PROVINCIAL STYLE- PUNJAB - 1150 - 1325 AD The undivided Punjab was the first state where Indo-Islamic architecture emerged as a provincial style . Islamic architecture made its way to the cities of Multan and Lahore through separate routes during different periods. Both the Lahore`s and Multan`s architecture were of Ghaznavide-Saljuqian and of Arab-Persian derivation respectively. It can be said that the Indo Islamic architecture in Punjab was influenced by such Ghaznavide. Architectural characteristics: •Construction was mainly with brick. Stone suitable was not readily available in the alluvial plain of 5 rivers. •It was a brick work of a remarkable quality, the bricks being not unlike those used by Romans, broad but thin. It was laid in upright courses to ensure additional strength. •This brick work was reinforced by means of wooden beams inserted in the walls.

•Buildings were timber framed, with no arches as the beam and bracket system prevailed. •These brick and timber walls were sloped to provide greater stability. •In addition to the beams embedded horizontally within the brick work, there were substantial wooden elements, notably doorways, with windows above and also over hanging balconies. •Parts of building were decorated with painted plaster and there were also. paneling of glazed tiles in brilliant colours. •Doorways are framed with carved designs resembling heavy tassles and knotted fringes. •They concentrated more on tombs than masjids

The Islamic architecture in Punjab province represents three patterns in their construction. They represents the amalgamation of Islamic, Persian, and Indian culture, something of the best has been taken from the building traditions of each, to produce a memorial of a specific architectural character. They imply an unusual derivation and are unique in their design and mode of treatment, especially in the handling of the woodwork. The important five tombs in this region are; 1.Shah Yusuf Gardizi (1152AD) 2.Shah Bahau-i-Haqq (1262AD) 3.Shadna Shahid (1270AD) 4.Shah Shams-ud-din Tikrizi (1276AD) 5.Shah Rukn-i-Alam (1320AD – 1324AD) The first four are square in plan, but the largest one is the tomb of Shah Rukn-iAlam is the most important tomb and is octagonal in shape. Leaving the Shah yusuf gardizi tomb the others are in built in three stages. The lowest portion is square shaped; on top of it is an octagonal second storey while the above portion is a hemispherical dome.

Tomb of Shah Yusuf Gardizi It is rectangular in shape. Its shape and construction suggests that probably it was an initial effort. It is different from other tombs in this area in that it is one storied. It is a flat roofed cubical building standing within an enclosed courtyard. The tomb elevation consists of four vertical walls, the sole relief being formed by an oblong portion slightly projected to frame the doorway, and another to contain the Mihrab in its interior. Outer walls are covered with glazed tiles. The floral designs present in the tomb are rare. While most of the faces of the tiles are simply painted, few are moulded that represents a rich plastic appearance of spotted color.

Tomb of Shah Rukn-i-Alam It is one of the most impressive buildings in this part of the country. This is the tomb of a famous saint was commissioned by Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq. It is octagonal in shape. Probably inspiring Feroz Shah Tughlaq to build the Tomb of Telangani in 1368AD. A striking feature of its elevation is the effect of its sloping sides, in line with the tomb of Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq. The slope in this tomb was emphasized by the addition of tapering turrets at the angles. Its octagonal base measures 90’ in diameter. Total height 115’. Height of 1st storey is 50’ Height of 2nd storey is 25’ Dome is 50’ wide inside. As it stands on the high ground, the total height above the road level is 150’

Main building materials were brick and timber. Carved timber beams were sunk into brick walls at appropriate intervals. While its walls are of thirteen feet thick solid brickwork . Glazed tiles are also used to increase the visual effect. Tapering turrets work as both design and structural element. Battered walls help in retaining the spreading action of dome above. The reducing mass of the pyramidal form helps in achieving structural stability Use of clerestory panels to admit light inside The tomb is in clear contrast against the surrounding desert of Multan and becomes the point of interest as building also sits on a terrace or high ground – an attempt of domination.

When the city is approached from any side the most prominent thing which can be seen from miles all around is a huge dome. Besides its religious importance, the mausoleum is also of considerable archaeological value as its dome is reputed to be the second largest in the world after ‘Gol Gumbad’ of Bijapur (India), which is the largest.