Provincial Architecture: Gujarat, Deccan | History Optional for UPSC (Notes) PDF Download

Gujarat

Western Indian Architecture: An Overview

• Western Indian Architecture emerged in the early 14th century, primarily in Gujarat.
• The Gujarat style of Indo-Islamic architecture was pioneered by the governors of the Khalji Sultans of Delhi.

Three phases of the Gujarat style

First Phase(until the first half of the 14th century)

• This phase saw the destruction of Hindu temples and their transformation into Muslim structures.

Second Phase(first half of the 15th century):

• This period exhibited a tentative development of a unique architectural style.

Ahmad Shah I(1411-42):

• A notable builder who enhanced the city with impressive palaces, bazaars, mosques, and madrasas.
• He drew inspiration from the architectural heritage of the Jains in Gujarat, creating a style distinct from that of Delhi.

Key features of this style included:

• slender turrets,
• intricate stone carvings, and
• highly decorative brackets.

Example of architecture:

• Jama Masjid in Ahmedabad:
• Constructed in 1424 during the rule of Ahmed Shah I.
• Located outside Bhadra Fort.
• Tin Darwaza:
• Finished in 1415.
• Gateway on the east side of Bhadra Fort,Ahmedabad.

Mahmud Begarha(1459 to 1511):

• The sultan established a new town called Mustafabad(now Junagadh) at the base of Girnar hill. He built many tall structures there and encouraged his nobles to do the same, making it the second capital of Gujarat.
• Mahmud also founded a new town named Muhammadabad near Champaner, where he created numerous gardens and made it his main residence.

Buildings in Champaner

Jama Masjid:

• Features a covered courtyard, incorporating various Jain and Hindu architectural elements.
• The stonework of other buildings from this period is so exquisite that it rivals the craftsmanship of goldsmiths.

Sarkhej Roza:

• He is also credited with the completion of Sarkhej Roza, a mosque and tomb complex near Ahmedabad.

Third Phase(latter half of the 15th century)

• The Gujarat style emerged in its full glory during this period.
• This architectural style is highly indigenous.
• In many of the finest examples, significant parts of the buildings are adaptations from Hindu or Jain temples.
• The structure of a temple is often integrated into the mosque's sanctuary as a central compartment.
• Virtually all mosques from the second and third phases are designed in this manner.

Central Indian architecture 

• The evolution of Indo-Islamic architecture was largely restricted to the Malwa region.

Deccan

Indo-Islamic Architecture Under the Bahmanis:

• The Indo-Islamic architecture that emerged under the Bahmani dynasty in the Deccan region showed a distinct style.
• Unlike the regional styles of north India, this architecture largely overlooked the pre-Islamic indigenous art traditions of the area.
• Deccan Style of Architecture:
• The Deccan style was essentially a fusion of two architectural influences:
• Tughluq Architecture: This was the architectural system prevalent in Delhi under the Sultans, especially the Tughluq dynasty.
• Persian Architecture: This influence came from external sources, specifically the architecture of Persia.

Three phases

• 1st Phase (1347): Begins with Gulbarga as the capital.
• 2nd Phase (1425): Starts with Bidar as the new capital.
• 3rd Phase (1512): Introduces Golconda as the capital, lasting until 1687 when the Mughals conquer.

Gulbarga:

• Most of the structures followed the contemporary Tughluq architecture of the northern region.
• However, the Jami Masjid(built in 1367) within the Gulbarga Fort was distinct and unique.
• The mosque was conceived and designed by a brilliant 14th-century architect named Rafi, who hailed from Persia.
• The Jami Masjid was constructed during the reign of Mohammed Shah I.
• Unlike many mosques, the Jama Masjid Gulbarga does not feature minarets and is located inside the Gulbarga Fort.
• The central design concept of the mosque involved reversing the typical architectural principles of mosques with a courtyard.
• Instead of the conventional courtyard design, the space is filled with small cupolas supported by closely placed arches.

Gulbarga Fort:

• The fort at Gulbarga was initially constructed by Raja Gulchand.
• In 1347, Al-ud-din Hasan Bahmani of the Bahmani Dynasty expanded the fort significantly after breaking away from the Delhi Sultanate.
• Within the renovated fort, various Islamic monuments were later built, including mosques, palaces, and tombs.
• The tomb of the Sufi saint Gesu Daraz, who arrived in Gulbarga in 1413, is also located within the fort.
• The tomb features paintings, and the arches of the Dargah reflect Bahmani architecture. The wall and ceiling paintings showcase a blend of Turkish and Irani influences.

Bidar:

• Large audience halls, hammams (steam rooms), mosques, a madrasa, and royal tombs were built.
• Moving the capital reduced the architectural influence from Delhi.
• Architecture in Bidar displayed a strong contemporary Iranian influence but still retained elements of Indo-Islamic traditions.
• Palaces in Bidar showcased vibrant use of coloured tiles and mural paintings, reflecting the Iranian emphasis on color.
• The glazed tiles used on the exteriors were imported by sea from Iran.
• There was a notable change in the shape of some domes in Bidar, with lower contours that foreshadowed the bulbous domes later popularized by the Mughals.
• The drums of these domes were made tall to ensure the domes were prominently visible.

Madarasa of Mahmud Gawan in Bidar:

• Mahmud Gawan, a prominent figure in the Bahmani Sultanate, established an impressive madrasa (college) in the capital city of Bidar.
• The madrasa was a grand three-storey building adorned with colourful tiles.
• It had the capacity to accommodate 1,000 teachers and students, all of whom received free clothing and meals.
• Mahmud Gawan invited some of the most renowned scholars from Iran and Iraq to join the madrasa.
• The fall of the Bahmani Sultanate marked the end of the first phase of the Deccan architectural style.
• Under the Adil Shahi kingdom of Bijapur, a new phase of this architectural style began, continuing from where the Bahmanis had left off.