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Indian Architecture
Chennakesava Temple, Belur
Main article: Indian Architect
Further information: Indus V
Indian Architecture encomp
structures, and was transfor
evolving range of architectu
representative style, noneth
diversity of Indian culture is
varied native traditions, with
Asia, as well as Europe. Archi
architecture to western classi
India's Urban Civilization is tr
then on, Indian architectu
manifestated temples, palac
regions. Architecture and civi
constructing".
The Hall of Private Audience
the architecture of the Mugh
The temples of Aihole and P
There are numerous Hindu
examples of Indian rock-cut
the Sulbasutras were appen
contained quite an amount
developed, not for its own sa
in Karnataka, India.
re
lley Civilization, Indo-Islamic architecture
sses a wide variety of geographically and
ed by the history of the Indian subcontine
al production that, although it is difficult
less retains a certain amount of continuity
represented in its architecture. It is a ble
building types, forms and technologies fro
tectural styles range from Hindu temple arc
cal architecture to modern and post-moder
aceable to Mohenjodaro and Harappa, no
re and civil engineering continued to
s and forts across the Indian subcontinen
l engineering was known as sthapatya-kala,
at Fatehpur Sikri in Uttar Pradesh, India, a
l Empire.
attadakal are the earliest known examples
as well as Buddhist temples that are k
rchitecture. According to J.J. O'Connor and
dices to the Vedas giving rules for constru
of geometrical knowledge, but the math
ke, but purely for practical religious purpose
1
historically spread
nt. The result is an
o identify a single
across history. The
nd of ancient and
West and Central
itecture to Islamic
architecture.
in Pakistan. From
evelop, and was
and neighbouring
literally "the art of
n early example of
of Hindu temples.
own as excellent
E. F. Robertson,[7]
cting altars. "They
matics was being
s."
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During the Kushan Empire a
reached regions like Baluchis
entire mountain cliffs, like i
ancient Indian art of constru
includes the architecture of
Architecture and Western Ch
The Church of St. Anne whi
orientation of the most emin
of traditional Indian styles wi
Though old, this Eastern traditi
nation state.[1]
As the country
Vastu Shastra remains influenti
Indus Valley Civilization (3Further information: Indus Valle
A well and drainage system at L
A bath and toilet excavated in L
nd Mauryan Empire, Indian architecture an
tan and Afghanistan. Statues ofBuddha wer
n Buddhas of Bamyan, Afghanistan. Over
ction blended with Greek styles and spread
various dynasties, such as Hoysala archite
alukya Architecture.
h is cast in the Indian Baroque Architectu
nt architects of the time. It is a prime exam
h western European architectural styles.
on has also incorporated modern values as Indi
became more integrated with the world's ec
l in India's architecture during the contemporar
00 BC-1300BC) y Civilization
thal.
thal.
2
d civil engineering
e cut out, covering
a period of time,
to Central Asia. It
ture, Vijayanagara
ral style under the
ple of the blending
ia became a modern
onomy,[1]
traditional
era.[1]
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The entire Kalibangan citadel un
The Indus Valley Civilization
period 26001900 BC) tha
subcontinent, consisting of
Flourishing around the Indus
and the Punjab region, exteYamuna Doab. Geographic
1,260,000 km, making it the
The Indus Valley is one
contemporaries, Mesopotam
have had a population of wel
developed new techniques in
produced copper, bronze, le
roadside drainage system, an
had is acknowledged as oneplanning of the cities with
implemented in the cities
production scale of this part
future centuries.
The mature phase of this civil
cities to be unearthed was l
time the Punjab province of
have been ongoing since 192
To date, over 1,052 cities anthe Ghaggar-Hakra river and
centres of Harappa, Lothal
Kalibanga, and Rakhigarhi.
excavated.
