ISLAMIC

ARCHITECTURE

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 INTRODUCTION
ISLAM AND ISLAMIC THEORY (DOGMA):
Islam is a monotheistic religion initiated by Prophet Muhammad in the 7th century AD from Madina. It is the
3rd in the series of the semitic religions i.e; Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Islam believes in the oneness of
God and the brotherhood of man.
ADVENT OF ISLAM
• The word Islam means ‘submission to the will of God’. Muslims worship in a building called a mosque, from
the original Arabic, masjid, meaning place of prostration.
• Islam
• is a monotheistic religion articulated by the Qur'an, a text considered by its adherents to be the word of
Allāh, considered by them to be the last prophet of God. An adherent of Islam is called a Muslim.
• They believe that the final Prophet was Muhammad.
•Muslim prayer is the gathering of one’s thoughts towards God.
•The mosque directs the gathering towards Mecca-a symbol of purity.
•At the mosque of the prophet at Madina, all important activities affecting daily life took place, and is the
Centre of religious and Social administration.
•The prayer could be performed everywhere but more efficiently in a mosque in the congregation.
•The prayer in the mosque is performed five times a day-before dawn, dawn, midday, sunset and night.

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 Islamic Architecture
•Islamic architecture is the entire range of architecture that has evolved from Islam as a social, cultural,
political and religious phenomenon.
•Hence the term encompasses religious buildings as well as secular ones, historic as well as modern
expressions, and the production of all places that have come under the varying levels of Islamic influence.
•Islamic architecture can be influenced by -chronology-geography-building typology.
How did Islamic Architecture begin?
•By following the tradition of the Prophet, i.e. building a mosque when they start to occupy a new settlement.
•Transformation of buildings used by the people before the Muslims took over the state / country, for e.g. Hagia
Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey

Figure-Indo islamic sketch by Unda Ramumar

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 Islamic Architecture
•Islamic architecture is the entire range of architecture that has evolved from Islam as a social, cultural,
political and religious phenomenon.
•Hence the term encompasses religious buildings as well as secular ones, historic as well as modern
expressions, and the production of all places that have come under the varying levels of Islamic influence.
•Islamic architecture can be influenced by -chronology-geography-building typology.

How did Islamic Architecture begin?

•By following the tradition of the Prophet, i.e. building a mosque when they start to occupy a new settlement.
•Transformation of buildings used by the people before the Muslims took over the state / country, for e.g. Hagia
Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey

Interpretation of Islamic style

•The concept of Allah’s infinite power is evoked by design with repetitive theme which suggests infinity
•Figurative forms are rarely depicted in decorative art as Allah’s work is matchless. Foliage is a frequent motif
but typically stylized or simplified
•The use of calligraphy is actually means of education and reminder as they are taken from the verses of
al-Quran
•It has been called the ‘architecture of the veil’ because the beauty lies in the inner spaces which are not visible
from the outside.
•Use of impressive forms such as large domes, towering minarets and large courtyard has both symbolic
meaning and scientific purposes

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 Influences in Islamic Architecture
Basically, these are the famous styles that has influenced the Islamic architecture
•Ottoman architecture

•Timurid architecture
•Mughal architecture

•Moorish architecture
•Indo Islamic
architecture

In Asia and South East Asia, Islamic architecture blend into the regional architecture because the influence of
previous religions or culture was stronger

Islamic Architecture features

• Islamic Architecture reveals a great deal about a culture, and also about periods in history. To appreciate Islamic
architecture, it is important to understand that Islam forbids the depiction of animals and humans because early
Muslim leaders wanted to prevent animal worship.
• As a result, Islamic artists used intricate calligraphy (usually of passages from the Qu’ran), geometric and
abstract designs, and floral patterns to decorate their works.
• In Muslim architectural design, the phrase “architecture of the veil” means that the private courtyards at the
center of houses and mosques (churches) are kept secret. They cannot be seen from the street, and the exterior
(or façade) of the building does not reveal the structure’s size, shape, or function.
• The concept of “weightlessness” is also important in Islamic religious architecture. Walls with openings in them
and very high ceilings are used to make a building seem “lighter” than it actually is.
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 The Principle building types of
Islamic Architecture

