History of Architecture - IV

Introduction and understanding of ‘Islam’s’ philosophy and its consequent rituals and their interpretation in building type e.g. mosque, tomb, fort and their elements like domes, minarets, arch, squinch, landscape, motif, calligraphy, directionality, symmetry, geometry, material, court, water, patterns etc.

The architecture of early Islamic dynasties that ruled from Delhi like the Slave, Khalji, Tughlaq, Sayyid, Lodhis and ShershahSuri regimes. The formation of ‘Indo-Islamic’ style that was the amalgamation of Islamic space and prevalent Hindu techniques of building and materials.

Development of colloquial styles in various provinces of India like Punjab, Jaunpur, Gujrat, Bengal, Bijapur, Bidar and Deccan.

Morphology of fortified cities of Jaisalmer, fort/ palaces like Mandu, Chittorgarh, Orchha, Datia, Jodhpur etc. with an overview on architectural types like havelis, stepwells, gates, baradaris etc.

The architecture of the Timurids in India- Babur, Hamayun, Akhbar, Jahangir and Shahjahan, which was the culmination of the Indo-Islamic paradigm. The proportions, structure systems, landscape, materials, scale and distinct features.

The Oudh architecture, which was a blend of the Mughal style and the British features, in Lucknow and its environs. The manzils, baghs, kothis, imambaras, karbalas: their planning, materials and techniques.

The British architecture of the colonial days in India- the capitol at Delhi and the residency at Lucknow emphasizing on their planning criteria and architectural features. Incorporation of local motifs and materials. APPROACH: 1. Lectures to be specifically conducted with the visual aids and seminars presented by students. 2. Students will make written assignments and seminar presentations on architectural characteristics that identify the building types and the intentions of the period in response to context and time. 3. Free hand sketches and orthographic drawings could made by students in the tutorials on specific building examples to familiarize them with the architectural character that identify the works of the particular period. 4. Scaled, sectional models of historical buildings to be encouraged to understand the scale and proportion.