Islam in India constitutes the second-most practiced religion after Hinduism, with

approximately 151 million Muslims in India's population as of 2007 (according to

government census 2001), i.e., 13.4 percent of the population. Currently, India has the third
largest population of Muslims in the world, after Indonesia and Pakistan.
Islam in India has had a fascinating, and powerful impact. Indeed, Islam has become woven
into the very fabric of Indian civilization and culture. Muslims arrived in India during the life
of Muhammad the Prophet, establishing mosques and organizing missionary endeavors in
the seventh century C.E. Those missionary efforts proved successful, rooting Islam firmly into
Indian life. As often happens with missionary movements from all religions, merchant and
trade endeavors went hand in hand with missionary work. Arabs had had a presence in India
before the birth of Muhammad. That probably facilitated making inroads for Islam, since
Arab traders established in India who converted to Islam already had a base of operations
established. in the phenomenally diverse religious and cultural landscape of India.

Islam in India had the unique experience of having to coexist with other religions. Hinduism, Jainism,
and Buddhism all had their origins in India. Although Buddhism went into decline in India from the
eighth century C.E., it still maintained a major presence. Islamhad to accommodate itself to one
degree or another with most of the major world religions: Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Judaism,
and Christianity. That became extremely difficult at the time of India's independence from British
rule. A majority of Muslims agreed with the call of their leaders, especially Muhammad Ali Jinnah,
Nawabzada Liaquat Ali Khan, and Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy, to create a separate nation. The
majority of Muslim's decided that living in cooperation with other religions, especially the
dominant Hindu community, would hamstring their religious convictions. That led to the creation
of Pakistan in 1947 and Bangladesh in 1971. The remnant Muslim community in India have
struggled, with one degree of success or another, to cooperate

The medieval period saw great developments in the field of architecture in India. With the coming of
Muslims to India, many new features and techniques came to be introduced in buildings. The
development of Muslim Style of Architecture of this period can be called the Indo-Islamic Architecture or
the Indian Architecture influenced by Islamic Art. The Indo-Islamic style was neither strictly Islamic nor
strictly Hindu. It was, in fact, a combination of Islamic architecture elements to those of the Indian
architecture. The architecture of the medieval period can be divided into two main categories
- Architecture of the Delhi Sultanate or the Imperial Style and the Mughal Architecture. The Imperial
Style developed under the patronage of the Sultans of Delhi. The Mughal Architecture was a blend of the
Islamic Architecture of Central Asia and the Hindu Architecture of India.

Delhi Sultanate Architecture

The Delhi Sultanate was predominantly spread in and around Delhi in North India and it gradually spread
its rule across various parts of the Indian subcontinent for over three centuries starting from 1206 to
1526, particularly during the Tughlaq Dynasty. The rule of the sultanate comprised of five successive
dynasties starting from the Mamluk Dynasty whose founder in Delhi, Qu?b al-D?n Aibak, also the
founder of the Turkic dominion in north-western India, became the first sultan of Delhi. The three of the
other four successive dynasties namely the Khilji Dynasty, the Tughlaq Dynasty andthe Sayyid
Dynasty respectively were also of Turkish origin. The last dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate was an Afghan
Pashtun dynasty called the Lodi Dynasty that was founded by Bahlul Khan Lodi. The dynasty saw its fall
under the reign of Ibrahim Lodi after it faced defeat at the hands of Babur, the founder of the Mughal
Empire in 1526, which brought an end of the Delhi Sultanate.

During the rule of various Sultans, several politically significant Hindu temples located in enemy states
were vandalised, damaged and desecrated and the development of Indo-Islamic architecture
initiated. The grand and imposing edifices and monuments constructed by the Sultans of the Delhi
Sultanate stand as the first illustration typifying Indo-Islamic style of architecture. A mix of Indian and
Arabic styles of architecture emerged during the Delhi Sultanate that, as opined by Sir John Marshall,
developed into a peerless form of art and architecture comprising of architectural brilliance of both
Hindu and Muslim artisans.

Some of the unique features of architectural styles preferred by the Delhi Sultanate are palpable from
their palaces that adorn elaborately decorated and embellished arches and domes. Teachings from
the Holy Quran and various floral patterns are visible in the arches while swastika, lotus, bells and
other Hindu motifs used widely by the sultans form parts of other embellishments of the palaces thus
giving them a grand and exquisite appearance.

The Qutb Complex

The ‘Qutb Complex’ comprising of a number of historically significant monuments and buildings is one
of the foremost examples of Indo-Islamic architecture. Some of the important constructions of the
complex include the ‘Qutb Minar’, the ‘Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque’, the ‘Tomb of Iltutmish’, the ‘Tomb
of Imam Zamin’, the ‘Iron Pillar’ of Delhi, and Major Smith's Cupola.  

