TOURISM MBA

1. SUBMITTED BY:
ABDUL REHMAN
COMMUNICATION SKILLS LABORATORY
& PERSONALITY DEVELOPMENT
JAMIA MILLIA ISLAMIA
NEW DELHI
SUBMITTED TO:
Nusrat Yasmeen(Ass. Prof.)
DTHM JMI

2. Indo – Islamic architecture forms
one of the prominent part of cultural
tourism resources in India. Elucidate
the statement with suitable
examples.

3. • Indo-Islamic architecture is the architecture of the Indian subcontinent
produced by and for Islamic patrons and purposes. Despite an initial
Arab presence in Sindh, the development of Indo-Islamic architecture
began in earnest with the establishment of Delhi as the capital of the
Ghurid dynasty in 1193.[1] Succeeding the Ghurids was the Delhi
Sultanate, a series of Central Asian dynasties that consolidated much
of North India, and later the Mughal Empire by the 15th century. Both of
these dynasties introduced Persianate architecture and art styles from
Western Eurasia into the Indian subcontinent.[2]
INTRODUCTION

4. Some of the most popular features of
this Indo- Islamic architecture include
high domes with pillars around it, large
open courtyards, and high minarets. Red
sandstone was a preferred material to
build these structures. There are several
structures of Islamic architecture in
India that showcases the beauty of this
architecture which continues to inspire
new structures. But the charm still
remains in the older ones which are both
rich in history and culture.

5. ISLAMIC
ARCHITECTURE IN INDIA

6. 1. Mecca Masjid, Hyderabad

7. If Mecca Masjid finds itself being a tourist attraction throughout the year, the month of
Ramadan makes it probably the busiest of places in Hyderabad. The already crowded
lanes play host to small shops selling all sorts of things, ranging from toy guns to bangles
and the Hyderabad special delicacies. The rains only add to the chaos and it’s not hard to
get lost in the markets here. The Masjid started its foundation in the 1600s, when the
ruling king commissioned to build bricks from the soil brought from Mecca – the holiest
land of Islam. These bricks were used to form the central ark of the structure and took
them more than 50 years to complete the entire masjid. The main structure of this
Islamic Architecture in India which houses a small dome surrounded by minarets was
placed between two columns made out of single pieces of granite. These columns have
arched balconies at the top which continues further till it is covered by a dome. The
entrance courtyard of the mosque houses the graves of the Asif Jahi rulers, containing
the tombs of all Nizams and their families. The structure closely resembles to that of the
Char Minar which is located nearby. The place is a must visit during Ramadan for anyone
who wishes to experience the Islamic culture first hand. The sound of the prayers, the
smell of the seekh kabab and the bustling crowd make for a once in a lifetime experience.

9. 2. Jama Masjid, Delhi

10. The biggest Mosque and Islamic Architecture in India springs to life during Ramadan as
its large courtyards are filled with hundreds of people gathered to break their fast.
Families huddle up on sheets of cloth or newspapers spread out to indulge in some
delicious iftar meals. A wide variety of food is prepared for this occasion in Matia
Mahal, a narrow alley near the mosque which sees a lot of temporary food stalls crop
during Ramadan. Most of the stalls don’t even have a name but a single binding
objective to serve the community and not let anyone leave starving. The Mosque built
by Shah Jahan, is one of the most important and largest mosques in India, befittingly
called the Grand Mosque. Located centrally in old Delhi, the courtyard can hold up to
twenty-five thousand worshipers. The foundation of the mosque was set on a hillock
and it took about 6 years and over 6000 workers to complete the structure. The
mosque is 261 feet high and is covered with 3 domes with alternated white and black
stripes while most of the upper part is covered with gold. Two high minarets stand tall
on either side of the domes. Shah Jahan also built several other mosques of similar plan
but smaller in structure than that of Jama Masjid in Delhi.

