Medieval (Islamic) Cities in India (1206–1764): An Environmental Review and its Contemporary Relevance

Abstract

This article examines the medieval (Islamic) cities in India from an environmental and technological perspective. The main objectives of this article are (a) to identify and evaluate characteristic features of the cities that were closely linked with the natural environment, (b) to examine the environmental conservation measures, sustainable practices and eco-friendly technologies adopted in these cities, (c) to assess the environmental impact of these cities and (d) to explore those eco-friendly measures and technologies that are relevant even at present. This is a first of its kind review of the Islamic cities in India that flourished from the thirteenth to eighteenth century. Some of the important findings are the following: (a) water had a dominant role in the establishment of these cities, (b) gardens, canals, water-harvesting structures and sanitation were important characteristics of these cities that were profoundly integrated with the natural environment, (c) despite numerous environmental conservation measures adopted, several of these cities declined or were abandoned ironically due to environmental factors and (4) in response to natural environment, some exemplary eco-friendly technologies were introduced, particularly the karez technology for water-supply, which is worth considering to make contemporary Indian cities ecologically sustainable.