‘Qutb Minar’ - The 73 m (240 ft.) colossal tower called ‘Qutb Minar’ made of red sandstone and
marble located within the complex stands not only as the highest brick minaret in the world but it is
also as one of the most famous tourist attractions in India. Construction of this UNESCO World
Heritage Site was initiated by Qutb ud-Din Aibak, the founder of the Mamluk Dynasty in Delhi, in 1200
AD and completed by his successor and son-in-law Iltutmish in 1220 AD. This minaret was dedicated
by Aibak to the Muslim Sufi mystic saint and scholar of the Chishti Order, Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki.  

‘Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque’ – It is regarded as the first mosque built in India; its construction was
delegated by Aibak, which started in 1193 and completed in 1197. Twenty seven Hindu temples,
shafts of which adorn the inner and outer courtyard of this Jami Masjid, were demolished to construct
it. A provocative inscription etched over its eastern gate justifies the presence of typical Hindu
embellishments in a Muslim mosque. 
 ‘Alai Darwaza’ - Another brilliant example of Indian and Muslim architecture is the magnificent ‘Alai
Darwaza’ within the complex that forms the central gateway from the southern side of the mosque.
Built in 1311 AD by Ala-ud-din Khilji, the second Khilji Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate, the gateway built
of red sandstone and white marble stands as the first ever structure in India that incorporated
principles of Islamic architecture, both in its construction and decoration. Unique features of Khilji art
including intricate patterns and embellishments are visible from the monument.
The fortified city of Tughlaqabad built by emperor Ghiyath ud Din Tughluq; the fourth medieval city of
Delhi called Jahanpanah and the ‘Adilabad Fort’ built by Muhammad bin Tughlaq, son of Ghiyath ud
Din Tughluq; and the Ferozabad fort and palace constructed by Firoz Shah Tughlug, successor of
Muhammad bin Tughlaq, marks the architectural style of the Tughlug dynasty.   

Mughal Architecture

The Mughal Empire was founded in the Indian subcontinent by a conqueror from Central Asia called
Babur who became the first Mughal emperor in India in 1526. The Mughal Empire that ruled till 1764
in India made significant contribution in the field of architecture in the Indian subcontinent by
evolving a rich and unique architectural style, better known as Mughal architecture that portray a fine
blend of Central Asian, Islamic, Persian, Arabic and Turkish architectural styles with that of the native
architectural styles of India.

The symmetrical design palpable from the monuments, buildings and courtyards built during the
Mughal reign forms one of the central features of Mughal architecture. This is more discernable from
the symmetrically designed towns and forts built by Akbar, the great Mughal emperor of the 16th
century. Akbar made significant contributions to the Mughal style of architecture. Huge domes
bulbaceous in shape, large halls, colossal gateways, svelte minarets positioned at corners and fine
embellishments are some of the other signature features of the Mughal architecture.  

The Mughal emperors, particularly Shah Jahan, were connoisseurs of art and architecture that
manifested into several grand and imposing monuments, palaces, forts, Masjids and tombs among
others built during their era including the world famous ivory white marble mausoleum, the Taj
Mahal. The Mughal architecture reached its peak during the rule of Shah Jahan who, apart from the
Taj Mahal, is accredited for constructing other majestic and architectural splendours like the ‘Red
Fort’, the ‘Jama Masjid’ and the ‘Shalimar Gardens’.

The marvels of Mughal architecture are spread over Delhi, Agra, Fatehpur Sikri, Aurangabad, Jaipur
and many other cities in present day India and other cities like Lahore and Sheikhupura in Pakistan,
Dhaka in Bangladesh and Kabul in Afghanistan. Some of the significant and most popular ones include
the ‘Taj Mahal’, ‘Red Fort’, the ‘Agra Fort’, ‘Fatehpur Sikri’, ‘Akbar’s Tomb’, ‘Humayun’s Tomb’, the
‘Jama Masjid’ and the ‘Badshahi Masjid’ among others.
 ‘Taj Mahal’
Built as a tomb by Shah Jahan for his beloved Queen Mumtaz Mahal, this elegant and grand
mausoleum situated on the south bank of the river Yamuna in Agra, India, is perhaps the finest
testament of the Mughal architecture. It not only stands as an epitome of love attracting millions of
visitors round the year but it is also as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the 7 Wonders of the
World.

‘Red Fort’
Built as a palace by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1639, this historically significant fort situated in Delhi,
India, remained the central residence of the Mughal emperors for around two centuries till 1857
apart from serving as an important political and ceremonial centre of the dynasty. This UNESCO World
Heritage Site that holds a special significance and pride in the history and culture of India and attracts
several tourists all year round comes to life especially on the Independence Day of India. Every year,
the Indian Prime Minister hoists the country’s flag at the central gate of the fort on August 15.   

‘Fatehpur Sikri’
One of the architectural gems of the Mughal Empire is the city of ‘Fatehpur Sikri’ located in the Agra
District of Uttar Pradesh, India. Built by Emperor Akbar as his Capital City from 1569 AD to 1574 AD,
the city served its purpose from 1571 to 1585 and comprised of several edifices that were significant
both in terms of religion and secularism.

