As a new faith in the 7th century, Islam lacked an architectural tradition of its own; however, by the time Islam established itself on the Indian peninsula (11th – 12th centuries), it had developed a unique style that incorporated influences of two other architectural traditions: that of the Christian Byzantine Empire and of the Zoroastrian Sassanid Persian Empire.

In India under the Mughal Empire, the Islamic style further transformed as classic Islamic forms adopted elements from both the neighboring Timurid and Persian Islamic empires and the local Hindu sultanates.

In order to help visitors understand the beautiful and unique elements of Islamic architecture in India, we created this ApproachGuide to explore:

• the history of Islam in India;
• the general characteristics of Islamic architecture and those that define the Indian style;
• the manifold influences that served to create this unique style;
• the characteristic stylistic elements of the chief architectural innovators (the Mughal Emperors, Akbar and Shah Jahan) and their respective landmarks.

As part of the guide, we provide detailed reviews of the most definitive architectural structures of the period, including the Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri, Humayun’s Tomb, and the Qutb Minar (see a map of all sites highlighted in this guide).

Download a FREE PREVIEW (5 of 25 pages)

Price $9.99 (Format: PDF; available for immediate download)

This ApproachGuide will be useful when visiting any Islamic site in India, however, we have listed the areas that we highlight as having the best examples (see our custom map). Many of the sites highlighted are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

• Delhi. Delhi has a wealth of excellent Islamic architectural sites, including The Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Tomb of Ghiyath ad-Din, Moth-Ki Masjid, Safdarjang’s Tomb, Qutb Minar and Humayun’s Tomb.
• Agra. The site of the Taj Mahal, one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. Also worth a visit: The Red Fort, Itmad-ud-Daulah and Sikandra (Akbar’s Tomb).
• Fatehpur Sikri. 40 km southwest of Agra, it is definitely a highlight stop (from an architectural perspective) and makes for an easy day-trip.
• Orchha. Stop here en route to Khajuraho to visit the Jahangir Mahal, a palace that blends Hindu with Islamic styles.
• Sasaram. The Tomb of Sher Shah Suri is a visually impressive complex situated on an island surrounded by a lake.

All ApproachGuides are offered as PDF files that can be downloaded and printed immediately after purchase.

Taj Mahal, Agra, India