History of the Khaljis, A.D. 1290–1320 c24.41

c24.41

The architectural arrangements of the extensions clearly indicate that the prayer chambers of Iltutmish furnish models for those of ‘Alāuddīn; still there are some features which mark the development of the style reached under the Khaljīs. The windows in Iltutmish's extensions are covered with lintels resting on corbels, while those in the latter have regular arches with voussoirs running through the whole thickness of the wall. This difference also clearly shows that, while Quṭbuddīn and Iltutmish had to rely for details of construction on Hindu craftsmen, ‘Alāuddīn was independent of them; and it was in his reign that the school of Muḥammadan architecture acquired a more national type.¹⁸