complex totalities fundamentally motivated by religion, ideology and politics. They were spectacular manifestations of state manipulation of a visual culture. Building monuments remained an important part of the political agenda of a multitude of conquerors. 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