Islamic Monuments of India exhibition:

A glimpse of regional styles of Islamic architecture

An exhibition titled 'Islamic Monuments of India', exemplifying the vast Islamic architectural structures spread across India was inaugurated by Justice Minister Rauff Hakeem, and High Commissioner Ashok K. Kantha on Wednesday at J D A Perera Gallery, Colombo.

Justice Minister Rauff Hakeem and High Commissioner Ashok K. Kantha at the exhibition

The exhibition provides glimpses of the regional styles of Islamic architecture from Kerala, in the south of India to Kashmir in the north, and from Tripura in the east and Gujarat in the west.

Minister Hakeem appreciated the High Commission's initiative to bring the exhibition to Sri Lanka, which he said would help in creating greater understanding in Sri Lanka about the long history of Islam in India, its architectural beauty and its vividness.

The minister pointed out the diverse cultural elements in India and the role Islam played in making it robust.

Kantha highlighted the spread of Islamic heritage in India from the 7th century AD and its role in creating a syncretic culture, combining elements of local traditions, resulting in a rich architectural diversity.

Dr. Neeru Misra, the curator, conceived the exhibition to give viewers a sense of styles in architecture developed during the various monarchies and has selected photographs depicting different styles of architecture such as Shargi style of Jaunpur, Deccan style of Bijapur and Golconda, the Malwa style, and the imperial architecture of the Moguls. Benoy K. Behl, (film maker, artist and photographer) and Abhinav Atris, (photo journalist) have documented many architectural monuments such as Agra Fort in Uttar Pradesh, Ziarat of Shah Hamdan in Srinagar, Kashmir, Gol Gumbaz in Bijapur, Karnataka, Tomb of Sher Shah Suri in Bihar, Jami Masjid in Champaner, Gujarat, Bibi Ka Maqbara in Aurangabad, Maharashtra and the marvellous Taj Mahal. This exhibition will be on till February 13 from 11am to 7pm. It is open to the public.