Glazed tiles from Lodhi and Mughal northern India : a technological appraisal

• Main Author: Gill, M. S.
• Other Authors: Rehren, T. H.
• Published: University College London (University of London) 2015
• Online Access: https://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.746035

Glazed tiles were used by the Lodhis and Mughals to embellish their buildings in northern India from the late fifteenth to seventeenth century. Tile-work from this region and period is understudied, particularly on matters related to its origin and technology. This thesis presents findings of a research undertaken on a series of tiled buildings located at Delhi, Agra, and Punjab in northern India, from the period of Lodhi and Mughal rule. Tile samples from the buildings have been scientifically analysed - mainly using scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectrometry, and electron microprobe microanalysis with wavelength dispersive spectrometry - for their characterisation. Ethno-archaeological studies on related traditional craft industries have been used to build a more accurate rendition of the technologies employed in their manufacture. A field survey of in situ tile-work has been used to correlate stylistic and physical attributes with data determined through analyses. Results from the study show that different methods were utilized for the production of tiles at Delhi/Agra and Punjab. Those of the Delhi type have indigenous features in their technology, while the Punjab specimens are shown to be technologically closer to those from the core Islamic lands. The industry at Delhi is further shown to have evolved locally, developing gradually from the Lodhi to Mughal period, while the Punjab tile industry at the time of the Mughals is demonstrated to be an import, its establishment clearly influenced externally, with the sudden appearance of a new technological style. The tile-work at both places is however determined to be of the same basic character as Islamic tile-work of the stonepaste variety. This study, besides presenting a comprehensive picture on Lodhi and Mughal tiling traditions, provides important new information in the discipline of Islamic ceramic studies, particularly on the development of stonepaste technology and its transfer.