Lecture 1: Indian Ocean Trade and its Impact on Architecture

In this lecture you will learn about:

• Introduction to Indian Ocean: Brief History;
• Ships and Ocean: Evolution of Ships, The Ideal Route;
• Inland Route and Indian Ocean Trade: The Silk Route, The Indian Ocean Trade Route;
• Trade and Architecture: Jeddah, Swahili Coast .

Summary: The trading networks that existed between the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Middle East resulted in the formation of unique architectural styles within the Indian Ocean region. 

In East Africa, the style was characterized using coral stone, plaster, and wood, and it incorporated features such as arches, domes, and minarets.

The Indo-Islamic style originated in the 12th century CE and resulted in the fusion of Indian and Islamic architectural features. This style was distinguished by the employment of elaborate geometric patterns, domes and arches became prominent in India. 

While in the Middle East the architecture was influenced by a variety of civilizations, including Persian, Arab, Indian, and African traditions, and was characterised by the use of local materials such coral and natural stone, and mud brick, combined with imported material such as wood. 

ArCHIAM. “Lecture 1: "Indian ocean Trade and its Impact on Architecture.” Part 1 of 4 presentations developed for the Aga Khan Trust for Culture Education Programme, 2023.

Aga Khan Trust for Culture Education Programme and the Centre for the Study of Architecture and Cultural Heritage of India, Arabia, and Maghreb (University of Liverpool)