ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURE IN KARNATAKA
The Islamic architecture in
Karnataka may be studied in isolation as well as in terms of its impact on
other schools of architecture prevalent in Karnataka during various stages of
its history. The Bahmani kingdom, Sultanates that ruled in North Karnataka after the Bahmani regime, the rule of Hyder Ali and
Tipu Sultan South Karnataka are the major instances of dominant Muslim rule and
the consequent architectural grandeurs have survived to this day.
Gulbarga, Bijapur, Bidar, Srirangapattana and Bangalore are some important examples where in this
architecture has flourished for long. Many other places in the neighbouring
regions and else where contain illustrations for this school of architecture. Islamic
architecture in India has borrowed hugely from the Persian and the European schools of
architecture. Actually Islamic architecture that prevails in India is a fusion of the Persian, the Hindu and Arabic
elements. Consequently cross cultural influences are always at work. The style
that typifies the Islamic architecture of Karnataka is known as the Deccan style. Mosques, tombs, palaces and forts constitute
the important manifestations of Islamic architecture irrespective of
geographical regions. Minarets, a four iwan plan(A structure with three
subordinate halls and one main hall which faces Mecca) a prayer niche on an
inside hall indicating the direction to Mecca, domes and cupolas, the use of
geometric shapes and a consistent use of decorative Islamic calligraphy instead
of pictures are some of the distinctive features of mosque architecture.
Islamic architecture had its own impact on the Indian architecture. New
elements were introduced into the Indian architecture that include: use of
shapes (instead of natural forms); inscriptional art using decorative lettering
or calligraphy; inlay decoration and use of coloured marble, painted plaster
and brilliantly glazed tiles. In
contrast to the indigenous Indian architecture which was of the trabeate order i.e. all spaces were
spanned by means of horizontal beams, the Islamic architecture was arcuate i.e. an arch or dome was adopted
as a method of bridging a space. The Muslims used the cementing agent in the
form of mortar for the first time in the construction of buildings in India. They further put to use certain scientific and
mechanical formulae, which were derived by experience of other civilizations,
in their constructions in India. This amalgamation of the Indian and the Islamic
elements led to the emergence of a new style of architecture called the Indo-Islamic
Architecture.
This website has separate entries for Bijapur, Gulbarga, Bidar and a more detailed
description of their architectural glory is available there. However a brief introduction is provided
here.
The
architectural facets of Gulbarga represented by the tombs of Fairoze Shah built
during the early stage Bahmani architecture occupy a pride of place among the
tombs of Karnataka. The ancient structures in Bidar represent a more developed
second stratum of Bahmani architecture. These are greatly influenced by the
Persian style. Solah Kambha Mosque, Jami Mosque and the Madrasaa built by
Mehmud Gawan constitute the high points of this style. Baridshahi structures in
Bidar are small but more decorative. Colored tablets, wood carvings and pearl
shell work which are the hall marks of this style can be seen in Rangeen Mahal
and the tomb of Al BarIdi. Bijapur is known for the achievements of the
Adilshahi dynasty. This style is characterised by domes that are mostly
circular, arches that are unique, thick rectangular walls instead of pillars
etc. Jami Mosque, Ibrahim Roza, Gol Gumbaz, Mihrath building which gives an
entry in to a mosque are the more important achievements of Bijapur. Srirangapattana the capital of Hyder Ali and
Tipu Sulatan contains a few architectural highlights. Lal Mahal which is said
to be a palace of Tipu Sultan is totally destroyed. Jumma Mosque has two minars,
Gumbaz which contains the tombs of Hyder Ali, Fakrunnisa Begum, and Tipu Sultan
is known for its black pillars and its wood work. Dariadaulath a summer palace
built by Tipu Sultan is better known for its mural paintings. It has
semi-spherical arches and pillars in the shape of lotuses.
The
influence of Islamic Architecture may be discerned in HIndu temples built at a
later date and vice versa.
Further Reading and Links:
1. Indian Islamic Architecture: Forms and
Typologies, Sites and Monuments by John Burton-Page, (Ed. George Michell)
(Handbook of Oriental Studies) 2008, Leiden and Boston, Brill.
2. www.bharatonline.com/.../gulbarga/index.html (Gulbarga Fort)
3. www.indianetzone.com/37/indo_islamic_architec...
(Bijapur)S
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