The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c23.s4.168.1

v4.c23.s4.168.1

Distinct in character from the architecture of the Mughuls, but simultaneous with that dynasty during the first century of its rule, a provincial style prevailed in a part of the Deccan represented by a large and important group of buildings of pronounced appearance and rare architectural merit. This independent development of the art of building was due to the power and artistic patronage of the sultans of the ‘Ādil Shāh dynasty, who, until absorbed into the Mughul empire in the middle of the seventeenth century, made their capital at Bījāpur one of the most magnificent cities in the whole of India. Unlike Akbar’s capital at Fathpur Sīkrī, with which many of its buildings were contemporary, instead of being the result of an autocratic impulse to provide an architectural setting for the pageantry of the court, Bījāpur grew out of a real need for a large town, strongly fortified, essential for the permanent accommodation of its rulers and their retinue, and from which the province could be properly administered. It consists therefore of a wide circular area enclosed by a wall having a citadel towards the centre, and the remainder of the space occupied with all the constituent buildings of a state capital, such as palaces, mosques, tombs, mint and gateways.