of architecture in and around Delhi by the Sayyid rulers and their
successors – the Lodis. The building industry languished because of the diminished influence of
these two dynasties. No great structures like capital or palaces were built except for tombs.
Scores of large and small tombs arose within Delhi’s neighbourhood.

Characteristic features of the Tombs:

 They range from simple open pillared pavilions in which the cenotaph is exposed to
view, to imposing structures standing within spacious walled enclosures entered by tall
gateways with a mosque on their western sides.
 The tombs no longer had the fortress like appearance but assumed the character of
cloistered garths surrounding a central monument more in keeping with their peaceful
and solemn purpose.
 Two separate types of tombs developed: An octagonal plan surrounded by an arched
colonnade or verandah with a projecting eave and one storey in height – recognized
design of a royal tomb.
 A square plan having no verandah and the exterior being two or sometimes three
stories in height -design reserved for nobles and others of high rank.
 In both instances the building was surmounted by a dome with a range of pillared kiosks
rising above the parapet one over each side of the octagonal tomb and one at each
corner of the square variety.
 The octagonal example is 1/3rd larger than the square type and the later is 1/3rd higher
than the former.
 The three royal tombs of the octagonal type built during the Sayyid and Lodi reign’s are :
a. Tomb of Mubarak Sayyid (died 1434) - Isolated structure
b. Tomb of Mohammed Sayyid (died 1444) - Isolated structure
c. Sikander Lodi (died 1517) - Stands within a garden complex with a mosque.
 In all respects these tombs are identical in their dimension and proportions except for
the height. The tomb of Mubarak is 4’0” lower than those of the other two.
 There measurements are 30’ each octagonal side, 74’ wide and the height of the dome,
excluding the finial is 54’ and that of Mubarak is 50’.

Example 1 : Tomb of Mubarak Shah Sayyid

 Dimensions: 30’0” width of each octagonal side,74’0” wide structure, height of the
structure is 50’0”.
 The construction of this tomb was an experiment as seen from the position of the dome
and the kiosks around its drum.
 The error or mistake was not visualizing the upper part of the structure as being raised
above the spectator’s eye and that from the average line of sight these parts would not

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 only be foreshortened but would be masked by those that were lower down and which
projected in front of them. The result is a slightly stunted elevation.

Example 2 : Tomb of Muhammad Sayyid

 Dimensions: 30’0” width of each octagonal side, 74’0” wide structure, height of the
structure is 54’0”.
 The height of the drum of the dome was raised by several feet, produced a well-
proportioned pleasing set up.
 The width of each octagonal face (30’0”) is equal to that of its height including the plinth
and the ornamental pinnacle (guldasta) at the corners. This measurement is half the
height of the building including the finial.
 Each octagonal face has 3 arched openings divided by pillars 2 openings on the sides
being slightly narrower than the central one.
 All the lines of the elevation are perpendicular except those at the angles which are
sloped by means of a buttress attached.
 The tomb chamber inside is octagonal in plan 23 ½ feet in diameter with an arch and
beam opening in each face.

Lodi Dynasty-
Introduction:
The Lodi Builders in terms of structure and over all layouts made two significant contributions
to the development of Islamic architecture in Delhi during the period of Sikander shah:
1. In his tomb an attempt was made to raise the outer dome to even more splendid
heights without allowing the inner chamber to appear disproportionably tall. They
introduced a second inner dome of lower profile due to two domes separated by a
void the proportions of the exterior and interior were improved.
2. For the first time in Delhi the Tomb was made more elaborate with arcading
verandah, with a Mosque attached to the tomb, surrounded by grand garden and
Impressive gateways.

Example 1 : Tomb of Sikander Lodi

 Dimensions: 30’0” width of each octagonal side, 74’0” wide structure, height of the
structure is 54’0”.
 The dome is composed of an inner and outer shell of masonry with a distinct space
between the two (i.e.) the first application of a double dome in Indian architecture.
 The reason for this structural procedure was to raise the height of the dome in order to
present a loftier and more imposing exterior.
 By constructing 2 domes in the form of an inner and an outer shell separated by a void,
the proportions of both interiors and exteriors were much improved.
 A deep and arcaded surrounding wall defines the square courtyard in the centre of
which is the tomb.

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  By the addition of a verandah to its western wall, the central court became the liwan
and a Mosque was attached to the funerary chamber.
 Impressive gateways were installed, the one on the Southern wall being especially
elaborate with a grand garden.

Tombs Of Square Plan – Seven In Delhi During This Period

 Bara Khan Ka Gumbad
 Chola Khan Ka Gumbad
 Bara Gumbad
 Shish Gumbad
 Tomb of Taj Khan
 Dadi Ka Gumbad
 Poli Ka Gumbad
Common Features :
 Most of them are isolated structures without any surrounding wall.
 These square buildings have no sloping parts, all the lines and planes are true and
vertical.
 The 2 and 3 stories forming their elevation are not definite floors, but merely arcade
zones introduced as architectural decoration to their facades.
 The central portion in the shape of a rectangle is projected out and has a large recessed
archway occupying nearly the total height of the structure up to the parapet.
 Within this arched recess is a doorway of the beam and bracket order – the space above
the door being occupied by an arched window opening.
 The facade has arched recesses sunk in rectangular panels.
 The parapet and the dome are treated in the same way as the octagonal tombs.
 Western side was the Mihrab and at every corner there was a squnich arch supporting
the dome.
 Over the cornice is a blind arcade with an arch on each of its 16 sides.(e.g. Shish
Gumbad)

Mosque – Four examples during this period:

 Mosque attached to the Bara Gumbad
 Moth – Ki – Masjid
 Jamala Masjid
 Qila – i – kuhna masjid.

Common Features :
 All the mosques were same as the Firuzian mosque.Only difference was in the
composition of the façade.
 It consists of a range of 5 open arches all of the same height, but of an unusual shape,
proportions and character.

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  The width was in excess in relation to the height and its outline was unduly emphasized
by receding planes.

Moth Ki Masjid – Characteristic features are :

 The shape and proportion of the 5 main arches of the façade with an emphasis on the
central bay.
 The refinement of the tapering turrets on the rear wall.
 The design of the doorway and its projecting balcony opening at the sides.
 There is a variation in the method of support of the dome. The central bay or nave uses
the squinch system whereas the side aisles have a form of stalactite pendentives at the
angles combining the elements of structures and ornamentation with striking elegance.
 Ornamentation is in the form of borders above the arches, medallions in the spandrels,
exquisite arabesque designs moulded in low relief and painted with bright colours.

In 1526 the battle of Painpet brought the rule of the Lodi’s to a close, terminating the imperial
sultanate of Delhi. The great rule by the sultanate was finished and a new magnificence was to
take over by the Mughals founded by the talented Babur, the Prince of the house of Timur.
Tombs which were built in the early Mughal period keeping in tradition with the Lodi style
were:
 Tomb of Isa Khan (1547)
 Tomb of Adham Khan (1561) – additional height was achieved by raising the drum of the
dome converting it into an intermediate storey or triforium. An arched recess in each of
the 16 sides introduces pleasing shadows into the composition.

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