A Look at Iranian-Deccani Architecture during the Bahmani Era (1347-1528)

Subject Areas : Archaeology

Ramezan Hasanvand ¹ , Mahmood Seyyed ² , Sina Foroozesh ³

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Received: 2024-02-13 Accepted : 2024-04-08 Published : 2025-03-16

Keywords: Deccan plateau, Bahmani rulers, architecture, Shia, Iranian-Islamic civilization, ,

Abstract :

Deccan is a fertile plateau in the southern part of the Indian subcontinent, spanning an area of approximately three hundred square kilometers. In Sanskrit, Deccan means "south," and the Bahmani rulers established the first independent Muslim government in the Deccan region, reigning from 1347 to 1528. This research aims to answer the crucial question of how Iranian-Deccani architecture evolved during the Bahmani era and which structures prominently reflect this architectural style, using a historical research method grounded in a descriptive-analytical approach. The findings of the research indicate that the Bahmani's tolerance and affinity for the Shia sect, along with their support for Shia migrants who had immigrated to Deccan from Iran and Arab lands, led to the widespread influence of Shia beliefs and the prevalence of Iranian-Islamic culture and civilization in Deccan. During this period, numerous Iranian architects and artisans migrated to India, contributing to the creation of many buildings characteristic of the Bahmani era. As a result, many mosques and structures from the Bahmani era in Deccan bear the influence of the Timurid architectural style of Iran. This phenomenon facilitated the penetration of Iranian architectural style and the flourishing of Iranian-Islamic culture in India, particularly during the Bahmani period.

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