INDIAN ARCHITECTURAL INFLUENCE ON AL-MASHUN MOSQUE IN NORTH SUMATRA

Abstract

The Al-Mashun Grand Mosque in Medan is one of the prominent icons of religious architecture in the Indonesian archipelago, reflecting a rich manifestation of cross-cultural acculturation. Although studies on mosque acculturation in Indonesia have been widely conducted, research specifically examining the depth of Indian architectural influence on the Al-Mashun Grand Mosque remains limited. This study aims to identify and analyze the manifestations of Indian (Mughal) architecture in the physical elements of the Al-Mashun Grand Mosque and to trace the historical and genealogical background underlying such influences. A descriptive qualitative approach was employed through field observations, visual documentation, literature review, and semi-structured interviews with historians, architects, mosque administrators, and members of the local community. The findings reveal that Indian-Mughal architectural influence is prominently reflected in the use of bulbous domes supported by drum structures, a symmetrical octagonal plan for the main prayer hall, arches, and decorative elements such as stained-glass windows imported directly from India. These elements are harmoniously integrated with Italian marble, Moorish (Spanish) arabesque ornaments, and Egyptian-style minarets. Historically, the adoption of Mughal architectural features was not merely intended to satisfy the colonial-Islamic aesthetic envisioned by Dutch architects Van Erp and J. A. Tingdeman, but also served as a form of homage to the collective genealogical memory of the founder of the Deli Sultanate, Tuanku Sri Paduka Gocah Pahlawan (Mohammad Dalik Khan), who was of Indian descent. Thus, the Al-Mashun Grand Mosque stands as a monumental representation of cultural acculturation as well as a symbol of the historical ties between the land of Deli and Islamic civilization in the Indian subcontinent.