Religious buildings
• Masjid or Mosque
• Maqbarah or Tomb
• Madrasa or School of Learning
• Charbagh or Four-square garden or
Garden of Paradise

Secular buildings
• Residential buildings like Palaces, Houses, Havelis etc
• Forts and buildings of Defense
• Administrative buildings i) Diwan – I – Am (Hall of Public audience) ii) Diwan – I – Khas
(Hall of Private audience)
• Miscellaneous buildings like Horse stables, Garden Pavilions, towers etc which are
Functional buildings
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 Religious buildings
Masjid or Mosque
Design parameters:
• Size of congregation
• Direction
• Functional requirements for the ritual
• A typical mosque of the Indo-Islamic period is rectilinear in plan.
• It has a sanctuary on the western side.
• The sanctuary is fronted by a large courtyard or SAHN.
• The Sahn contains a water source for ablution i.e; ritual cleaning
of the body before prayer.
• This is called the HAUZ.
• The courtyard is surrounded on the Eastern, Northern and Southern
sides by Cloisters or LIWANS. These Liwans are interrupted roughly at
their centres by doorways or DARWAZAS.
• The Darwazas are the entry points leading the people into the courtyard.
From the courtyard the people are led to the sanctuary across a screen
of arches called MAQSURA.
• The central chamber of the sanctuary is called the QUBBA.
• The western wall of the Qubba is relieved by an arched alcove
called the MIHRAB.
• Attached to the western wall is a raised platform, the MINBAR from
which the IMAM leads the congregation in prayer
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 Religious buildings
Masjid or Mosque

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 Religious buildings Masjid or Mosque
Sahn: It is the Open courtyard which is a large open space in front of the sanctuary and is
used as a pre-congregation space for prayer
Sahn

Liwan
Liwan: Liwans are the cloisters that enclose the courtyard on three sides. In the earlier examples of
mosque design in India were more than 3 aisles deep. But in later examples especially during Mughal
period they were single-aisle deep. The functions of Liwans are- Storage of mats meant for prayer,
Store the coffins, Cells for the accommodation of travelers, and Staff rooms for Imam, Muezzin, etc and
infirm and physically handicapped people to pray there.

Hauz: (Ablution fountain) Water source or Fountain where you wash before you pray.
Hauz
Darwaza

Darwaza: Are the doorways or the access points in the mosque courtyard. The principal Darwaza is
usually the Eastern end is specifically articulated architecturally for its purpose.

Minaret
Minar (Minaret): Tall structure or towers with a balcony, where the MUEZZIN calls the faithful to
prayer 5 times a day. In The Early examples of Mosque, Minars were independent Eg, Qutb Minar. In
later examples they became an integral part of the mosque structures and were typically integrated
into the Maqsura and became distinguishing features of Maqsura

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 Religious buildings Masjid or Mosque Maqsura

Maqsura: It is a Screened arched façade that separates the sanctuary from

the courtyard

Sanctuary:
The cloisters on the side facing Mecca were expanded and elaborated into a Sanctuary
pillared hall or sanctuary, with the wall at the back is the shelter for the
congregation whose size is determined by the size of the congregation. It is
typically a series of domed compartments. The central compartment is called
Qubba

Qubba

Qubba: It is an Arabic tomb, particularly the domed shrines of Islamic saints. The
house of God in Mecca and it is the central compartment of the sanctuary

Minbar: Raised platform attached to the Western wall where the Imam
stands, doorway at foot of stairs where it is reserved for Muhammed, led by
a Narrow staircase.

Qibla: The wall that indicates direction of the Qubba.

Mihrab: It is an arched alcove in the western wall of the Qubba and is meant to fix
the direction of the Qibla i.e; West, a Prayer niche

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 Religious buildings Masjid or Mosque
Islamic decorative elements
CALLIGRAPHY
Calligraphy is a visual art related
to writing. Like other Islamic
decoration, calligraphy is closely
linked to geometry. The
proportions of the letters are all
governed by mathematics.
Inscriptions are most often used Calligraphy Arabesque/ Geometric
as a frame along and around main Islimi pattern
elements of a building like portals 3 Fundamental forms of Islamic Art
and cornices.
GEOMETRIC PATTERN
These patterns exemplify the Islamic interest in repetition,
balance, symmetry and continuous generation of pattern. The
integration of geometry with such optical effects as the
balancing of positive and negative areas, a skillful use of color
and tone values.
ARABESQUE
Also called Islimi.
Arabesque designs
are biomorphic,
floral patterns
representing the
underlying order
and unity of nature
with a great deal of accuracy. Flowers and trees might be
used as the motifs for the decoration of textiles, objects and
buildings.
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 Religious buildings Masjid or Mosque
Islamic decorative elements

