Syllabus- The contribution of Delhi Sultans and Mughals to Language, Literature, Art, Architecture and Fine Arts, Monuments; Emergence of Composite Culture in the Deccan and India.
Number of questions-
Mains: 02, Prelims – 10
Mains Questions of the day-
1.Explain the Indo-Islamic architecture that emerged in India under the Delhi Sultanate during the 13th to 16th centuries?
Introduction: –
Write briefly about Delhi-Sultanate
Body: –
Describe the Islamic architecture patronized by the Delhi Sultanate
Conclusion: –
The Delhi Sultanate’s greatest contribution to Indian fine arts. Integration of Indian and Islamic styles of architecture is their greatest contribution.
Content: –
- The Delhi Sultanate refers to the five short-lived Muslim kingdoms of Turkic and Pashtun (Afghan) origin that ruled between 1206 and 1526 AD.
- In the 16th century, the last of their line was overthrown by the Mughals, who established the Mughal Empire in India.
- The early rulers of the Delhi Sultanate were known for their indiscriminate destruction of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain temples.
- They prohibited Islamic representations in art, which had been common at the time.
- The fusion of indigenous and Muslim customs and styles under the Delhi Sultanate gave rise to the beginnings of Indo-Islamic art and architecture, which reached its zenith in later years under the Mughal emperors.
- The Sultanate’s greatest contribution to the fine arts of India lies in their advances in architecture.
- They introduced: –
- Islamic architectural features including true domes and arches, and
- The integration of Indian and Islamic styles of architecture.
- the Qutb Minar was the tallest minaret in India, the walls of which are covered with Indian floral motifs and verses from the Quran.
- The Alai Darwaza is the main gateway on the southern side of the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque in the Qutub complex, the earliest surviving dome in India.
- There is little architecture remaining from the Sayyid and Lodi periods, but a few fine examples survive in the Lodi Gardens in Delhi, including the tomb of Mohammad Shah, the last sultan of the Sayyid Dynasty.
The Qutub Minar
- Qutb-ud-din Aibak (the first sultan of the Delhi Sultanate), started the construction of the Qutub Minar in 1192 AD, which was completed after his death by his successor Iltutmish.
- Made of red sandstone and marble, the Qutub Minar is the tallest minaret in India, standing at a height of 238 feet.
- The walls of the minaret are covered with Indian floral motifs and verses from the Quran.
- The Qutub Minar which was the fine example of Delhi Sultanate architecture, including the tomb of the sultan Balban, the first known building in India for an arch.
- Another building of historical importance in the development of Indo-Islamic architecture was the Alai Darwaza, the main gateway on the southern side of the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque in the Qutub complex. Built in 1311 AD by the second Khilji sultan of Delhi, Ala-ud-din Khilji, it was the earliest surviving dome in India.
The Tomb of Mohammad Shah
- There is little architecture remaining from the Sayyid and Lodi periods, but a few fine examples survive in the Lodi Gardens in Delhi, including the tomb of Mohammad Shah, the last sultan of the Sayyid Dynasty, built in 1444 AD.
- It was characterized by:
- an octagonal main chamber with Islamic pointed arches
- stone chhajjas (borrowed by Muslim empires from Hindu architecture), and
- guldastas (ornamental flower-shaped pinnacles) on the roof, which would eventually become common features of Mughal architecture.
2.Trace the Hindu elements in the Mughal architecture?
Introduction: –
Write briefly about Mughal Empire.
Body: –
Write briefly about development of Mughal Architecture and mention the Hindu elements in Mughal architecture (seen at balcony and columns, floor, walls etc.)
Mention the reasons why Hindu elements were in Mughal architecture (marriage alliance, local workers etc..).
Conclusion: –
- Thus Mughals brought with them Persian style of architecture, but since these monuments were constructed using Indian workers, using Indian material to demonstrated the strength of their Empire.
