🔆 Delhi Sultanate Architecture: Dynasties & Key Innovations

📍 Slave/Mamluk Dynasty (1206–1290)
✅ Known as Mamluk style
✅ Introduction of arches, domes, minarets, Arabic inscriptions
✅ Influence of Roman architecture through arches & domes
✅ Post-and-lintel (slab-beam) technique
✅ Use of Arabesque patterns and Quranic inscriptions
✅ Innovation: First true arch in Balban’s tomb
✅ Examples: Qutub Minar, Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, Arhai-din-ka-Jhonpra, Balban’s Tomb

📍 Khilji Dynasty (1290–1320)
✅ Seljuk influence with red sandstone & marble
✅ Use of mortar, recessed arches, perforated windows
✅ Pointed/horse-shoe arches, large domes
✅ Innovation: Arcuate style, use of red sandstone & marble
✅ Examples: Alai Darwaza, Siri Fort

📍 Tughlaq Dynasty (1320–1414)
✅ Strong, massive structures with minimal decoration
✅ Batter style (sloping walls), stone rubble, four-centered arches, pointed domes
✅ Octagonal tombs, encaustic tile work
✅ Innovation: Arch-beam combo, octagonal plans, experimental domes
✅ Examples: Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq’s Tomb, Tughlaqabad, Jahapanah, Ferozabad

📍 Lodi Dynasty (1451–1526)
✅ Simplistic, austere architecture
✅ Mostly octagonal tombs, double domes (inner + outer)
✅ Innovation: Introduction of double dome
✅ Example: Sikander Lodi’s Tomb (Delhi)

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