LIGHT
Light can add a dynamic quality to architecture, extending
patterns, forms and designs into the dimensions of time.
And the combination of light and shade creates strong
contrasts of planes and gives texture to sculpted stone, as
well as stocked or brick surfaces

WATER
In hot Islamic climates, the water from courtyard
pools and fountains cools as it decorates. Water can
not only reflect architecture and multiply the
decorative themes, it can also serve as a means of
emphasizing the visual axes.

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 Square tombs
Religious buildings
Maqbarah or Tomb
The tomb was a place of burial. During the Indo-Islamic
period three types
of tombs were built.
• Square tombs
• Octagonal tombs
• Rauza
Square tombs:
It is square in plan. It is covered by a shallow dome.
Entrances are on three sides. Tomb chamber is known as "
huzrah“. Mihrab is on the fourth wall or the western side. In
the center of the cubical chamber was placed the
CENOTAPH (Burial of people) or "Zarih‘’. The actual grave
was an underground chamber accessed by a stairway either
from the outside or from within the thickness of the wall.
This chamber, like a crypt is the tomb chamber called the
"Maqbara" with the grave and is called the QABR. The
domes were of the corbel type and supported on
SQUINCHES. Ornamentation was as per the prevalent style.
Square tombs were usually built for noble men. The
prominent examples of the square tombs are from the
Sayyid and Lodis period.
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 Religious buildings Maqbarah or Tomb Octagonal tombs:
They are octagonal in
Octagonal tombs plan. They are roofed by
shallow domes. Each
octagonal face was
relieved by three arches.
Therefore the cenotaph
was exposed to view
unlike in the square
tomb. There was a wide
eaves projection
running round the
Rauza:
entire structure.
A Rauza is a tomb or funerary complex.
The Taj Mahal is the best example and
the most complete example of a Rauza. A
typical Rauza consists of the tomb
building, subsidiary buildings like a
MASJID and a guest house or a
MEHMANGARH. These structures are
set in a site along with a CHAHARBAGH.
The entire scheme is enclosed and
accessed by an entrance way typically on
the Eastern side while the tomb itself is
on the western side of the site.

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 Religious buildings
Madrasa
Madrasa is a school of learning. It is usually attached to a mosque.
The most important example of a Madrasa in India is the Madrasa of
Muhammad Gawan at Bidar, Karnataka. A Madrasa consists of a
series of cells or rooms arranged around a courtyard.
Asset of cells on the western side is usually expanded to form a small
space to serve as a mosque for a smaller congregation. The other cells
are used as accommodation rooms for the student scholars as well as
a house for the teacher and his family.

Charbagh
It is a conceptual “Garden of Paradise”. It is
typically square in plan. At the centre of the
square is a water source. From this water
source, radiating towards the cardinal directions
are water channels. The central water source is
the conceptual fountain of life from which water
flows and sustains life in all the four directions.
The remaining squares are further divided into
square parts or PARTERRES. The planting of
floral matter is so organized and arranged that
throughout the year the Chaharbagh has flowers
in bloom.
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Religious buildings

Madrasa

Charbagh
Madrasa
 Indo-Islamic Architecture Phases of development of the
Indo-Islamic style in India