12. 3. Malik Deenar, Kerala

13. One of the oldest and well-kept Islamic Architecture in Kerala, Malik Dinar is believed to be
around 1400 years old. It has now come to be known as the centre of Islam in the west coast
of India. Malik Ibn Dinar, who is famous for being the first to bring Islam to India, founded
this mosque. This place is highly sacred to Muslims which also contains the grave of Malik
Ibn Mohammed who was a descendent of Malik Ibn Dinar. The architecture of the mosque
heavily depicts the Islamic architecture at the time of the Persian influence which is why
the structure of the mosque is not similar to that of the other mosque which has a primary
feature of domes, that’s absent here.
An important celebration takes place to commemorate the arrival of Malik Ibn Dinar every
year which is one of the two most celebrated festivals here, the second one being Ramdan. A
large number of devotees gather in the Mosque premises which gain a lot of attention during
these days as opposed to the rather laid back nature it otherwise observes. Inspite of being
in the land of the exclusive South Indian food, you’d be pretty amazed at the wide spread
authentic ‘iftar’ delicacies you would find here. The shops here sell some beautifully hand
crafted embroidered skull caps that for forms part of Islamic identity.

15. 4. Tipu Sultan Shahi Mosque, Kolkata

16. Built by the youngest son of Tipu Sultan, Prince Ghulam Mohammed in the
year 1832 is a spectacular relic of the Indo-Islamic architecture and cultural
heritage. Facing south, this mosque has 16 domes surrounded by four minarets
and double aisled. The intricate designs of the mosque resemble the Moghul
architecture while the rounded arches are drawn from classical Islamic
Architecture that gives it a subtle European look.
It forms an integral part of the cultural heritage
of Kolkata. It is open for people of all religion and
faith to visit the mosque and marvel at the
gorgeous architecture. Even during Ramadan, you
can see people of all faith gathering amicably
around the Mosque and though they don’t
participate in the prayers but are warmly
invited to join in the feast of some mouth-watering dishes.

18. 5. Bara Imambara, Lucknow

19. Also known as Asfi Inambara named after the Nawab of Lucknow who commissioned the
structure. Bara means big and Imambara meaning shrine, it is one of the largest Islamic
Architecture in India and an important place of worship for which people gather here on
every religious festival. Ramdan being the most celebrated festival witnesses a crowd of
large numbers accumulating the courtyard to offer prayers and celebrate’ iftar’ with loved
ones. The last day of Ramadan and the day of Eid are the busiest day here with people
bustling about wishing each other while the make shift shops put up an exhibition of food
and crafts for sale.
The architecture of Bara Imambara, though on the lines of Indo-Islamic architecture is
actually quite unique. The central hall of Bara Imambara is said to be the largest arched
hall in the world. But what makes it unique is that the blocks used to construct are of the
interlocking system with absolutely no use of girders and beams. Till date the roof stands
strong without any pillars to support it. Apart from this, Bara Imambara is known for its
Bhulbhulaiya – an incredible maze, located at the upper floor and the only way to find your
way out is with a guide. It leads to top of the monument from where you can see a
panoramic view of the city of Lucknow.

21. 6. Taj Mahal, Agra

22. It is impossible to talk about Islamic Architecture in India and not mention Taj Mahal – an ode
to art as much as it is to love. The white marble dome of the Mausoleum is one of the most
recognized structures in the world. However, little is known of the minarets that stand beside
it. Minarets weren’t a common feature of Islamic architecture until the 17th century and
Emperor Shah Jahan had a big contribution towards it. Shah Jahan’s idea behind the structure
was to create a replica of the house of the departed in paradise on earth. The constant
changing colour of the structure because of the light that falls on the marble isn’t a lucky
coincidence but was a deliberate attempt to feature the light of god for light is a Moghul
metaphor for God. Another feature that stands out in the structure is the calligraphic use of
passages from the Holy Book of Quran that is used as decorative elements on the structure.
Tourists flock the place all throughout the year, most visit especially during Ramdan for the
promise of scrumptious food that is prepared by small stalls and huge restaurants all offering
their very best. Apart from this, the Taj Mahal takes on a different hue during this month with
the hustle and bustle of the festivities. If the sight of the Taj Mahal itself wasn’t enough, then
the thousands of people gathered together, bowing their heads down in gratitude only
reaffirms the power of faith among people.

24. THANK YOU