The most significant development of Indian architecture in the history of architecture was precipitated by the spread of Islam after AD 1000, although the extent of Moslem dominance varied tremendously. There were many different regional kingdoms, but not all had Moslem rulers, and each region developed its own distinctive style of architecture. Jain and other Hindu religions coexisted with Islam and some of the finest temples and palaces were built during the height of Moslem rule. They include those in the 18th-century city of Jaipur, Rajasthan, and the temples in the city of Patan, Gujarat, dating from the 16th century. New cults and religions also emerged with their own architectural forms of expression, such as the Golden Temple at Amritsar (from 1579) ? the sacred centre of the Sikh religion.

The architectural achievements during Moslem suzerainty were remarkable. The earliest significant monument was the Qutb Minar complex in Delhi (c. 1197) but undoubtedly the finest structures ? including the Taj Mahal (1632-54) ? were built during the period of Mughal rule under Shah Jahan.

Often temples were dismantled and the elements reassembled to build mosques, such as the one at the Qutb Minar complex. Typical of early mosque architecture are large hypostyle halls, with their forests of columns, and enclosed courtyards. Vaulted construction was also developed and one of the largest clear-span structures in the world was built in Bijapur (Deccan) where the dome above Muhammad Adil Shah’s tomb spans some 40m (125ft). The sensuous animal and human carvings of Hindu temples were replaced with carefully proportioned calligraphy, arabesque and vegetal decorative forms, and new decorative techniques such as external ceramic tile and pietra dura were developed.

Some of the most significant examples of non-Moslem palatial and temple complexes can be seen at Vijayanagar (1336-1565). Further south the temple building tradition continued at sacred sites like Madura and Srirangam. Although Sri Lanka was the only corner of the subcontinent where Buddhism retained its dominance, magnificent Buddhist monuments were erected in South East Asia.

By the 17th century, European influence on Indian architecture had grown with the increase of trading activities of the Portuguese, French, British and Dutch. The Europeans introduced a predominantly classical architectural language into their factories and official buildings which incorporated elements of the Greek Orders. Under Portuguese influence in Goa a more flamboyant Baroque style developed, as can be seen in the Church of the Immaculate Conception (1541) in Panaji. In 1858 the British East India Company ceded control to the British Government and the grand imperial monuments of the ensuing Raj were built in a curious Anglo-Indian style, best described as a mix between the Albert Hall and the Taj Mahal.