Architecture under the Delhi Sultanate: A Socio-Cultural and Structural Study

Abstract

The period of the Delhi Sultanate (1206–1526 CE) represents a formative era in the history of Indian architecture. Sultanate rulers introduced new architectural forms and techniques that synthesized indigenous Indian traditions with Islamic aesthetics. This research analyzes major architectural developments under the Slave, Khilji, Tughlaq, Sayyid, and Lodi dynasties, emphasizing structural innovations, decorative motifs, and socio-cultural symbolism. Drawing on literary sources, archaeological evidence, and contemporary scholarship, the paper argues that Sultanate architecture catalyzed a transformative phase in medieval Indian built heritage. The study contributes to a deeper understanding of how political power, religious practice, and cultural interactions shaped architectural evolution in pre-Mughal India.