Image : http://www.flickr.com
INTRODUCTION:
Qutb Minar in red and buff sandstone is one of the highest stone towers in the world. The built-in 13th century, is the magnificent tower of the Indian capital, Delhi. Coined by HUMUNGOUS proportions, the tower has a diameter of 14.32m at the base and about 2.75 m at the summit with a height of 72.5m and has 379 steps to the top. An architectural marvel of the Middle Ages, was to commemorate the victory of the Islamic invasion of armiesnative Hindu rulers.
Like most of the monuments built during the Muslim rule in India, Qutub Minar is located within a complex that consists of other important monuments like the iconic Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, the Alai Darwaza, tombs of important personalities of the time like Iltutmish, Ala-ud-din Khilji, Imam Zamin, the awe-inspiring Iron Pillar and; the unfinished rival of Qutub Minar- the Alai Minar etc. Considering its strategic status in the Indian history, the UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Monument.
LOCATION:
During a visit to the Qutb Minar complex is a must for tourists, but does not understand many of their context. It is probably the central monument symbolizes the continuity of the invasion forces in India and in the Minar is inevitably linked with the growth of Islamic rule in India. E 'was built to overwhelm and subjugate the indigenous population. How visible and potent symbol of power, they continue to be the same axle role in Indian politicspsyche.
Even before the arrival of the invaders, Delhi has had a long history. The remains found during archeological excavations in Delhi and adjoining regions have pushed its identifiable history back to pre-historic period. Though its fortune seems to have fluctuated intermittently, the site seems to have been continuously inhabited from early times. The most important reason for its fame has been its association with the Indian epic "The Mahabharatha". According to popular legends, main characters of the epic including the protagonist Krishna & the members of the Pandava family lived here in their fabled capital Indraprastha. There was a village by the same name located near the Old Fort or Purana Quila till the early 20th century. However, hard archeological evidence to support the presence of Indraprastha has remained elusive. For the simple minded, evidence is a matter of conjecture-They believe this was the land where their God Krishna lived among the mortals. This Association Delhi to places far psycho-geographical crossroads in India.
There are several versions on the establishment of Delhi is also the story of a king called dillu that called the "place of Dilli or Delhi. The most accepted version says that its founder was the king Tomar Anangpal. Archaeological evidence that the Tomar clan excluding the area from 700AD. were made by Suraj Kund is based, is now in Haryana is established. In Delhi, built by the rulers of the fortress (of courseHindu) called the Lal Kot. Lal Kot stands for the red city or the Red Fortress. In the medieval times Rajput clans were vying with each other for territory and the north western India Including Ajmer, Sambhar & the area constituting Delhi came under the suzerainty of the Chauhan (Chahamana) Rajput Clan. The ruler Prithviraj Chauhan ruled the Delhi and its surrounding areas. Considering the symbolic importance of Lalkot, Prithviraj expanded the fortress city and branded the newer parts as Quila-Rai-Pithora.
The area comprising Lalkot & Quila-Rai-Pithora remained symbolic of an imperial Hindu past. This area was deliberately chosen by Qutb-ud-din Aibak the general who led the invasion on behalf of Mohammad Ghori to build the Quwwat- ul- Islam Mosque & the Qutub Minar. The construction of these monuments and the presence of the leaders of Invasion in it transformed Delhi's fortunes and it was branded as the crux of legitimate political power. Every sultan who came after Aibak wanted to own this piece of land for political legitimacy. Most of them tried to leave behind organised permanent structures mostly in the form of a city including the last colonial force on Indian soil-the British. There were a total of eight cities built in Delhi. They are:
(1) LALKOT & its extension Quila-Rai-Pithora, built by the Rajput Kings.