(IVC) was a Bronze Age civilization (3300
t was located in the northwestern regi
hat is now mainly modern-day Pakistan an
River basin, the civilization primarily centr
nding into the Ghaggar-Hakra River vallelly, the civilization was spread over
largest ancient civilization in the world.
f the world's earliest urban civilization
ia and Ancient Egypt. At its peak, the Ind
l over five million. Inhabitants of the ancien
metallurgy and handicraft (carneol product
d, and tin. The civilization is noted for its
d multistoried houses. The baths and toilet
of the most advanced in the ancient worlroads at exact right angles is a modern
f this particular civilization. The urban
icular civilization was unsurpassed at the t
lization is known as the Harappan Civilizatio
cated at Harappa, excavated in the 1920s i
British India (now in Pakistan). Excavation
0, with important breakthroughs occurring a
settlements have been found, mainly in thits tributaries. Among the settlements wer
, Mohenjo-daro (UNESCO World Heritag
3
1300 BC; mature
on of the Indian
d northwest India.
ed along the Indus
and the Ganges- n area of some
s, along with its
s Civilization may
t Indus river valley
s, seal carving) and
ities built of brick,
s system the cities
ld. The grid layout system that was
gglomeration and
ime and for many
n, as the first of its
in what was at the
of Harappan sites
s recently as 1999.
e general region of e the major urban
Site), Dholavira,
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Post Maha Janapadas peri
The Great Stupa at Sanchi (4t
commemorative monument ass
Grand Anicut dam on river K
structures in the world still in us
Further information: Hindu t
architecture
The Buddhist stupa, a dome
monument associated with
Southeast and East Asia, wh
enshrining sacred relics.[3][3
constructed during the Maur
and rock cut architecture be
and a copingbecame a f
elliptical, circular, quadrilattimber.
[4]The Indian gatewa
Buddhism.[5]
Some scholars
historic site ofSanchi (3rd ce
Rock-cut stepwells in India d
at Dhank (550-625 AD) and st
Mohenjo-daro has wells whic
wells, constructed by 3rd mi
city, leading scholars to beli
people of the Indus Valley
d (1500 BC200 AD)
-1st century BC). The dome shaped stupa wa
ociated with storing sacred relics.
veri (1st-2nd Century AD) is one of the old
e.[2]
emple architecture, Buddhist architecture, a
shaped monument, was used in India as
toring sacred relics.[3]
The stupa architectu
ere it became prominent as a Buddhist m]
Fortified cities with stpas, viharas, a
a empire (c. 321185 BC).[4]
Wooden archit
came solidified.[4]
Guard railsconsisting
ature of safety surrounding a stupa.[4]
eral, or apsidal planswere constructedy arches, the torana, reached East Asia
old that torii derives from the torana gat
tury BC - 11th century AD).[6]
te from 200-400 AD.[7]
Subsequently, the c
epped ponds at Bhinmal (850-950 AD) took
h may be the predecessors of the step well
llennium BC, have been discovered in just
eve that 'cylindrical brick lined wells' wer
Civilization.[8]
Cave temples became pro
4
s used in India as a
est water-regulation
nd Indian rock-cut
a commemorative
re was adopted in
onument used for
nd temples were
ecture was popular
f posts, crossbars,
emplesbuild on
using brick and ith the spread of
es at the Buddhist
nstruction of wells
place.[7]
The city of
.[8]
As many as 700
one section of the
e invented by the
inent throughout
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5
western India, incorporating various unique features to give rise to cave architecture in
places such as Ajanta and Ellora.[4]
Walled and moated cities with large gates and multi-storied buildings which consistently
used arched windows and doors are important features of the architecture during this
period.[4] The Indian emperor Ashoka (rule: 273232 BC) established a chain of hospitalsthroughout the Mauryan empire by 230 BCE.
[9]One of the edicts of Ashoka (272231 BC)
reads: "Everywhere King Piyadasi (Asoka) erected two kinds of hospitals, hospitals for
people and hospitals for animals. Where there were no healing herbs for people and
animals, he ordered that they be bought and planted."[10]
Buddhist architecture blended
with Roman architecture and Hellenestic architecture to give rise to unique blendssuch as
the Greco-Buddhist school.[11]
Indian art and culture has absorbed extraneous impacts by
varying degrees, and is much the richer for the exposure. This cross fertilization between
different art streams converging on the subcontinent produced new forms that, while
retaining the essence of the past, succeeded in the integrating selected elements of the new
influences. A long tradition of art and culture was already established well before thebeginning of 20th century in India. Indian painting can be broadly divided into two
categoriesMURALS and MINIATURE.