ADVENT OF ISLAM IN INDIA

• Hindu Piracy of Arab Fleets
• Cities of Sind - Qasim – Quresh tribe –
Governor of Iraq – 727 AD - Bhambore Mosque
• 350 years later – Arab strike again –
Ghaznavids & Ghorids
• Battle of Tarain – 1192 AD - Mahmud Ghori vs
Prithviraj Chauhan
• Ghori’s Turkish Slave, Qutubuddin Aibak
establishes Mamluk Dynasty (Slave Dynasty) by
building Quwwat-ul-Islam or ‘Glory of Islam’ –
at Qila Rai Pithora in 1195 AD
• Qila Rai Pithora – Delhi – Administrative
capital and centre – Consolidated spread of
Islam - DOAB – Trade & commerce – To quash THE DELHI or IMPERIAL PHASE
all remnants of Hinduism. This includes Architecture under:
• Slave dynasty • Khilji dynasty • Tughlaq dynasty • Sayyids and Lodis dynasty
THE PROVINCIAL PHASE
Factors responsible for the brilliant Provincial refers to those modes of building practice in some of the portions of
exposition of the Indo-Islamic style in the country, usually after their governors had thrown off allegiance to Delhi
India: and then they proceeded to develop a form of architecture in accordance with
their own individual ideals.
•Its relatively late development THE MUGHAL PHASE
•Remarkable genius of the indigenous Latest and the ripest form of Indo-Islamic architecture from mid 16th century
craftsmen. AD till 18th Century AD (i.e. Till the end of Mughals)

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 DELHI OR IMPERIAL PHASE

SLAVE DYNASTY (1191-1246 AD)

Ruler: Qutb-Ud-Din-Aibak
Buildings:
1) Quwaat-Ul-Islam Mosque, Delhi
2) Qutb Minar, Delhi
3) Arhai-Din-Ka-Jhompra Mosque, Delhi KHILJI DYNASTY (1290-1320 AD)
4) Mosque at Ajmer Ruler: Ala-Ud-Din Khilji
Ruler: Iltutmish Buildings:
Buildings: 1) Extension to Qutb Complex-courts
1) Extension to the Quwaat-Ul-Islam mosque 2) Alai Darwaza
here and after referred to as 3) Alai Minar
the Qutb complex 4) Jamaat Khana Masjid
2) Addition of Maqsura to Ajmer Mosque 5) SIRA : Second City of Delhi
3) Tomb of Iltutmish’s son ‘Sultan Ghari Tomb’
4) Tomb of Iltutmish
Ruler: Balban
Buildings:
1) Balban’s Tomb

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 DELHI OR IMPERIAL PHASE
TUGHLAQ DYNASTY (1320-1413 AD)
Ruler: Ghiyas-Ud-Din-Tughlaq
Buildings:
1) Ghiyas-Ud-Din Tughlaq’s tomb
2) TUGHLAQABAD: Third city of Delhi
SAYYIDS AND LODIS DYNASTY
Ruler: Muhammad Shah Tughlaq
Octagonal tombs:
Buildings:
1) Mubarak Sayyid’s tomb
1) JAHANPANNAH: Fourth city of Delhi
2) Muhammad Sayyid’s tomb
2) Sathpul: Ornamental sluice to regulate the supply of
3) Sikander Lodi’s tomb
water to the 4th city of Delhi
Square tombs:
3) Vijay mandal or Palace of 1000 columns
1) Bade Khan ka Gumbad
4) Tomb of Muhammad Shah Tughlaq
2) Chote Khan ka Gumbad
5) Barakhamba (12 Pillars) Only surviving residential building
3) Bada Gumbad
4) Shish Gumbad
Ruler: Feroz Shah Tughlaq (Feruzian Architecture)
5) Tomb of Shahab-Ud-Din Taj Khan
Buildings:
6) Dadi ka Gumbad
1) FEROZABAD: Fifth city of Delhi
7) Poti ka Gumbad
2) Kali Masjid, Jahanpannah
Mosques:
3) Begumpuri Masjid, Jahanpannah
1) Mosque attached to Bada Gumbad
4) Mosque at Dargah of Shah Alam of Timurpuri
2) Moth ki Masjid
5) Khirki masjid, Jahanpannah
3) Jamala Masjid
6) Kalan Masjid, Shahjahanabad
7) Feroz Shah Tughlaq’s tomb
8) Tomb of his Prime minister
9) Tomb of Kabir-Ud-Din Auliya

