Architecture during medieval period

During the periods of Delhi sultanate, I.e. 1206- 1526 A.D architecture can be categorized into two broad categories.

1. Imperial Style 

2. Provincial Style: Patronized by local rulers and fiefs.

Imperial style

The Provincial style of architecture flourished from 1191 to 1557 A.D under the various dynasties that ruled during this period .Each ruler imparted certain flavours of his own, but the broad stylization remained the same 

• Slave dynasty: 
  
  
  The salve dynasty or the Ilbari dynasty remained in power from 1206 to 1290 A.D. During that period, the style of architecture came to be known as the Mameluke style of architecture.
• During the period, most of the construction were remodeling of the existing Hindu structures. They also started the erection of a number monuments Qutb Minar being prime example .it is 5 storey structure initiated by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, who did only the ground floor . The next three storey were completed by Iltumish and the 5th storey was done by Feroz shah Tughlaq.
  
  
  Example –Quwat –ul Islam Mosque in the Qutub Minar Premises , which was converted from a jain temple , arhari-din ka jopara.
• Khilaji Dynasty – They ruled from the 1290 A.D to 1320 A.D and established the Seljuk Style of architecture. The constructions of this period are marked by the use Red sandstone. Also marked Arcuade style began from this period. Mortars begin to be used prominently in all the construction as cementing agent.
• Example – alai Darwaza by Ala-ud –din Khilji, Siri fort , etc
  
  
• Tughlaq Dynasty
  
  It was the crisis period for architecture during the Delhi Sultanat period. However, some construction works were still undertaken, which used grey sandstone. During this period, the focus was more on strength of the building and so there was less emphasis on decoration. The constructions combined both arch and lintel method of entrance designing. They also introduced style of construction known as batter which was characterized by sloping walls to give more strength to the building.
  
  Example – Cities of Tughlaqabaad , Jajaanpanah and Firozabad.
  
  
• Lodi dynasty
  
  Under the Lodi Dynasty, architecture to the back seat. Only tombs were commissioned during this period .However one important feature of architecture during this period was the introduction of double domes. It consisted of a hollow dome inside the top dome. the reason for the use of double domes were:
• To give the strength to the structure,
• To lower the inner height of the domes.
  
  The tomes build during this phase were hard and bare, without any lavish decorations. They were build in octagonal shapes, with a diameter of roughly 15 meters. They were supported by a sloping verandah
  
  Example – Lodi Gardens m the city of Agra was established by sikander Lodi etc .