Provincial Architecture: Malwa, Rana Kumbha’s Cultural Contribution | History Optional for UPSC (Notes) PDF Download

Introduction

Malwa Style of Architecture:

• Originated in the Malwa region during the 15th and 16th centuries.
• Unlike other regions, the Muslim rulers of Malwa lacked a strong tradition of visual art.
• Over time, they developed original architectural elements and adopted unique decorative motifs, giving their buildings a distinctive appearance.
• Prominent examples of Malwa architecture can be seen in the cities of Dhar, Mandu, and Chanderi.

Important features

Based on Tughlaq style:

• Battered walls
• Pointed arches with spearhead fringe.
• Combination of arch with pillar, lintel, and beam.
• Buildings raised on high plinths, accessed by long and stately flight of steps.
• Prominent use of colour in decoration.
• Use of different coloured marble, semi-precious stones, and glazed tiles.
• Artisans in Malwa possessed a secret formula for creating Turquoise blue colour.

The style can be divided into 3 phases

First Phase:

• Dismantling of temples and converting them into mosques.
• Kamal Maula Masjid (Dhar)
• Lat Masjid (Dhar)
• Malik Mughis Masjid (Mandu)

Second (Classical) Phase:

• Monuments of original character.
• Sober and elegant.
• More substantial and formal order.
• Jami Masjid at Mandu
• Started by Hushang Shah and finished by Mahmud I in A.D. 1440.
• Raised on a high plinth.
• Front side of the basement to contain a series of arcaded chambers to be used as a serai.

Ashrafi Mahal at Mandu

• The structure is oriented towards the Jami Masjid in Mandu.
• It features a grand flight of stairs that aligns with and reflects the stairs of the mosque.
• Comprises three separate buildings.
• The tower is made of red sandstone.
• Displays intricate patterns of inlaid marble.

Hushang Shah’s Tomb at Mandu

• Constructed by Hushang Shah and finished by Mahmud I in 1440 A.D..
• Located within a square enclosure adjacent to the western wall of the Jami Masjid in Mandu.
• Built entirely of marble.

Hindola Mahal at Mandu

Built by Hushang Shah:

• The walls of the building are thick.
• The building has a battered slope, which gives it a swinging appearance, hence the name.
• The structure was designed for women.
• It has a ‘T’ shape plan.

Jahaaz Mahal at Mandu

• Shape, Dimension, and Position: These elements create the illusion of a ship.
• The roof features a series of open pavilions, kiosks, and overhanging balconies.
• The structure extends along the edge of the lake.

Third Phase:

• This phase is characterized by less austere and more fanciful structures, suggesting a lifestyle of ease and luxury.
• Main examples include pavilions, loggias, kiosks, and terraces.

Baz Bahadur’s Palace (Mandu):

• Functioning as a summer palace, it features various pavilions.
• The ground storey consists of compartments arranged around a central courtyard, often with pools or fountains.
• All surfaces are adorned with painted tiles.

Kushk Mahal (Chanderi):

• Originally seven storeys high, only four storeys remain today.

Jami Masjid at Chanderi:

• Notable for the shape of its three domes.
• The arches forming the open facade are also distinct in shape.

Rana Kumbha’s Cultural Contribution

Rana Kumba (1438-1468): A Great Ruler of Mewar:

• Rana Kumba was a notable king of Mewar during the medieval period.
• He was known for being a generous supporter of literature and art.

An estimate of Rana Kumbha as a patron of literature and art

Music

Music and Contributions:

• He had a strong passion for music and was an accomplished musician himself, particularly known for his skill in playing the Veena.
• He authored several important works on music, including Sangit Raj,Sangit Mimansa,Sangit Ratnakar, and Sudprabandh.

Architecture

Rana Kumba's Contributions to Architecture and Defense:

• Rana Kumba supported numerous craftsmen and sculptors, with a particular focus on military architecture.
• He reinforced the defenses of Chittor and constructed a road with seven entrances.
• Rana Kumba built 32 forts and laid the groundwork for Kumbhalgarh fort.
• One of his most significant architectural achievements was the Kirti Stambha (Tower of Fame) in Chittor, commemorating his triumph over Malwa.
• He also erected the Kumbha Stambh (Victory Tower) at Chittor, adorned with intricate sculptures of Hindu deities and scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
• The tower features numerous inscriptions.
• Rana Kumba founded the city of Basantpur and constructed various inns, palaces, ponds, schools, and temples.

Literature

He was skilled in ancient Indian texts like the Vedas, Upanishads, and grammar.

• He wrote a commentary on Jayadeva’s Gita Govinda and explained the Chandisatakam.
• He authored four dramas using Sanskrit, Prakrit, and three regional languages.
• He supported renowned scholars, such as Atri and Mahesa, who wrote the edict of the Chittor Kirti Stambha during his reign.