Question

What is Pietra Dura in decorative art?

• A. A painting technique using natural dyes
• B. A form of metal engraving
• C. An inlay technique using cut and polished colored stones to create images
• D. A type of wood carving

Answer 1

Answer:

C. An inlay technique using cut and polished colored stones to create images

Indo-Islamic architecture emerged with the Ghurid occupation of India in the late 12th century AD. The Islamic construction style was characterized by arches, vaults, domes, columns, and slender spires or pyramidal towers, collectively known as trabeate. Key features of Indo-Islamic architecture included: (a) domes, (b) towering minarets, (c) arches, and (d) vaults. While some evidence suggests that the true arch may have been known in India earlier, it was the Muslims who are credited with systematically introducing the architectural principle of the true arch to support roofs, ceilings, or upper structures. Consequently, flat lintels or corbelled ceilings were gradually replaced by arches and vaults, while pyramidal roofs and spires gave way to domes. The themes, motifs, and ornamentation of Islamic buildings also marked a departure from earlier architectural traditions. Hindu ornamentation was naturalistic, featuring human and animal figures along with lush vegetation. However, since Islamic tradition forbade the depiction of living beings, Muslim architects incorporated geometric and arabesque patterns, ornamental calligraphy, and stylized floral designs for decoration. Several distinctive architectural elements were introduced, including arches, domes, minarets, pendentives, squinch arches, half-domed double portals, kiosks (chhatris), and the use of concrete in construction. Additionally, gilding and multi-colored painting were employed for embellishment. Like the Romans, Muslims extensively used concrete and lime mortar in construction. Lime plaster served both as a structural base and a decorative medium, often incised or adorned with enamel work on tiles. Designs were either left plain or filled with colors, featuring floral motifs inspired by both Indian and foreign styles. From the 14th century onward, blue, green, yellow, and turquoise tiles became prevalent. Roofs often combined a central dome with smaller domes, chhatris, and miniature minarets. Wall panels were richly decorated using techniques such as tessellation (mosaic designs) and pietra dura, an inlay art that used finely cut and polished colored stones to create intricate images. Additional decorative elements included arabesque patterns, calligraphy, intricate high and low relief carvings, and extensive use of jali (perforated screens). The central dome was often crowned with an inverted lotus motif and a metal or stone pinnacle.