History of domes in South Asia

Part of a series on
Domes
Symbolism
History of
Early and simple domes Persian domes Roman and Byzantine domes Medieval Arabic and Western European domes Italian Renaissance domes South Asian domes Early modern period domes Modern period domes
Styles
Cloister vault Geodesic dome Onion dome
Elements
Coffer Cupola Lantern Muqarnas Oculus Pendentive Rotunda Squinch Tholobate Whispering gallery
Category Architecture portal
v t e

Domed huts made from bamboo or timber appear to have been used on the Indian subcontinent from antiquity and contemporary rock-cut tombs may imitate them. There are examples of domed chambers in brick and stone temples built prior to Islamic rule over northern and central India.

The introduction of Muslim architecture included the use of domes constructed with stone, brick and mortar, and iron dowels and cramps. Centering was made from timber and bamboo. The use of iron cramps to join together adjacent stones was known in Ancient India, and was used at the base of domes for hoop reinforcement. The synthesis of styles created by this introduction of new forms to the Hindu tradition of trabeate construction created a distinctive architecture.^[1]

Domes in pre-Mughal India have a standard squat circular shape with a lotus design and bulbous finial at the top, derived from Hindu architecture. Because the Hindu architectural tradition did not include arches extensively, flat corbels were used to transition from the corners of the room to the dome, rather than squinches.^[2] In contrast to Persian and Ottoman domes, the domes of Indian tombs tend to be more bulbous.^[3]