(2) SIRI-built by Alauddin Khilji
(3) TUGHLAQABAD-built by Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
(4) JAHANPANAH-built by Muhammad bin Tughlaq
(5) Feroz Shah Kotla Feroz Shah Tughlaq constructed --
(6) Purana Quila, built-Sher Shah Suri
(7) Shahjahanabad Mughal emperor Shahjahan built (E 'was also the builder of the Taj Mahal)
(8) NEW DELHI-Designed by the British
ARCHITECTURE AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH ENERGY:
Power relations are omnipresent in this world, and relationships exist in all species. The underlying objective of a relationship of "power" is to acquire the company's ability toinfluence the behaviour of another. In humans chasing this power seems to be an overwhelming compulsion. Architecture has always been used by political rulers to emphasize their power and to overwhelm masses reminding them about the futility of rebelling against imperial might. Monumental architecture involves deliberate play with solids and void to plan space in order to influence mass behaviour. In earlier times it was one of the effective ways of the state to exert control.
The role that architecture has played in public life throughout history, whether in homage to an individual or as a monument to an institution or ideology, has always been a potent symbol of wealth, status and power. From castles to cathedrals, from the pyramids to palaces, architecture has been used effectively to glorify in some way the animating ideal of the time. Visual stimuli always act from a certain distance & architecture demands sensory involvement imprinting powerful visual images in the mind of the viewer thus resulting in "sensory intensification" affecting perception. Perception being a dynamic phenomenon is a malleable concept and is influenced by both psychological and physical symbols. Ingrained with the tendency to change over time, perception can be actively influenced by architecture.
Colonial architectural monuments in India reveal the aesthetic preferences of the ruler, his aspirations & power struggles and material culture of a society. Medieval Architecture in India serves as a vehicle for the ongoing struggle for a society in which, with the exception of two opposing forces and strong religious and cultural moved to understand that the residents and their winners. These buildings were primarily the result of complex populations by religion, ideology and political motivation. Were spectacular phenomena of manipulation of the state of visual culture. Monuments still an important part of the political program of a variety ofconquerors. Formal architecture like mosques, tombs, palaces, forts and utilitarian structures like bridges, dams etc played important roles in unifying land & its inhabitants under the ever-changing dynasties. Spectacular buildings directly and indirectly served the current dynasty in power. Triumphal structures like Qutub Minar constructed by Victors wear testimonies to their great military power. Most of the rulers being Muslims had to keep emphasizing their commitment to the principles of their religion in order to retain the loyalty of their soldiers. Religion and politics being interrelated concepts, the associations with authority were an important rationale for the proliferation of mosques in India. Destruction of temples & building of mosques in their place was a clear testament of the ruler's dedication to Islam. Analysis of medieval Indian architecture including the Qutub Minar Complex demonstrates how the organization of the space and the disposition of the buildings created almost a symbolic map of Islamic power.
POLITICAL CONTEXT:
Though in the earlier times, the concept of a political India did not exist, there were various factors including geographical, cultural, religious and political factors that lend it a semblance of unity including a common religion. This subcontinent was administered by rulers both small and big whose writ ran within their political boundaries. India was rich yet, has a fragmented political landscape making There is a temptation for intruders. Many have conquered the country, as well as Alexander the Great. Most looted by the invaders and return to their home countries or settled in India after losing their independence and to residents.
E 'was the increase of the ambitious Mohammad Ghori in Afghanistan, was a turning point. Ghori wanted to increase his power and decided that the Hindu Kush mountains to nibble at the border of the Indian sub-continent. Beincursions began in 1175 AD. He did meet with resistance and he won and lost territory. He conquered Multan and then tried to do the same with the region that more or less constitutes the contemporary Gujarat region. He was unsuccessful in taking Gujarat. In subsequent attacks, he conquered the Peshawar region and built a fort at Sialkot in 1181 AD. He cobbled an alliance with the King Jayadev that enabled him to put an end to the rule of the Ghazni Dynasty in Punjab and seize Lahore in 1186 AD. These successes fuelled Mohammad Ghori's appetite for more land. A larger stake in India now seemed a reality for Ghori. His acquisitions had brought the conqueror closer to the borders of the land ruled by the warrior king-Prithviraj Chauhan. Prithviraj belonged to the powerful Rajput clan that ruled the most powerful kingdom in northern India.
