Art and Architecture in Medieval India

Contents: Foreword. Acknowledgement. Preamble. I. 1. Introduction. 2. Prologue. II. 1. Medieval period: a historical account. 2. Delhi Sultanate. 3. Mughal architecture. III. Some temples, mosques and masouleums. IV. South India including the Deccan.

"This book, according to author, is an humble attempt to identify the schools of art and architecture reflected in the temples, mosques and mausoleums and their synthesis in the process in India in the perspective of historical evolution of constructional art and technology during the different regimes in various parts of the country in the medieval age as accepted by historians. The pictorial presentation of the relics is perhaps more important than the textual content of the book that attempts to analyse the cultural contents of the buildings. It shows how the personal interest of the ruling hierarchy has influenced the progress of construction of the buildings referred to and the mingling of various cultures in them through the mobility of artisans and masons as well as the passion and perception of the ruling gentry. It underscores how these pieces of art have transcended the religious beliefs and aspirations almost unconsciously on the part of the promoters themselves." (jacket)