Characteristics Introduced by Various Provincial School of Architecture and Their Important Features

Published on 13 Sep 2025

The Indo-Islamic architecture after the 12th century AD began to evolve, adding to it the local flavor of the provincial kingdom of Bengal, Gujarat, Jaunpur, Golconda, Malwa and the Deccan. The regional styles of architecture came into existence after they ceased their allegiance to Delhi. Thus, leading to development of provincial style of architecture.

Bengal School of Architecture

This distinctive regional style drew its inspiration from the indigenous vernacular architecture of Bengal, including curved chala roofs, corner towers and complex floral carvings

• Use of Terracotta: Terracotta, a type of fired clay that is often used for decorative purposes, is used in Bengal school architecture for its intricate designs often used to decorate the exterior of buildings.

• Example: Ganeshwar Temple in Murshidabad, West Bengal

• Sloping Bangla Roofs: Mosques built had the sloping Bangla roof seen in temples.

• Example: Qadam Rasul mosque in Gaur

• Bricks and black marbles were used: It characterised in its use of bricks and black marble suitable for the very heavy rains.

• Example: Adina mosque in Pandua

Malwa School of Architecture

Malwa style of architecture developed in Malwa region during the 15th and 16th century. The cities of Dhar and Mandu in the Malwa plateau became prominent seats of architecture.

• Red sandstone: The Malwa school is known for its use of red sandstone, which is a type of stone that is found in the region. Red sandstone is used to give buildings a distinctive look.

• Example: Dilwar Khan masjid in Mandu

• No use of minars: as found in other Indo-Islamic architecture.

• Example: Jami Masjid in Mandu

• Stylised use of arches and pillars: The buildings had large windows and were decorated by a stylized use of pillars and arches. It made the buildings well ventilated.

• Example: Ashrafi Mahal in Mandu

• Batter system: was used which was introduced by Tughlaqs to make the buildings strong.

• Example: Rani Roopmati pavilion

• Use of baolis: Artificial reservoirs known as ‘baulis’ were constructed in the premises for storage of water based on the imperial architecture.

• Example: Champa Baoli in Mandu

Deccani School of Architecture

Deccani Architecture refers to the architectural styles developed during the Deccan sultanate period. The Deccan sultanates were five dynasties that ruled late medieval kingdoms, namely, Bijapur, Golkonda, Ahmadnagar, Bidar, and Berar in south-western India. Deccan sultanates have constructed many grand and impregnable forts. Bidar and Golconda forts are classic examples of military planning of Deccan sultanates. Apart from forts, they have constructed many tombs, mosques and madrasas. Gol Gumbaz (tomb of Mohammed Adil Shah) was the second largest dome in the world.

• Ceilings without support: The masonry of the roof was joggle-jointed, which meant that the ceiling appeared to float without any apparent support.

• Example: Ibrahim Rauza mosque in Bijapur

• Three-arched façade and bulbous dome: which were almost spherical and with a narrow neck.

• Example: Gol Gumbaz in Bijapur

• Emphasis on minarets over domes: beautifying monuments through surface decoration and artistic parapets.

• Example: Mehtar Mahal in Bijapur, Char minar in Hyderabad

• Iron clamps and a strong plaster of mortar: were used to give strength to the buildings. The walls were decorated with rich carvings.

• Example: Gagan Mahal in Bijapur

• Formidable forts: Many impregnable forts have been created during this period with elaborate water management and acoustic characteristics.

• Example: Golconda Fort in Hyderabad

These provincial schools of architecture in India showcase the diversity and regional influences that have shaped the architectural landscape of the country. They reflect a blend of indigenous, Islamic, and European architectural elements, resulting in unique styles and features specific to each region.

Tags:
History & Culture

Keywords:
Characteristics Introduced by Various Provincial School of Architecture and Their Important Features Provincial School of Architecture Architecture Indian Architecture Indo-Islamic architecture Bengal Gujarat Jaunpur Golconda Malwa deccan Bengal School of Architecture Ganeshwar Temple Murshidabad Sloping Bangla Roofs Qadam Rasul mosque Adina mosque Malwa School of Architecture Dilwar Khan masjid mandu Jami Masjid Ashrafi Mahal Batter system Rani Roopmati pavilion Champa

Syllabus:
General Studies Paper 1

Topics:
Art and Architecture