PRITHVI RAJ CHAUHAN:
Prithvi Raj Chauhan, (1166-1192 AD) belonged to the Chauhan (Chahamana) dynasty and ruled Delhi and its adjacent areas. His clan has declared one of the largest empire, Ajmer, sambhar and Delhi in North India is contained in the second half of the 12th Century. The Chauhans consolidated their empire by conquering neighboring kingdoms, including the merger and Chandela Rajputs of Bundelkhand. Chauhan rule, which contain much of the north-west India, including contemporary Rajasthan, Haryana, parts of Uttar Pradesh and Punjab. Prithviraj was perhaps one of the most powerful kingnorthern India.
Known for his ambition and courage, his military exploits made him a legend during his lifetime. His daring kidnap and subsequent marriage to Princess Samyuktha, the daughter of Jai Chandra Rathod, the king of Kannauj is a part of popular romance. His life and death were romanticized & celebrated in the epic poem "Prithviraja Raso" written by his close associate and Courtier Chand Bardai. Prithviraj Chauhan was the last independent Hindu king to sit upon the throne of Delhi.
THE BATTLES OF TARAIN (1191 & 1192):
Having come close to Prithviraj's dominions, in 1191, Mohammad Ghori captured a fortress in Batinda region. Ghori couldn't hold temptation and sounded the bugle of war with Prithviraj. He faced a tough adversary in Prithviraj. The Rajput army was led by Govindaraj-the vassal of the king. The two armies met at the town of Tarain or Taraori near Thanesar located in contemporary Haryana State approximately 150 Kms north of Delhi. In this war, Prithviraj was able to create a coalition of contemporary rulers including King Jayadeva-the ruler of Kannauj. Ghori came across unexpected resistance and lost the battle terribly. It is said that he was severely wounded and barely escaped the battlefield with the help of a water bearer.
Ghori felt insulted and craved revenge. He did not have the reputation of being an intelligent general. Till he turned to India, he was known more for his defeats than military successes. He more as a fact-up for his weaknesses, with his zeal. India was conceived as a point of redemption for him. Despite a humiliating defeat, he returned the following year, 1192 This time, however, circumstances that favor, and he could win the battle and what was a decisive victory it! The Second Battle of Taraino was in the center of political and military history of India. E 'was the beginning of the loss of political power for the rulers and their inhabitants. The decisive defeat of Prithviraj, who had the aura of adaring superhero had a spiraling effect. Having tasted blood, Ghori's armies suddenly turned into Machines of destruction and victory. The army marched forward and reached virtually unchallenged towards Ajmer. Disheartened by the defeat of their contemporary, Rajput kingdoms like Saraswati, Samana, Hansi, Kohram fell without making the aggressors sweat much. After these successes, the Ghurid army turned its attention to Delhi and captured it too. Just about a year after his victory in the second battle of Tarain, Mohammad Ghori controlled much of northern and central India including sumptuous portions of Rajasthan and the fertile Ganges-Yamuna Doab area. Ghori's Indian possessions were organised with Delhi as the pivot. Delhi saw itself emerging into political limelight. The limelight added glamour to the land and began its metamorphosis. This small piece of land was permanently associated with the notion of power.
Ghori was not "blessed" with heirs. In the medieval period, slaves were an integral part of an emperor's life. The slaves played crucial roles including helping their Lords maintain and expand their empires. Considering their important roles, the slaves were well trained in various aspects including warfare. Many slaves rose to positions of importance based on their exhibited capabilities. The role they played in Ghori's political matrix is highlighted in his reply to a courtier's lament that he didn't have heirs: "Other monarchs may have a son or two, but I have thousands of them the slave (). They are the heirs of my kingdom, and after me comes around the duty to preserve my name in the political Khutba (sermon after Friday prayers) in my area are increasing. After the assassination of Mohammad Ghori, his slaves to be divided the territory between them after his death.
