To what extent do you think the architecture of mosques in the subcontinent reflects a combination of universal ideals and local traditions?
The architecture of mosques in the subcontinent reflects a combination of universal idea and local traditions to a great extent. Islam brought a new wave of architecture with its arrival. The architecture of mosque gives the best blend of faith and traditional.
Some architectural features of mosque are universal like the orientation of the Mosque is always towards Mecca, evidently manifested in the Mihrab and the Minbar within a mosque
However, there are several features that show variations in its construction such as roofs and the building material. For example a mosque was built in Kerala in 13th century. Its roof resembled the shikhar of the temple. Contrary to it, the roof of the Atia Mosque in Bangladesh is round; this mosque was made of bricks.
Thus, we can see that the architecture of mosque is that of fusion.