The Influence of Hindu Architectural Elements on Islamic Architecture in India (Mosques as a Case Study)

Abstract

This research aims to extrapolate the effect of Hindu architecture on Mosque architecture in India. Therefore, it reads Hindu  Temple architecture and Muslim Mosques in the subcontinent. It delves into the architectural features of Hindu Temples and their repercussions on the architecture of Muslim Mosques, showing examples of the elements used by architects in the Islamic era. Thus these elements were an original legacy taken from Hindu architecture. Importance of the research stems from the need to understand the close relationship between the civilizations achievements of successive civilizations, and the subsequent civilizations, those who benefited from previous cultures, sciences and technologies. The research concludes that local Hindu Temple architecture, architectural elements and techniques greatly influenced the Mosque architecture in India: Such as the use of domes and semicircular arches, and the use of red stone with the prominence of stone courses; this, in addition to the marble columns that were brought from ancient Hindu Temples.