The battle for the Indian territory was run by able and ruthless general Ghori's Qutub-ud-din Aibak. Was a slave to his king andhad to wait till his assassination in Afghanistan to free himself. Once freed, Aibak declared himself the ruler of Ghori's Indian possessions and established the "Mamluk" or slave Dynasty in 1206. The Mamluk dynasty was the first among the dynasties that went on to be known as the "Sultanate of Delhi". The importance of the ascension of Aibak may be understood in the words of Paul K. Davis who writes: "Though Islam was introduced into India several centuries previously, after this battle a Moslem ruled India, especially northern India, until the fall of the Moghul Dynasty in 1857".
The construction of Qutub Minar played a vital role in the entrenchment of rule of Islamic kings in India. Its construction was well planned and symbolizes the domination of invading powers in India. The story of Qutub Minar is inevitably associated with the beginning of political imperialism in India.
THE MATRIX:
The soldiers of Ghori entered a territory that was inhabited by people followed, which was a religion that abomination to their religious beliefs. Appeared in strange their beliefs, habits and psychological trick. With their king (Prithviraj Chauhan) died, and the sudden change in political leadership, were the possibilities for the ability of the new winner in the new field calm down. Cruelty in itself not a guarantee of success, and, together with the barbarism Aybak used the most important and time-tested tool for the spirit of the game"subjects"-RELIGION.
QUWWAT-UL-ISLAM MOSQUE:
Even before he officially took over the reins as sultan, Aibak laid the foundation of the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque. One of the prime reasons for its speedy construction was the invaders desperate need for a prescribed place of worship in the new lands. The first Mosque to be built in Delhi after the Islamic conquest of India, it remains the oldest surviving example of Ghurid architecture in the subcontinent. Built on a raised and paved Courtyard, measuring 141 m X 105 m, it is a simple structure, surrounded by colonnades. The main mosque comprises an inner and an outer courtyard, of which an exquisite colonnade, the pillars, which surrounds him rich, decorated interior waves.
Sounds easy? Read on. The mosque was built on the foundations of the temple of Vishnu largest near Lalkot. The site used to eentrance Mandap dome decorated the pillars of the temple and completethroughout the edifice. These were obtained from the 27 Hindu & Jaina temples nearby destroyed and plundered to construct the mosque. It was also constructed by captive Hindu masons. It is, therefore, not surprising that the Muslim mosque has typical Hindu ornamentation.
Immediately after the site for the mosque was selected, Aibak began the destruction. For his weary troops who had travelled with far from their motherland, this destruction was symbolic of to the destruction of idols in Kabaa by Prophet Mohammad (PBUH). By this act, he endeared himself to his soldiers presenting himself as a ghazi or religious warrior. Aibak also made a huge statement to the native inhabitants. His destruction of their sacred spaces symbolized the powerlessness of their pagan Gods. The iconoclastic tendencies of the invaders are evident even today at the site as the carvings of gods and godlings on pillars have been crudely disfigured. Yet in creating a worship place for a religion that was diametrically dissimilar to natives, a power statement was made-"My god is more powerful than yours". Interpreting it in contemporary terms "this was great propaganda".
Visible to masses and understood by them for its simplistic symbolism, the first Islamic structure within the Qutub Complex, "Quwwat-ul-Islam" (meaning "might of Islam") mosque majestically stood as a symbol of dominance. It stood for the ability of the invader to wipe-out the familiar and comforting skylines of Delhi that sensory deprivation, for its inhabitants. This was done to break the spirit of the population and to reduce or impair the chances of rebellion. In order to declare his intentions loud and clear, Aybak blatantly put up an inscription in Persian on the inner door est: "The mosque was due to the destruction of parts of twenty-seven Hindu and Jain temples are built. Whether due to lack time, convenience, or intentionally, the base of the temple built by the Hindukings were left intact created the illusion of a dominant mosque within the perimeters of a temple (of the defeated people). In an asymmetrical merger, the powerful illusion of an aggressive religion taking over an intense but non-aggressive religion was complete. This mosque remained the symbol of Islamic domination. This association was powerful and subsequent sultans also wanted to have a stake in its symbolism. It was expanded by Shams-ud-din Iltutmish and Alauddin Khilji.