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 ARCHITECTURAL VOCABULARY
• Pointed arch & Hemispherical dome - borrowed from the
Roman & Byzantine Empire Symbolic of Islam
• Aides in spreading Islam
• Departure from Trabeated system to Arcuated system
• A Squinch is a construction filling in the upper angles of a
square room so as to form a base to receive an octagonal or
spherical dome.
• A Pendentive is a constructive device permitting the placing of
a circular dome over a square room or an elliptical dome over a
rectangular room. The pendentives, which are triangular
segments of a sphere, taper to points at the bottom and spread at
the top to establish the continuous circular or elliptical base
needed for the dome.
• The Romans, the first true masters of arched
construction, developed the groin vault to
overcome the limitations of the tunnel vault.
• If one strips away the ceiling from a groin vault,
one is left with four arches that form a square.
• Instead of a groin vault, this supportive framework can
alternatively be covered with a dome. This presents the
interesting technical challenge of connecting something round
to something square, whether the dome is set directly on the
supportive frame or raised upon a cylindrical drum.
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 ARCHITECTURAL VOCABULARY

• The initial solution was to build ordinary walls above the

arches, creating a square surface.

• A dome was then placed on this surface, although it lacked

support at the corners of the square.

• This was rectified by adding a small arch to the inside of

each corner. Each of these small arches is known as a squinch.

• Although squinches solve the problem of connecting a dome

to a square frame, a much more elegant solution was
eventually developed by the Byzantines.

• Instead of building ordinary walls above the four-arch frame,

they filled the spaces between the arches with spherical
triangles. Each of these spherical triangles is called a
pendentive.

• Muqarnas is a system of projecting niches used for zones of

transition and for architectural decoration. It is a type of corbel
employed as a decorative device in traditional Islamic and
Persian architecture.

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 SLAVE DYNASTY (1191-1246 AD)

Ruler: QUTB-UD-DIN AIBAK

After Muhammad Ghori defeated Prithviraj Chauhan in 1192 AD, a Turkish slave
Qutb-Ud-Din Aibak took over Qila Rai Pithora (Present day Delhi). The land in
between Ganga and Yamuna was very fertile I.e. Doab and this was a critical region
to be conquered. Before establishing trade and commerce, he wanted to establish
the power of Islam in India. In 1195AD he built the Quwwat-Ul-Islam. There was no
time to have a joint venture with Hindu workers and craftsmen.
So he plundered Hindu and Jain temples for the materials. There was no time to
build foundations specific to the mosque so superstructures of temples were razed
down and colonnades were built over it. As human figures were not allowed in
Islamic architecture, the existing Hindu temple figures were defaced and made
unrecognizable.
 SLAVE DYNASTY (1191-1246 AD)

QUWWAT-UL-ISLAM

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 QUWWAT-UL-ISLAM (Might of Islam)
THE COMPLEX

PLAN of Quwwat-Ul-Islam/ Qutub Complex

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 Development during Slave phase

Development during Khilji phase

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 QUWWAT-UL-ISLAM (Might of Islam)
THE COMPLEX

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 The Complex at the end of Khilji’s Reign-1316

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 QUWWAT-UL-ISLAM- Mosque
• Built by Qutb-Ud-Din Aibak
• Materials from existing 27 temples were used to
build the mosque.
• Conventional rectilinear plan (66m x 46m) with
courtyard measuring 43m x 32m
• Western side is the sanctuary comprising of
domed chambers
• Central chamber is larger than the flanking
chambers
• Domes are of corbelled type
• A Maqsura separates the sanctuary from the
courtyard
• The aisles on the southern, northern sides
are 2 bay deep while the aisle on the eastern
side is 3 bay deep
• Necessary height were obtained in Liwans by
superimposing columns (the ceiling heights of
temples are much lower than the ceilings of mosques)
• There is a prominent Darwaza on the eastern side
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 QUWWAT-UL-ISLAM- Mosque
• Since the entire mosque is raised on a Stylobate a series of steps form an integral part of the
architectural scheme of Darwaza

• There is a domed chamber which is fronted by a porch, opening on the courtyard side

• A wrought iron pillar probably brought from Mathura has been installed in the courtyard in front of
the Maqsura

Quwwat-Ul-Islam Mosque- plan N Quwwat-Ul-Islam Mosque- View

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 SLAVE DYNASTY (1191-1246 AD)

