Indian Islamic Architecture ‘Lags in Style and Design’

JEDDAH, 7 January 2005 — An overview of Islamic architecture in India was provided by Sumbul Ahmad of the University of Strathclyde, at a presentation organized by the Society of Environment, Architecture and Technology (SEAT) at the Saudi German Hospital auditorium here on Wednesday night.

“While contemporary Islamic architecture in the Middle East has a style of its own that is both distinguishable and identifiable, we in India lag far behind both in style and design,” said Sumbul, a resident of Jeddah who obtained her master’s degree in architectural computing studies with distinction from the Strathclyde University of Glasgow. She is currently working on her Ph.D.

“In fact, the Middle East has been successful in creating a blend of modern art and architecture — the creative impulses of mankind. Yet, a lot of rethinking is being done in the matter of Islamic architecture in this region and it continues to improve both in beauty and style,” said Sumbul, who is the daughter of Dr. Ausaf Ahmad, an economist at the Islamic Development Bank and former SEAT president.

Sumbul concentrated on Delhi’s Islamic architecture in her presentation. “The advent of Islamic architecture in India reached its peak during the Moghul period and was characterized by a merger of Islamic designs with Indian craftsmanship,” she said.

Sumbul also discussed the trends in contemporary Islamic architecture and the farcical use of elements from the past and said contemporary designs need to imbibe the spirit of Islamic architecture and not its outward expression.

In a reference to the Taj Mahal, she said the whole edifice is built on four or five wells. “These wells support the ingeniously designed monument that has stood for six centuries,” she said.

Syed Hashmi, SEAT’s former president, in his introductory remarks said Sumbul, a writer and photographer, had shown her interest in various dimensions of Islamic architecture from the very beginning.

Among the audience were Dr. M.H. Maniar, president of SEAT, and Salahuddin Ahmad, vice president. Salabat Lodhi, secretary, welcomed the guests.