Provincial Architecture: Bengal and Jaunpur | History Optional for UPSC (Notes) PDF Download

Introdcution

• Regional architectural styles emerged after various states gained independence from Delhi's rule.
• These styles were different from the Indo-Islamic architecture seen in Delhi and often had their own unique features.
• In regions with a strong local tradition of masonry workmanship, these regional Islamic architectural styles resulted in very elegant structures.
• In areas where such traditions were weaker, the buildings created for regional states were less distinctive.
• Sometimes, completely new architectural trends appeared that were independent of both local and imperial traditions.
• In Eastern India, two main architectural styles developed: Bengal and Jaunpur (Sharqi).

Bengal Architecture

Development in the 14th Century:

• In the early 14th century, the Sultans of Bengal began to develop their capitals, Gaur (old Lakhnauti) and Pandua, thanks to the reduced threat of invasion from Delhi.
• This reduction in threat was due to an agreement with Firuz and the subsequent weakening of the Delhi Sultanate.
• The Sultans adorned their capitals with magnificent buildings, most of which were located within the Malda district.

Three phases

First phase (1200-1340):

• Gaur was the capital seat.
• Data in the form of existing buildings is scanty.
• Evident that the buildings raised during this period were wholesale conversions of the existing Hindu structures.

Second phase (1340-1430):

• Pandua was the capital.
• Also deficient in data.

Adina Masjid at Pandua (built 1364):

• Surpasses all other Islamic structures in Bengal in size.
• Built by Sikandar Shah, the second sultan of the Ilyas dynasty.
• It is the only hypostyle mosque in Bengal.
• The stones used in the mosque were mostly those pillaged from temples and other buildings from Lakhnauti.

Introduces two new features (independent of Delhi and using local traditions) in the architectural style:

• The “drop” arch (broad sloping arches), having span greater than its radii, and centres at the import level.
• The method of raising the roof in a system of arched-bays where small domes supported by brick-pendentives in over-sailing courses were raised over each bay.
• Pillars of a special type also indicate that a new style of architecture.

Third phase (1442 to 1576):

• Mughals captured the province. Later capital was shifted back to Gaur.
• The most remarkable as it depicts the emergence of a semi-indigenous style in tune with the peculiar environment and local condition in Bengal.
• The result was to translate the native bamboo structures into brick.
• This special form of curved roof became a fixed convention.
• An indigenous form of decoration, terracotta tiles, was adopted.
• The buildings were mostly of brick and mortar, stone being used sparingly. The adoption of the lotus, swan etc., as decorative motifs showed the influence of Hindu traditions.

Dakhil Darwaza:

• Mature style of architecture is to be seen in the Dakhil Darwaza (second half of 15th century).
• Dakhil Darwaza, gateway built in 1425 in Gauda. Made of small red bricks and terracotta work.

Feroz Minar:

• It has certain resemblance like that of the Qutub Minar in Delhi.
• The Feroz Minar was built by Sultan Saifuddin Feroze Shah during 1485-89.
• It is adjacent to the Dakhil Darwaza in Gour.

Entry gate to Gaur (Shahi Darwaza): During Husain Shah’s reign a number of significant monuments were constructed. Wali Muhammad built Chota Sona Masjid in Gaur.

Jaunpur (Sharqis)

Surviving Architecture of Jaunpur:

• Exclusively consists of mosques.
• All buildings from the Sharqi period are found in the capital city Jaunpur.

Influence of Tughluq Style:

• Battering effect visible in bastions and minarets.
• Arch-and-beam combination used in openings.

Facade Design Features:

• Lofty propylons with sloping sides at the center of the sanctuary screen.
• Propylons comprise a large recessed arch framed by tapering square minars.

Examples of Jaunpur Mosques:

• Atala Masjid
• Jami Masjid

Unique Jaunpur Style:

• The propylon design is a signature of Jaunpur architecture and is not found in other forms of Indo-Islamic architecture.