QUTUB MINAR

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 QUTUB MINAR

•In order to proclaim the power established over

conquered territories, Qutub-ud-din Aibak laid the foundation of a remarkable structure in front of the
quadrangle of the mosque i.e. Qutb Minar.
•Qutb Minar is also referred to as ‘the axis of Islam’ or tower of victory .
• It is built in the South-East corner of the Quwwat-Ul-Islam mosque
• It is 73m high being circular in plan and tapers upwards
• It is 14m wide at the base and tapers to around 3m at the top
•The inscription carved on it announces that it was built to cast the shadow of the God towards east and
the west.
• Towers, columns, and Minars were common features of Islamic architecture.
•Qutub Minar originally had Five storeys of diminishing diameter with a projecting balcony at each stage.
•The fifth storey was composed of a circular Kiosk.
• A spiral staircase Made of 379 Steps leads to the top of the Minar.
• Section of the first portion was wedge shaped flanges alternating with round and flutes.
•The second has rounded projection.
•The third has star shape.
•The fourth is entirely round.
• The tower has spiral stairway upto the uppermost storey.
• The balconies are supported on a system of pillar bracketingunderneath and are most strikingly elegant
feature of the monument.
• The most pronounced quality of Qutub Minar is that of stability as in a pyramid.
•It illustrates mans attempt to make his work permanent.
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 Decorated With
Floral Motifs and
Arabesque
The Stones Brackets
are Decorated With
Honeycomb
Red Stones are Used
In Every Floor The Wall Consists of Parallel Analoesque
Design and Floral Motif Design.
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 Ruler: ILTUTMISH
QUWWAT-UL-ISLAM MOSQUE: EXTENSION BY ILTUTMISH
• 1229 AD, Growing Muslim population though not pervasive
•Iltutmish added a second symmetric colonnade, enclosing a courtyard with the Qutb Minar, making the
mosque 3 times its original.
• The screen of arches was extended to the north and south of the existing ones.
• 1210–1236 reign of Iltutmish, Consolidation of power
• 1229 AD, to accommodate the growing Muslim population though not pervasive
• Iltutmish added a second symmetric colonnade, enclosing a courtyard with the Qutb Minar, making the
mosque 3 times its original.
• Iltutmish extended the Maqsura by 3 bays to the north and south of the existing ones. The difference
between the arches is interesting: the earlier arches are not really the 'true' arch which is such a hallmark of
Islamic architecture, the later arches were built by workmen from Afghanistan and are stylistically quite
distinct.
• They use Islamic motifs such as geometrical shapes rather than naturalistic designs.

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 SLAVE DYNASTY (1191-1246 AD)

TOMB OF ILTUMISH

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 TOMB OF ILTUMISH
• In 1235 A D, Iltutmish built the tomb which is situated to the North-West of the Quwwat-Ul-Islam mosque.
• The tomb is noted for its clear exteriors, intricately ornamented interiors, and the use of calligraphy and
ancient Hindu motifs such as Bell and Chain, Tassel, Wheel, Lotus and Diamond.
• Use of grey quartz red sandstone and white marble and no pillage materials
• First instance of a comprehensible and comprehensive Islamic grammar of building.
• Model for the combination of dome and cubic volumes. The geometric solution in increasing the number of
sides of the square to an infinite number of sides of a circle
• It forms the most essential, structurally elementary and visual unit of Islamic Architecture.
• A cubical structure 43 feet wide on the outside, 30 feet wide inside.
• The entire wall surface is covered with geometrical pattern and inscription of Quran

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 Dome construction over a cube
TOMB OF ILTUMISH

• The tomb was one of the earliest attempts at

devising a consistent and organic union
between the rectangular chamber below and
the circular-based dome.
• This structural device is known as the phase
of transition.
• One of these methods is by squinch.
•The squinch system consists of projecting a
small arch or lintel across the upper part of
the angle of the square hall.
•Thus converting its shape into an octagon.
• The octagon is further being transformed
into a 16-sided figure, in the same manner,
giving a
convenient base on which a circular rim of
dome rests without having any portions
unsupported.
• Here the squinch takes the form of a small
vault or half dome with an arch on its counter
diagonal face.
•Here the arches of the squinch are
themselves corbelled.
HOA V|18ARC54|MODULE-1, PART 2 Complied by: Asst Prof Vijayalakshmi B K
HOA V|18ARC54|MODULE-1, PART 2 Complied by: Asst Prof Vijayalakshmi B K
 KHILJI DYNASTY (1290-1320 AD)
Period-1290to1320
•JalalUdDin Khilji was the founder in 1290AD.
•Second ruler to the Delhi Sultanate.
•JalalUdDinKhilji was extremely liberal and tolerant.
•JalalUdDin was murdered by his nephew, AlaUdDinKhilji in a conspiracy.
•AlaUdDinKhilji was a successful ruler.
•He breaks new ground by conquering the Deccan.
• He conqured Gujarat, Ranthambhor, Malwa, Ujjain, Mandu, Dhar, chanderi
except Bengal.
• QutubUdDin Mubarak Khilj is on of AlaUdDin was killed by his Wazir which
ended the Khilji Dynasty.

