Introduction

1.Initial Arrival: Islam was introduced to India around the seventh and eighth centuries CE, primarily through Muslim merchants, traders, holy men, and conquerors over six centuries.

2.Establishment of Architectural Presence: While initial constructions began as early as the eighth century in regions like Sind and Gujarat, it wasn't until the early thirteenth century that substantial architectural projects commenced, following the Turkish conquest of northern India.

Pre-Islamic Architectural Techniques

1.Monumental Constructions: By the twelfth century, India had a rich tradition of monumental architecture featuring grandiose settings.

2.Popular Techniques: These included trabeation (use of beams), brackets, and the use of multiple pillars to support flat roofs or small, shallow domes.

3.Arches and Domes: Earlier arches, shaped in wood and stone, were not capable of supporting significant weight. These arches were decorative rather than structural.