Some of the important buildings and constructions within the city are the 15-storied high semi
octagonal gateway called ‘Buland Darwaza’, also referred as the ‘Gate of Magnificence’ that forms the
main entrance to the palace of the city portraying a remarkable blend of Hindu and Persian styles of
architecture; the ‘Jama Masjid’ also referred as the ‘Friday Mosque’ reflecting Iranian architecture in
some of its designs; and the ‘Tomb of Salim Chisti’ housing the grave of the Sufi saint Salim Chisti.

Source- cultural india

Imperial or Delhi Style of Architecture:

The following important structures come under this style:
1. Qutab Minar
2. Quwwat-al-Islam Mosque
3. Alwai Darwaja
4. Kali Masjid
5. Begumpuri Mosque
6. Sikri fort and city
7. Tombs of Mubarak Sayyid and Sikandar Lodhi
8. Bada Gumbad Mosque

Sufism and spread of Islam

The Masjid-i-Jahan Numa

Sufis played an important role in the spread of Islam in India. Their success in spreading
Islam has been attributed to the parallels in Sufi belief systems and practices with Indian
philosophical literature, in particular nonviolence and monism. The Sufis' unorthodox
approach towards Islam made it easier for Hindus to accept the faith. Hazrat Khawaja Muin-
ud-din Chisti, Nizam-ud-din Auliya, Shah Jalal, Amir Khusro, Sarkar Sabir Pak, and Waris Pak
trained Sufis for the propagation of Islam in different parts of India. Once the Islamic Empire
firmly established in India, Sufis invariably provided a touch of color and beauty to what
might have otherwise been rather cold and stark reigns. The Sufi movement also attracted
followers from the artisan and untouchable communities; they played a crucial role in
bridging the distance between Islam and the indigenous traditions. Evidence of fanatical and
violent conversions carried out by Sufi Muslims exists. Ahmed Sirhindi, Naqshbandi Sufi
passionately advocated peaceful conversion of Hindus to Islam.

Indo-Islamic art and architecture

Indian architecture took new shape with the advent of Islamic rule in India towards the end
of the twelftth century AD. Islam introduced new elements into the Indian architecture
including: use of shapes (instead of natural forms); inscriptional art using decorative
lettering or calligraphy; inlay decoration and use of colored marble, painted plaster and
brightly colored glazed tiles.
In contrast to the indigenous Indian architecture, which utilized the trabeate order (i.e.,
horizontal beams spanned all spaces) the Islamic architecture practice arcuate form (i.e., an
arch or dome bridges a space). Rather than creating the concept of arch or dome, Muslims
borrowed and further perfected by them from the architectural styles of the post-Roman
period. Muslims used a 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, derived from other civilizations, in their constructions in India. Such use of
scientific principles helped not only in obtaining greater strength and stability of the
construction materials but also provided greater flexibility to the architects and builders.
The Islamic elements of architecture had already passed through different experimental
phases in other countries like Egypt, Iran and Iraq before introduced in India. Unlike most
Islamic monuments in those countries—largely constructed in brick, plaster and rubble—the
Indo-Islamic monuments typical took the form of mortar-masonry works formed of dressed
stones. The knowledge and skill possessed by the Indian craftsmen, who had mastered the
art of stonework for centuries and used their experience while constructing Islamic
monuments in India, greatly facilitated the development of the Indo-Islamic architecture.
Islamic architecture in India divides into two parts: religious and secular. Mosques and
Tombs represent the religious architecture, while palaces and forts provide examples of
secular Islamic architecture. Forts took an essentially functional design, complete with a
little township within and various fortifications to engage and repel the enemy.

The mosque, or masjid, represents Muslim art in its simplest form. The mosque, basically an
open courtyard surrounded by a pillared verandah, has a dome for a crown.
A mihrab indicates the direction of the qibla for prayer. Towards the right of
the mihrab stands the mimbar or pulpit from where the Imampresides over the
proceedings. An elevated platform, usually a minaret from where the caller summons the
faithful to attend prayers makes up an invariable part of a mosque. Jama Masjids, large
mosques, assemble the faithful for the Friday prayers.
Although not actually religious in nature, the tomb or maqbara introduced an entirely new
architectural concept. While the masjid exuded simplicity, a tomb ranged from a simple
Aurangazeb’s grave to an awesome structure enveloped in grandeur (Taj Mahal). The tomb
usually consists of a solitary compartment or tomb chamber known as the huzrah, the
center serving as the cenotaph or zarih. An elaborate dome covers the entire structure. In
the underground chamber lies the mortuary or the maqbara, with the corpse buried in a
grave or qabr. Smaller tombs may have a mihrab, although larger mausoleums have a
separate mosque located at a distance from the main tomb. Normally an enclosure
surrounds the whole tomb complex or rauza. A dargah designated the tomb of a Muslim
saint. Almost all Islamic monuments have verses from the Holy Koran carving in minute
details on walls, ceilings, pillars and domes.
Islamic architecture in India falls into three sections: Delhi or the Imperial style (1191 to
1557 C.E.); the Provincial style, encompassing the surrounding areas like Jaunpur and the
Deccan; and the Mughal style (1526 to 1707 C.E.).

Source - newworldencyclopedia.org