- The fusion of Hindu elements in Mughal architecture was inevitable.
Content: –
- The Mughals ruled over large parts of India, Pakistan and Afghanistan during 16th and 17th century.
- They were great patrons of literature, art and architecture.
- Babur’s short reign was marked by frequent wars. Hence he lacked the time, opportunity and funds to build grand monuments.
- Babur’s reign lasted for only four years, Humanyun’s reign marked with constant struggle against Sher Shah Suri. Hence their contribution to development of literature is greater than to architecture.
- Large scale construction of buildings started during the reign of Emperor Akbar.
For example: -Fatehpur Sikri’s palace cum Fort, Buland Darwaza, Jodha Bai’s palace, Panch Mahala, humayun’s Tomb etc.
- Mughal architecture reached zenith during the time of Shah Jahan. For Example: – Taj Mahal at Agra, Red Fort at Delhi with Rang Mahal, Diwan-i-Am and Diwan-i-Khas, Moti Masjid, Jama Masjid etc.
Development of Mughal Architecture: –
- While Mughal used Persian-Islamic elements of architecture such as Geometrical and flora designs, Quranic inscriptions, Chahar-Bagh style of garden, Gateways with arch.
We can see the mingling of Hindu/Rajasthani/Gujarati elements in the Mughal architecture in the following way:
- Tombs of Mughals were big Dome with Kalash(Finial) and chhatris
For example: – Humayun Tomb, Taj Mahal Persian. Tombs and mosques were flatter domes with no kalash and no chattri belong to Persian Style. While kalash and chhatris elements were seen in Hindu temples.
- Forts (Persian Style) with chhatri (Hindu element) as decoration and observation posts for example: – Shah Jahan’s red fort with red sandstone chhattri.
- Hindu elements such as overhanging Balcony, decorated pillars and struts supporting roof of Jodhi bai’s palace has the same resemblance of Rajput/Hindu forts.
- Rajput palace had row of columns called as colonnade which seen at Panch Mahal of Akbar
- Wall designs with bell, lotus and elephant motifs, and Floor designed in pietra-Dura marble inlay with Hindu style seen in Mughal architecture.
Reasons for Hindu elements in Mughal architecture: –
- Mughals had to rule the non-Muslim population as well.
- They built sarai, khanqahs, Dargahs and other public places with local material and local workers.
- Cross cultural influence inevitable during repairs and rebuilding by local Zamindars and Merchants
- Mughals entered in marriage alliance with the Hindu and Rajput Clans. Akbar was a tolerant and adaptive ruler so Hindu designs influenced in Mughal Architecture.
Prelims Questions of the day: –
1. In which of the following year famous Ramappa temple was built?
- 1113
- 1213
- 1313
- 1413
Answer: B
Explanation:
The medieval Deccan Ramappa Temple in 1213 AD, was built by the patronage of the Kakatiya ruler Kakati Ganapathi Deva under the authority of his Chief Commander Rudra Samani at the place known as Ranakude in the Atukuru province.
2. Which of the following dynasty made Vemulavada as the capital?
- Pandyas
- Chalukyas
- Cholas
- Satavahanas
Answer:B
Explanation:
The Chalukyas of Vemulavada ruled in and around the present-day Telangana between 7th and 10th centuries. Their capital was located at Vemulavada, and they were vassals of the Rashtrakutas.
3. Which of the following religion was patronized by Early Kakatiyas?
- Jainism
- Shaivism
- Buddhism
- Vaishnavism
Answer: A
Explanation: –
- The Kakatiya rulers before Betaraju II were all the followers of Jainism.
- Betaraju II was the first Kakatiya king to get converted into Veerasaivism.
- His successors followed his suit stopping the royal patronage to Jainism in the Kakatiya empire.
- One of the most ancient Kakatiya constructions, the Padmakshi temple, was a Jain temple to begin with. It was constructed during the reign of Prolaraju II.
