List the main features of Khalji architecture. What changes introduced by the Tughlaqs in the structural forms?

 With their architecture, as revealed in Alai Darwaza (built 1305) at the Qutub complex, and the Jamat Khana Masjid (built 1325) at Nizamuddin, a marked change ig style appears. In the evolution of Indo-Islamic architecture, this phase occupies a . , key position as it exhibits a distinct influence of the Seljuq architectural traditions (a Turkish tribe ruling over Central Asia and Asia Minor in 11-13 century) as also - . , certain salient features of composition which were adopted in the succeeding styles.

The characteristic features of this phase may be listed below :

• a)      Employment of true arch, pointed horse-shoe in shape.
• b)      Emergence of true dome with recessed arches under the squinch.
• c)       Use of red sandstohe and.decorative marble reliefs as new building materials
• d)      Appearance of 'lotus-bud' fringe on the underside of the arch - a Seljuq feature
• e)      Emergence of new fnasoq-faclng, consisting of a narrow course of headers - alternating with a qluch wider course of stretchers again a Seljuq feature.

In addition, the decoradke features characterised by calligraphy, geometryand arabesque now became such bolder and profuse.

The Tughluqs

A new architectural stylb came into vogue in the buildings of this period. Judging from the remains, only qe first three rulers of this house appear to have been interested in the art ofbpilding. However, the architecture of this period can be divided into two main gtbups. To the first group belong the constructionq of Ghiyasuddin and Muhahimad Tughluq, and the other to those of Feroz Taghluq.

The general features of the Tughluq style of architecture are listed below:

• a)      Stone rubble is the /principal building material and the walls are in most cases plastered.
• b)      The walls and bastens are invariably battered, the effect being most marked at the come
• c)       A hesitant and possibly experimental use of a new shape of arch- the four centered arch-necessitating its reinforcement with a supporting beam. . This arch-beam combination is a hall-mark of the Tughluq style. The pointed horse-shoe arch of the preceding style was abandoned because of its narrow compass and therefore the inability to span wider spaces.
• d)      Emergence of a pointed dome with clearly visible neck in co~trast with rather stifled dome of the preceding style.
• e)      Introduction of epcaustic tlles as an element of decoration in the panels of the buildings.
• f)        Emergence, in the tombs of this period, an octagonal plan which came to be copied and perfected by the Mughals in the 16th-17th century.

An aaditional reature was the element of reduced ornament, confined mostly to inscribed borders and medallions in spandrels executed in plaster or stucco.

Within a decade of the death of Feroz Shah Tughluq (1388), the Sultanate became politically unstable, and in 1398 was sacked and plundered by Timur. However, some .semblance of central authority remained with the two succeeding dynasties of the Saiyyids and ~odis; although they ruled over a greatly Shrunken Sultanate of Delhi between 1414 and 1526. A large number of tombs were built in and around Delhi so mdch so that over a period of time the area around Delhi looked like a sprawling qabristan (graveyard).

Yet some of these structures are important from architectural point of view and can be considered as heralding a distinct style. The more important of these tomb-buildings took two separate forms, the distinguishing features of which are given below :

a)      Mausoleums designed on an octagonal plan incorporating the following . elements :

Ø  main tomb-chamber surrounded by an arched verandah.

Ø  one storey high.

Ø  verandah with projecting eaves supported on brackets

b)      

The other type was built on square.plan. These were characterised by the following elements :

Ø  bsence of verandah around the main tomb-chamber.

Ø  exterior comprised ot two, and sometimes three storeys.

Ø  absence of eaves and supporting brackets

There is an original treatment of coloured tile decoration in these buildings. It is set sparin& in friezes. In addition, there are intricately incised surfaces of plaster.

The end of the Dethj Sultanate came in 1526 with the defeat of last of the Lodi Sultans at the hands of the Mughal invader, Babur. This also signalled an end of the Sultanate style of architecture, which had begun showing signs of stagnation in the 15th century.

Subcribe on Youtube - IGNOU SERVICE

For PDF copy of Solved Assignment

WhatsApp Us - 9113311883(Paid)