The Foundation of Muslim Rule in India: A History of the Establishment and Progress of the Turkish Sultanate of Delhi, 1206–1290 A.D. c25.3

c25.3

The Muslims, in turn, introduced many new features also. The native craftsmen, familiar with only the column and flat architrave for roofing, soon got used to the essentially Muslim structural element of the arch and the vault. The slender Hindu spire gave way to the minaret and the dome; in arch construction, the corbelled type was replaced by the more scientific voussoir system. Finally, the more extensive use of concrete and mortar made it possible to roof large spaces, a characteristic feature of Muslim buildings. The Hindu decorative style, made up of floral designs or plastic reliefs, was supplemented with flowing arabesque or geometric patterns, sometimes interwoven by graceful lettering of historical inscriptions or Quranic texts. The introduction of calligraphy in the scheme of architectural ornamentation, was, undeniably, a major contribution.