The Mamluk dynasty was a Muslim dynasty that ruled Egypt, Syria, and Palestine from 1250 to 1517. The Khilji dynasty was a Muslim dynasty that ruled India from 1290 to 1320. Both dynasties introduced two fundamental structures into Indian architecture: the dome and the minaret. The dome is a hemispherical or conical structure that is used to cover a building. The minaret is a tall, slender tower that is used to call Muslims to prayer.