Ruler: ALA-UD-DIN KHILJI

QUWWAT-UL-ISLAM MOSQUE : EXTENSION
BY ALA-UD-DIN-KHILJI
• Ala-ud-din Khilji (1295-1315) added a third
colonnade, enclosing Iltutmish’s extension
making the mosque nearly 6 times its original.
• 6 gateways at symmetric intervals was
proposed, with only the Alai Darwaza
completed.
• Ala-ud-din Khilji proposed the Alai Minar,
which was to be twice the size of the Qutb
Minar, only 1 storey was completed.
HOA V|18ARC54|MODULE-1, PART 2 Complied by: Asst Prof Vijayalakshmi B K
 KHILJI DYNASTY (1290-1320 AD)
ALAI DARWAZA

HOA V|18ARC54|MODULE-1, PART 2 Complied by: Asst Prof Vijayalakshmi B K

 ALAI DARWAZA
• It is the southern gateway of the Quwwat-
ul-Islam mosque, and is a gem of Islamic
architecture in India.
• It was built by Alla-ud-din Khilji in 1311.
It is 17.2m square, standing on a high
plinth and pierced by arched openings.It is
the only complete gateway to the mosque
out of the five planned gateways
• The arch to the north is semicircular
while the others are of pointed horse shoe
shape.
• Articulation – Blend of red sandstone and
marble with arabesques and profusion of
foliage detail.
• Pilasters and ‘spear head fringe’ (Jaina
Torana) of the arch inspired from Hindu
temples.
• Treatment of the facade to break the
mass of the cubic volume and to assure a
human scale.
• The Jaali provides illumination and
ventilation in the large volume

HOA V|18ARC54|MODULE-1, PART 2 Complied by: Asst Prof Vijayalakshmi B K

 KHILJI DYNASTY (1290-1320 AD)
ALAI MINAR
Sultan Ala-ud-Din Khalji was an over ambitious
Sultan of the Khilji dynasty and won many wars and
battles. After a win from one of his Deccan campaigns, the
Sultan dreamt of constructing a huge Tower or Minar to
commemorate his victory. He wanted a structure that
would double the height of Qutub Minar in order to be
remembered as the only Sultan who dared to create such
a monumental masterpiece that was grander and more
spectacular than the Qutub Minar of Qutb-ud-din Aibak of
the Slave dynasty that ruled before him. Sultan Ala-ud-din
Khalji also executed the plan and increased the size of the
enclosures of the Quwwat-Ul-Islam Masjid by four times
its original size to provide a ceremonial entrance gateway
on either sides of the mosque. He wanted the Alai Minar
to match up with the size of the increased height of the
mosque and also wanted a second tower of victory under
his name and hence the Alai Minar began to take its shape.
The construction was completed up till the first storey
It stands to the north of the Qutab Minar and at a height of 24.5 metres but unfortunately, the
and the mosque. construction was abandoned after the death of Sultan Ala-
It was to have ramps instead of stairs. ud-din Khalji in 1316 AD and the subsequent successors
could not continue the further construction as they were
Windows are at regular quadrant
defeated and the Delhi Sultanate was taken over by the
heights, for a gradual ramp to be made. Tughlaq dynasty.

HOA V|18ARC54|MODULE-1, PART 2 Complied by: Asst Prof Vijayalakshmi B K

 End of Module 1- topic 1 & 2

THANKYOU

HOA V|18ARC54|MODULE-1, PART 2 Complied by: Asst Prof Vijayalakshmi B K