Solution: Daily Problem Practice [Medieval India: Week 11]- 27 December
Q. Give an account of the Malwa style of architecture in medieval India. [10 Marks]
Ans:
Malwa style of architecture developed in Malwa region during 15th and 16th century. Main examples of the style are found in the cities of Dhar, Mandu and Chanderi.
Important features:
- Based on Tughlaq style
- Battered walls
- Pointed arches with spear head fringe.
- Combination of arch with pillar, lintel and beam.
- Buildings are raised on high plinths, accessed by long and stately flight of steps.
- Prominent use of colour in decoration.
- Use of different coloured marble, semi-precious stones and glazed tiles.
- The artisans in Malwa possessed a secret formula for creating Turquoise blue colour.
The style can be divided into 3 phases:
- First Phase:
- Dismantling of temples and converting them into mosque.
- Kamal Maula Masjid (Dhar)
- Lat Masjid (Dhar)
- Malik Mughis Masjid (Mandu)
- Dismantling of temples and converting them into mosque.
- Second (Classical) Phase:
- Monuments of original character. Sober and elegant. More substantial and formal order.
- Jami Masjid at Mandu
- Started by Hushang Shah and finished by Mahmud I in A.D. 1440.
- raised on a high plinth
- Ashrafi Mahal
- composed of three distinct buildings
- tower was in red sandstone
- patterns of inlaid marble
- Hushang Shah’s Tomb
- built by Hushang Shah, completed by Mahmud I in 1440 A.D.
- made of marble
- Hindola Mahal
- built by Hushang Shah
- walls are thick, battered slope
- structure was for women
- ‘T’ shape plan
- Jahaaz Mahal
- shape, dimension and position gives the illusion of a ship
- roof has a series of kiosk, overhang balconies
- extending along the edge of lake
- Jami Masjid at Mandu
- Monuments of original character. Sober and elegant. More substantial and formal order.
- Third Phase:
- Less austere and more fanciful structures, implying a life of ease and luxury.
- Main examples are pavilions, loggias, kiosks, terraces etc.
- Baz Bahadur’s Palace
- form of summer palace and pavilions
- ground storey consisted of compartments grouped around a central courtyard with pools or fountains.
- all the surfaces adorned with painted tiles.
- Kushk Mahal (Chanderi)
- Originally seven storeyed, only four storeys now remain.
- Jami Masjid at Chanderi
- shape of three domes.
- Baz Bahadur’s Palace
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