The combination of universal ideas and local traditions is evident to a great extent in the architecture of the mosques present in the subcontinent. Islam was not an indigenous religion but it adapted to the Indian conscious and this is often observed in the architecture of the mosques through the perfect blend of faith and tradition.

Universal features like the mosque orientation being always towards Mecca and the placement of the Mihrab (prayer niche) and the Minbar (pulpit) was present. The acceptance of local traditions occurred in the building materials used or in the roof structure. The roof of the Atia Mosque in Bangladesh is round but the mosque was made of bricks. A mosque was built in Kerala in 13th century whose roof resembled the shikhar of the temple.