History of the Khaljis, A.D. 1290–1320 c24.7

c24.7

In the extensions of the Quvvatul Islam Mosque by Iltutmish, according to Marshall, there is much more Saracenic influence traceable. Shafts, capitals and architraves of Hindu pattern are still used; but in the screen very little Indian influence is visible.³ The culmination of the building art of the reign of Iltutmish, however, is reached in his mausoleum, built some time before 1235. The building is a square structure, with sides of 42 ft., and is situated in the north-west of his extensions of the Masjid. The interior hall, with 30 ft. sides, is elaborately sculptured so as to rival some of the Hindu temples in richness of decoration, and is entered through doorways containing pointed arches, a feature particular to Hindu design. Of great interest in this building is the principle employed in the construction of its roof, which was probably some form of shallow dome.⁴ The form of the dome employed in Iltutmish's Mosque was of an improved form known as squinch.