Overall, Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque is reminiscent in style and design of the Arhai-din-ka Jhompra or Ajmer mosque at Ajmer, Rajasthan, also built by Aibak during the same time, also constructed by demolishing earlier temples and a Sanskrit school, at the site.
QUTUB MINAR:
In its finished state, the Minar is a symbol of architectural perfection and is known to have no parallel in the world. The foundation of Qutub Minar was laid in A.D. 1199. The tallest stone minaret in the world is clearly Inspired by many other structures found in the Islamic world, including the Minaret of Jam in Afghanistan. The Qutb Minar is composed of five storeys, each marked by a projecting balcony Muqarnas console. Qutb Minar, has emerged as one of the most important "Towers of Victory" in the Islamic world.
The construction of the Qutb Minar seems to be initiated at the same time as the mosque, and lasted much longer than the construction of the mosque. While the history of railway constructionQuwwat-ul-Islam mosque spread far and wide, its visual impact was point- blank meaning people who saw it, was impacted by its sheer proportions and symbolic meaning. The Minar was a more potent symbol that could have a mass-visual impact as it was positioned as the Qutub, an axis or pole of Islam. It could be seen from far. It has been suggested by many scholars that the original purpose of building Qutub Minar was to facilitate the mu'azzin (crier) to call believers for prayer. Considering the height of the Minar, it would take a superbly fit & athletic Mu'azzin to climb the 379 steps five times a day.
Aibak lived only to see the completion of the first storey. Other three storeys were built by his son in law and successor Iltutmish. Qutub Minar served as the tower of victory-the victory of Islamic warriors against the predominantly Hindu, Jaina & Buddhist Inhabitants who couldn't stand up to the might of their conquerors. The balcony on the first floor of the Minar Who had the mu'azzin used to call the faithful to prayer. A strong mu'azzin invites the faithful might be a certain distance five times a day that reminds won the state changed.
Originally Qutb Minar, composed of only four-storey red sandstone and buff is. When the plane was damaged in four () due to lightning, Feroz Shah Tughlaq the then reigning Sultan ordered repairs in 1368, replaced the damaged top floor with the twomarble stories (a way of gaining permanent stake in its construction). Thus today the Minar stands grandly with five floors.
Iron Pillar:
The Iron Pillar is located within the courtyard of the Qutub Complex. It is one of the world's foremost metallurgical curiosities with an estimated weight of the decorative bell of the pillar is 646 kg. The main body weighs 5865 kg taking the weight of the pillar to 6,511 kg. It rises to a height of 7.20 m, with 93 cm buried below the present floor level. The reason for awe and wonder is that despite being made of iron and exposed to vagaries of nature for over 1000 years, it has not rusted thus, representing an excellent example of advanced metallurgy of those times. Recent researches have suggested that the metal that constitutes the pillar is pure malleable iron. Its unrusted state has also fuelled myths. It is believed that one who can encircle the entire column with their arms, with their back towards the pillar, can have their wish granted.
The pillar structure of iron is clearly a Hindu. It bears the inscription in Brahmi characters prevalent in the fourth century AD, recent studies suggest that it was probably moved from another location. It is estimated that was created as Vishnudhvaja (standard of Lord Vishnu) on the hill as Vishnupada in memory of a mighty king named Chandra probably Chandragupta II Vikramaditya (375-414 AD) known. I come from a Vishnu temple complex built in Udayagiriaround 402 AD, It has a deep socket on the top of the ornate capital indicates that probably an image of Garuda was fixed into it as was common practice. There are two stories about it. One story says that it was brought to Delhi by Anangpal, the founder Delhi. Most of the evidence supporting this story has been gleaned from legends. There seems to be a consensus among researchers that it was Iltutmish who shifted the pillar from Udayagiri to its present location around 1233 AD.
