Emanations and Islamic architectural interactions between Iran and Indian subcontinent

Abstract

Following expansion of Islamic territories toward India, Iranian Islamic architecture also found its way to Indian subcontinent as well as to Far East. Studying the effects of Iranian Islamic architectural arts and the results of its development and maturity in the subcontinent can be considered as a feedback in architectural arts interaction mainstream of the two sides. Muslims constructed their first buildings as soon as they got into Indian subcontinent. Remnants of a mosque from eighth century AD in Indus valley is a sign of this era. In twelfth century AD, the more Muslims arrived to the subcontinent, the more remnants were left. After ages, in an era known as Mogul Empire (Indian Gurkani), the architecture of the subcontinent flourished mainly under the influence of Iranian arts. Historical monument of Taj Mahal is a famous Islamic architectural monument in the world, which was constructed at this era by Muslim masters and architects some of whom were Iranian. Khorshid Palace (sun house), in Kalat Nader city of Iran, is also among those unique monuments which was built in Afsharid dynasty after subjugating India by Nader Shah, combining mastery of Indian architects with Iranian architecture. In this article, we first discuss entrance of Islam to Indian subcontinent, and mention periods of Muslims‘ governance especially during Indian Gurkani. Then the effect of Iranian arts in Indian Gurkani courts on one hand, and footprints of Indian architecture in Khorshid Palace on the other hand, particularly in its decorations, will be discussed.