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BENGAL

The document discusses the history and characteristics of Bengal's architecture from AD 1193 to 1576, highlighting the influence of Islamic rule and the use of local materials like brick and terracotta. It details significant architectural developments, including the construction of notable structures such as the Adina Mosque and the Eklakhi Tomb, which showcase unique design elements adapted to the region's climate. The evolution of architectural styles in Bengal reflects a blend of vernacular traditions and Islamic influences, resulting in a distinct provincial style.

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20 views26 pages

BENGAL

The document discusses the history and characteristics of Bengal's architecture from AD 1193 to 1576, highlighting the influence of Islamic rule and the use of local materials like brick and terracotta. It details significant architectural developments, including the construction of notable structures such as the Adina Mosque and the Eklakhi Tomb, which showcase unique design elements adapted to the region's climate. The evolution of architectural styles in Bengal reflects a blend of vernacular traditions and Islamic influences, resulting in a distinct provincial style.

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tve20ar016
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EH 301

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE-IV
S5 B.ARCH 2020
BENGAL: GEOGRAPHY
& CLIMATE

• Delta region -River


mouth of Ganges &
Brahmaputra
• Typical Monsoon
climate : Hot & humid
with torrential rains &
cyclones
• Summer temp: Max 45
degC-20dec
• Winter temp: 15deg C-
8deg C
• Annual rainfall:175cm

PROVINCIAL STYLE: BENGAL (AD 1193-1576)


Islamic rule came to Bengal in A.D. 1193, when Muhammad Bakhtiyar Khilji extended his rule
right down to the ancient capital of Gaur. In 13th century the dynasty founded its capital at
Tribeni in Hugli district.

In the Fertile alluvial Deltas of Bengal no building stone was available and the main building
material was Brick & terracotta. Architecture evolved from vernacular practices of bamboo and
thatch huts.- gave the distinct curved profile to roofs.

PROVINCIAL STYLE: BENGAL (AD 1193-1576)


• Brick & terracotta are the predominant materials in the region. Bamboo & thatch used
for simple huts

• Bamboo & thatch huts of the region _ Do-Chala Roofs of traditional Bengali Architecture

PROVINCIAL STYLE: BENGAL (AD 1193-1576)


The architecture in Bengal can be further divided into two periods – the first from the 13th to
15th century when it was a provincial outpost of the Delhi Sultanate, and the second in the 15th
and 16th centuries, when the Bengal Sultanate was established.

Haji Iliyas Shah was the first ruler of Bengal to have assumed the title of Shah-i-Bangalah. This
dynasty ruled Bengal from 1342 to 1487 AD during which a provincial style generally described
as the ‘Bengali style’, distinct from the imperial Delhi sultanate evolved.
PROVINCIAL STYLE: BENGAL (AD 1193-1576)
Sultan Sikander Shah established capital at Pandua & built a large Jami masjid - Adina Masjid
to celebrate his independence from Delhi sutanate. Largest &most important Mosque in Bengal
which marked the second stage evolution of architecture

PROVINCIAL STYLE: BENGAL ,ADINA MOSQUE (AD 1375)


Rectangular plan 507’x285’ (155x87m) containing a courtyard measuring 400’x130’
(122mx47m). 260 basalt pillars holding up 378 brick domes.

Central portion of Liwan once had a pointed barrel vault over 70’ deep spanning 34’ (10.3m)
supported at ends with 5 arches. Apex of vault reached a height of 50’ (15.2m)
PROVINCIAL STYLE: BENGAL ,ADINA MOSQUE (AD 1375)
PROVINCIAL STYLE: BENGAL ,ADINA MOSQUE (AD 1375)
BASALT PILLARS IN LIWAN

The prayer hall is a series of arches mounted on short, powerful pillars


with square plinths and weighty block capitals .Badshah –e –thakht , a
private chapel reserved for royals can be seen on right side.

PROVINCIAL STYLE: BENGAL ,ADINA MOSQUE (AD 1375)


Trefoil arched niche as mihrab as seen in
Budhist Stupas

BARREL VAULTING AT NAVE CENTRAL MIHRAB


The Eklakhi Tomb is believed to be the burial place of Sultan Jalal al-Din (d. 1431/834 AD).
Builders derived inspiration from vernacular traditions of bamboo & thatch huts to resists heavy
rains of Bengal. Establishes the distinct character of Bengal style of medival architecture.

Here typical cube & dome units gets modified. flat roof gets a distinct camber to throw off
rainwater- bow like curved profile becomes standard of Bengal style.

