Adaptation and Continuity: Islamic Royal Architecture Rooted in Sanatan Traditions

This research paper exploreshttps://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=ZJLEEQAAQBAJ the evolution of Islamic royal architecture in India through the lens of cultural continuity and adaptation. It argues that Indo-Islamic architectural traditions did not emerge as isolated or entirely new systems but developed through sustained interaction with pre-existing Sanatan architectural principles rooted in Vastu Shastra. The study examines how spatial planning, structural forms, and symbolic expressions of Sanatan architecture influenced the design of Islamic-era palaces, forts, and royal complexes. Key architectural features such as courtyards, axial symmetry, water systems, and garden layouts are analyzed to demonstrate continuity in spatial logic. At the same time, the introduction of Islamic elements such as domes, arches, minarets, and calligraphy is understood as an aesthetic transformation rather than a replacement of indigenous systems. Through comparative analysis and selected case studies of Fatehpur Sikri, Agra Fort, and the Red Fort, the paper highlights how architectural synthesis produced a hybrid but continuous tradition. The findings suggest that Indo-Islamic architecture in India represents a process of cultural integration where existing design frameworks were adapted and reinterpreted to express new political and religious identities. Overall, the study positions Indian architectural history as a layered continuum rather than a series of ruptures, emphasizing the shared foundations that shaped its royal architectural heritage.https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=ZJLEEQAAQBAJ