Review: Objects of Translation: Material Culture and Medieval "Hindu-Muslim" Encounter by Finbarr B. Flood

Finbarr B. Flood's 'Objects of Translation' offers a groundbreaking analysis of the material culture and architectural history of medieval Hindu-Muslim encounters, particularly focusing on the Qutb Minar complex in Delhi. The study challenges traditional narratives by examining objects such as coins, ivories, and robes of honor, revealing their roles in cultural dynamics and political economies across the Indus basin from the 8th to 13th centuries. Flood's rigorous art historical analysis is enriched by contemporary theoretical frameworks, providing a nuanced understanding of how these artifacts shaped Indo-Islamic art and architecture. The work stands out for its interdisciplinary approach, blending historical geography, cultural dynamics, and architectural studies to illuminate the complexities of medieval encounters in South Asia.

Wescoat, J. L. (2011). Review: Objects of Translation: Material Culture and Medieval “Hindu-Muslim” Encounter by Finbarr B. Flood. Journal of the Society of Architectural Historians, 70(1), 115–116. https://doi.org/10.1525/jsah.2011.70.1.115