TOMB OF ILTUTMISH:
To build ones own tombs within politically significant physical spaces was considered to be a great and rare honour. Thus, such opportunities for anybody other than the ruler himself, his blood relatives or spiritual guide was denied. As the true consolidator of the Delhi Sultanate, Iltutmish claimed this privilege as his right. The tomb of Iltutmish (A.D. 1211-36) was built in A.D. 1235. It is a plain square chamber of red sandstone, profusely carved with inscriptions, geometric and arabesque patterns in Saracenic tradition on the doors and the interior. The central chamber has a 9m ² and wrinkles, suggesting the existence of a dome, which then collapsed. The tomb of white marble, is the space on a pedestal at the center of the room. The tomb is richly carved, including the facade and the interior walls. The west wall of the tomb has a mihrab and is full of marble sculptures, like the chain andtassel, lotus, diamond emblems etc.
TOMB OF ALA-UD-DIN KHILJI:
Located at the back of the Qutb Minar complex, southwest of the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, Ala-ud-din -Khilji's tomb is located within the remains of an L-shaped construction. The tomb has been dated to 1316 AD. In its vicinity lies a madarsa or Islamic seminary built by him. Khilji was a powerful conqueror and the second Sultan of Delhi from Khilji dynasty, who ruled from 1296 to 1316 AD. The central room of the building, where his tomb is open to the sky having lost its dome. Many rooms of the seminary or college are intact, and since been restored. This is also the first example in India where a tomb is located beside a madarsa. In keeping with his reputation as a conqueror, ala-ud-din styled himself as the second Sikander (Alexander). He was known to be a megalomaniac as well as an orthodox Muslim. It was but natural that he claimed his place in the unique symbol of Islamic Victory in Hindustan.
ALAI DARWAZA:
Alai- Darwaza, the southern gateway of the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque was constructed by Ala-ud-Din Khalji in A.D. 1311 as recorded in the inscriptions engraved on it. This building employs Islamic principles of construction and ornamentation including true arches and true domes. It is decorated with red sandstone and inlaid with white marble decorations, inscriptions in Naskh script; latticed stone screens and showcases the remarkable craftsmanship of the Turkish artisans who worked it. It is considered one of the most important buildings of the Sultanate of Delhi, built over time. With its pointed arches and the spearhead of the fringe, is identified as the lotus blossoms, he brings the grace of Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque, which became the entrance.
ALAI MINAR:
The unfinished tower of Ala-ud-din Khilji is located north of Alai Minar Qutb Minar. He wanted to rival the Qutb Minar and the construction project so that, once completed, would be twice as largeof Qutub Minar. Alai Minar symbolizes the megalomania of its patron Ala-ud-din Khilji who clearly understood the symbolic importance of the Qutub Minar. Ala-ud-din Khilji no doubt was a great conqueror. He expanded his territory towards the southern parts of India. He conceived a very ambitious construction programme after his returned in triumph from his Deccan campaign. He started the construction of Alai Minar, after he had doubled the size of Quwwat ul-Islam mosque. He wanted his tower to be two times higher than Qutb Minar in proportion with his enlarged mosque. After his death, work on the Minar was abandoned and its rump stands at an extant height of 25 m.
EPILOGUE:
During the Islamic rule, iconoclasm was a part and parcel of political administration. It was done for political gains or was an outcome of intolerance. These acts did have powerful political outcomes. The contemporary historian should interpret these acts keeping in mind the sensitivities of the time. Most of conquerors including the Romans destroyed the shrines of their rivals. This does not mean that the ratification of these brutal acts, but to interpret it by understanding that in those times, such tactics were common. The idea is to learn the dominant position has been reached in the medieval period and how the monumental architecture played a crucial role in this politically motivated.
No comments:
Post a Comment