This document provides an overview of Islamic architecture in India during the Sultanate period from 1206 to 1526 AD. It focuses on the architectural features of the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque in Delhi, which was built in 1192 AD under the Slave Dynasty. The mosque had an enclosed rectangular courtyard surrounded by cloisters built with columns from demolished Hindu and Jain temples. It also introduced pointed arches and domes, representing a blend of Hindu and Islamic architectural styles during this period of transition in India.

1. Arch 2205 | Architectural Heritage – IV
Islamic Architecture in India
Slave Dynasty
| Kowshik Roy | Part Time Lecturer | Architecture Discipline | Khulna University |

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Slave (Ghulam/Mamluk) Dynasty (1206- 1290 AD)
Khilji Dynasty (1290- 1320 AD)
Tughlaq Dynasty (13201- 1413 AD)
Sayyid Dynasty (1414 - 1451 AD)
Lodi Dynasty (1451 - 1526 AD)
Sultanate Period (1206- 1526 AD)

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Sultanate Period (1206- 1526 AD)
Figure 01: Political Map of India during Sultanate Period.
Source: Javier Fernandez-Vina (Florida International University, Miami, FL)

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The Slave Dynasty (1206 - 1290 AD)
Ruler Reign Notes
Qutb-ud-din Aibak
(1206–1210)
Slave of Mohammed of ghori and
founder
Aram Shah (1210–1211) Eldest son of Aibak
Shams ud din Iltutmish (1211–1236) Son-in-law of Aibak
Rukn ud din Firuz (1236) Son of Iltutmish
Razia Sultana (1236–1240) Daughter of Iltutmish
Muiz ud din Bahram (1240–1242) Son of Iltutmish
Alauddin Masud (1242–1246) Son of Rukn-ud-din Firuz
Nasiruddin Mahmud (1246–1266) Youngest son of Rukn-ud-din Firuz
Muiz ud din Qaiqabad
(1287–1290)
Grandson (on daughter's side) of
Ghiyasuddin Balban
Kayumars 1290 Son of Muiz-ud-din Qaiqabad.

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Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, Delhi
Figure 02: Ruins of Maqsura,Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, Delhi

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Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, Delhi
General Information
Quwwat-ul-Islam means
The Power of Islam
Founded by Qutb-ud-din Aibak
Founded within the fortified city of the Qila Rai Pithora
built by Prithviraj.
Construction Started in1192& Completed in 1198.

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Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, Delhi
Figure 03: Plan of Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, Delhi
N
West Prayer Hall
Iron Pillar
Piers of Maqsura
2 Aisles at North
& South Wing Inner
Court
3 Aisles at
Eastern Prayer
Hall
Eastern Entrance

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Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, Delhi
Figure 04: Aerial View of Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque Ruins, Delhi

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Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, Delhi
Architectural Features
Joint venture between Hindu builders and Islamic overseers.
An identifiable structural vocabulary
1. Pointed arch for spanning openings in the wall
2. Hemispherical dome for roofs.
Enclosed rectangular court by cloisters
Cloisters, erected with carved columns from 27 demolished Hindu
and Jain temple

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Figure 05: View from Eastern Entrance, Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque Ruins, Delhi
Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, Delhi

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Figure 06: Cloister of Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque Ruins, Delhi
Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, Delhi

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Figure 7: Destroyed Sculpture in Quwwatul Islam Mosque
Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, Delhi