Salient features of architecture during the sultanate period
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However, their buildings could not be exact copies of these buildings. They had to employ Indian craftsmen who had their own ideas about the form and method of construction.
Thus though the buildings were designed by Muslim architects to suit the requirements of their religious ideas, yet they were constructed by Hindu craftsmen who formed the finest artistry of the world. Obviously the buildings had a combination of Indo- Islamic architecture.
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2. Buildings constructed with the material of Hindu temples:
Several buildings were constructed out of the material used in the temples that were destroyed by some of the Muslim rulers. Quwat-ul-Islam Mosque in Delhi is said to have been built by Qutub-ud-Din Aibak by demolishing a Hindu temple. Likewise ‘Adai-din-ka Jhopra’ a mosque in Ajmer, built in 2 ½ days came into being on the ruins of a Hindu building.
The Delhi Sultans were great patrons of art and architecture and built a number of structures. The salient features of their architecture are as :
1. The Sultanate architecture was a blend of Muslim (Central Asian) and Hindu (Indian) architecture. The Sultans wanted to construct their structures on the central Asian pattern but they had to employ Indian artisans and masons and more importantly temple material was used, which resulted in blend of Hindu-Muslim Architecture.
2. The usage of arch, domes and minarets in Muslim structures was another features of Sultanate architecture.
3. Verses of Quran were used in buildings for religious as well as for decorative purposes.
4. Use of stones particularly red stone (for strength) and white marble was another feature of sultanate architecture.
5. Use of tree and flower carvings and geometric designs for decorative purposes was another feature of sultanate architecture.