PROVINCIAL STYLE: BENGAL ,EKLAKHI TOMB (AD 1375)


has characteristics such as heavy walls, octagonal corner towers, terracotta relief decoration
and multiple lines of mouldings that would become a model for subsequent buildings in Bengal.
Glazed tile is also used here for the first time in Bengal.

The tomb is approximately 8 meters high and sits on a nearly-square base of( 75’)25 meters,
with octagonal towers at each corner. A hemispherical dome, 46’ dia,with no drum, sits directly
on the walls.
PROVINCIAL STYLE: BENGAL ,EKLAKHI TOMB (AD 1375)
Due to heavy rains, the structure is entirely covered. Each of the four sides has a small arched
door in the center. A stringcourse divides each wall, with blind niches in the shape of windows
above and ornamental relief brickwork panels below.

PROVINCIAL STYLE: BENGAL ,EKLAKHI TOMB (AD 1375)


PROVINCIAL STYLE: BENGAL ,EKLAKHI TOMB (AD 1375)
FATH KHANS TOMB

It was built in imitation of a vernacular do-chala


hut. The curved ridge of the structure has been
made prominent by raising it from the level of the
gables and having it dotted with five stud or ring-
head motifs.

PROVINCIAL STYLE: BENGAL ,TOMB OF FATH KHAN , GAUR (AD 1658)


THE CITY OF GAUR

•In 1442 Haji Iliash , one of the most illustrious Bengal rulers , transferred
capital to city of Gaur situated on a narrow strip between Ganges &
Mahanadi river.
•The vocabulary of Eklakhi tomb prevailed in the construction of
numerous tombs, minarets, gateways etc.
➢Dakhil Darwaza
➢Firoz Minar
➢Gunmat Masjid
➢Chota Sona Masjid,
➢Bara Sona Masjid etc are some the major buildings .
•Due to constant rains in Bengal Mosque architecture changed from an
open courtyard structure to a covered pillared hall in brick work with
terracotta relief decorations.

PROVINCIAL STYLE: BENGAL ,CITY OF GAUR (AD 1375)


•The mosque was built during the reign of Sultan Hussain Shah, between 1493 and
1519. The fifteen domes of the mosque were once gilded, giving the mosque the
name of Choto Shona Masjid

•Built of brick and stone, the mosque proper forms a rectangle having outside dimensions
of 25.1 metres (82 ft) from north to south and 15.9 metres (52 ft) from east to west.
PROVINCIAL STYLE: BENGAL ,CHOTTA SONA MASJID (AD 1493)
•The interior of the mosque, measuring 21.2 by 12.2 metres (70 by 40 ft), is
divided into three aisles by two rows of stone pillars, four in each row. There are
five arched doorways in the eastern facade and three each on the north and
south walls. Corresponding to the five archways in the east wall there are five
semi-circular mihrabs inside the west wall.

PROVINCIAL STYLE: BENGAL ,DAKHIL DARWAZA, GAUR (AD 1465)


•All the four walls are veneered externally and to some extent also internally with
granite stone blocks.

•The four exterior angles of the building are strengthened with polygonal towers, of
which nine facets are visible. The cornices are curvilinear and have stone gutters to drain
off the rain water from the roof.

PROVINCIAL STYLE: BENGAL ,DAKHIL DARWAZA, GAUR (AD 1465)


.

PROVINCIAL STYLE: BENGAL ,GUNMANT MASJID , GAUR (AD 1484)


Stone carving, brick-setting, terracotta, gilding and glazed tiles were used in
decorating the building, and of them the former played the dominant role.
Eastern Facade
The do-chala form is very significant in the context of development of architecture in Bengal -
be it a Muslim mosque or a Hindu temple. this curvaceous roof profile was later incorporated
into vocabulary of Mughal architecture from where it found place in Rajput & even sikh
arhitecture

PROVINCIAL STYLE: BENGAL ,TOMB OF FATH KHAN , GAUR (AD 1658)


Terracotta ornamentation in regional motifs

PROVINCIAL STYLE: BENGAL ,DAKHIL DARWAZA, GAUR (AD 1465)


•Buildings built in brick & terracotta. had thick walls,strenghthed by
corner towers round or octagonal
•The curved roof profile inspired by vernaular huts with a bow arched
parapet-later adopted by mughals as decorative element
•Domes having curved profile supported on squinches
•Surface decoration with bands & string moldings and terracotta deigns
of motifs derived from local temple architecture such as
chains,bells,lotus & creepers
•Mihrabs correspond to no of arches in eastern doorways
•Mosques without open courtyards- response to climate

PROVINCIAL STYLE OF BENGAL: LEARNING FROM THE PAST

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