- Mailama, wife of the minister Betana constructed the Kadalalaya Vasati on a hill at Hanumakonda.
- A Digambara Jaina idol is carved in one of the stones on the hill itself.
- Even inside the temple of Padmakshi we can see the idols of Jaina Teerthankara and Yakshinis.
- But after Kakatiyas took to Veerashaivism this temple got converted into a shakti temple.
4. Golconda kingdom was famous for which of following?
- Diamonds
- Agro industry
- Handicrafts
- Textile
Answer: A
Explanation:
- The Golconda region was renowned for its diamonds, derived from the conglomerate rocks of the nearby hills, including the world-famous Koh-i-noor diamond.
- The 16th-century Golconda Fort built during the Quṭb Shahi dynasty (1518–1687).
5. Which of the following is the state festival of Telangana?
- Bathukamma
- Ed-ul-Fitr
- Christmas
- Sankranthi
Answer: A
Explanation:
- Bathukamma is celebrated by the women folk of Telangana, heralding the beauty of nature in vibrant colors of multitudinous flowers.
- The festival begins a week before the grand ‘Saddula Batukamma’ (the grand finale of the Batukamma festival) which falls two days before Dussehra.
6. Hyderabad city is situated on which of the following river bank?
- Godavari
- Manjeera
- Musi
- Munneru
Answer: C
Explanation: –
Hyderabad is located on the Musi River in Telangana Plateau, a major upland region of the Deccan (peninsular India).
7.Who was the last ruler Asaf Jah dynasty?
- Mir qamruddin
- Mahaboob Ali pasha
- Mir Osman Ali khan
- Nizam Ali Khan
Answer: C
Explanation:
- Mir Osman Ali Khan, the seventh and the last Nizam of Hyderabad ruled for 37 years (1911 – 1948).
- The seventh Nizam led a very simple life, yet he was one of the richest men in the world.
- He donated generously to every cause in India as well as abroad irrespective of caste and religion.
- It was the Muslim theological school at Deoband which received financial help, it was also the privilege of the Benaras Hindu University.
- His list of donations included Rabindranth Tagore’s Shantiniketan and several other institutions including hospitals, schools, for famine relief, etc.
- The golden temple in Amritsar also enjoyed an annual donation.
8.In initial years, kolanupaka was famous for which of the following religion center?
- Jaina
- Vaishnava
- Buddha
- Shaiva
Answer: A
Explanation:
- Kolanupaka is considered an important place of worship for Jains in the country.
- Kolanupaka Temple, also known as Kulpakji is a historic Jain temple situated in the village of Kolanupaka in Yadadri-Bhuvanagiri district.
9.According to French Tavernier, the world famous Kohinoor diamond was found in which of the following mine?
- Kolar
- Ramallakota
- Gandikota
- Kollur
Answer: D
Explanation:
- Koh-i-Noor is one of the oldest and most famous diamonds in the world.
- It was possibly discovered in the 17th century in Kolluru near Pulichintala, Guntur district.
Kollur mines were found 100 years before Tavernier came to India. - The story behind the mine was that once upon a time a farmer found a stone in his land while ploughing.
- He thought that the stone is valuable and sold it to a diamond merchant in Golconda.
- Later, other diamond merchants came to know about it and they searched for diamonds in that area.
10. Which of the following is the other name of thousand pillar temple?
- Swayambhoo devalayam and keshvaalayam
- Padmakshi alayam
- Siddeshwaralayam
- Rudreshwaralayam and trikutalayam
Answer: D
Explanation:
- The most popular place in Warangal is the Thousand Pillars Temple, located at the base of Hanamkonda hill.
- It was built in 12th century by the Kakatiya King Rudra Deva.
- Dedicated primarily to Lord Shiva, this temple is also known by the name of Sri Rudreshwara Swamy Temple.
- At this temple, three deities- Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Surya are worshipped.
- They are known as Trikutalayam. There are three shrines, one for each deity.