Hindu temple architecture
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Mahadeva Temple at Itagi, Koppal district in Karnataka, also called Devalaya Chakravarti,[1][2][3] 1112
CE, an example ofdravida articulation with a nagara superstructure
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Angkor Wat, a World Heritag
Cambodia's national flag
Shiva temple, the main shrinetemple in Indonesia.
The cross section of Shiva templ
India's temple architecture is
of whom belong to the larg
(caste). A small Hindu templ
chamber, in which the id
congregation hall, and some
by a tower-like shikara. At t
existed, the northern or Nag
distinguishable by the shape
Nagara style: The tower
Dravida style: The towe
The earliest Nagar temples a
early Dravida-style temples (
complex style termed Vesar
styles.
Site and the world's largest Hindu building[4
fPrambanan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site a
e, one of the largest Hindu temples in south-eas
developed from the creativity of Sthapathi
er community of craftsmen and artisans c
e consists of an inner sanctum, the garbh
ol or deity is housed, often called cir
imes an antechamber and porch. The garb
e turn of the first millennium CE two maj
ra style and the southern or Dravida type
nd decoration of their shikhara(Dehejia 199
/shikhar is beehive/curvilinear shaped.
/shikhar consists of progressively smaller storey
re in Karnataka (e.g. Galaganath at Pattada
e.g. Teli-ka-Mandir at Gwalior) are actuall
a was once common in Karnataka which
6
] and is present on
nd the largest Hindu
t Asia, Central Java
s and Shilpis, both
alled Vishwakarma
a graha or womb-
cumambulation, a
agriha is crowned
r types of temples
f temple. They are
7).
s of pavilions.[5]
kal) and some very
in North India. A
combined the two
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7
A complex style termed Vesara was once common in Karnataka which combined the two
styles. This may be seen in the classic Hindu temples of India and Southeast Asia, such as
Angkor Wat, Brihadisvara, Khajuraho,
History
The temple is a representation of the macrocosm (the universe) as well as the microcosm
(the inner space).
The Magadha empire rose with the Shishunaga dynasty in around 650 BC. The Ashtadhyayi
ofPanini, the great grammarian of the 5th century BC speaks of images that were used in
Hindu temple worship. The ordinary images were called pratikriti and the images for
worship were called archa (see As. 5.3.96100). Patanjali, the 2nd century BC author of the
Mahabhashya commentary on the Ashtadhyayi, tells us more about the images.
Deity images for sale were called Shivaka etc., but an archa of Shiva was just called Shiva.Patanjali mentions Shiva and Skanda deities. There is also mention of the worship of
Vasudeva (Krishna). We are also told that some images could be moved and some were
immoveable. Panini also says that an archa was not to be sold and that there were people
(priests) who obtained their livelihood by taking care of it.
Panini and Patanjali mention temples which were called prasadas.
The earlier Shatapatha Brahmana of the period of the Vedas, informs us of an image in the
shape ofPurusha which was placed within the altar. The Vedic books describe the plan of
the temple to be square. This plan is divided into 64 or 81 smaller squares, where each ofthese represent a specific divinity.
Historical Chronology
Early temples in approximate chronological order:[6]
Gupta period temples at Sanchi, Tigawa, Eran, Bhumra, Nachna
Deogarh 500-525
Bhitargaon Brick temple 6th cent
Mahabodhi Temple
Lakshman Brick Temple, Sirpur 600-625
Mahabalipuram 650-675
Rajiv Lochan, Rajim, 600
Parsurameswar Temple, Bhubaneshwar 600-650
Aihole Meguti Temple 634, Lad Khan and Durga Temples 7th cent.
Alampur Garuda-brahma 696-734, Svarga brahma 681-696, Visva-Brahma 700
Badami Malegutti, Bhutanath
Ellora, Kailas 750-775, cave 32, 800-825
Pattadakal Virupaksh, Mallikarjuna, 745
Temples at Mahua, Amril, Naresar, Batesar: 8th century
Osian Surya 700-725, Harihar 775-800
Gwalior Teli Ka Mandir 725-750
Vaital Deula, Bhubaneshwar, 750-800
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Madhakheda MP 825
Jump to: navigation, s
Oldest Rockcut cave o
Entrance of Rockcut
Andhra Pradesh
An early group of cave
Primitive beds in early
earch
f India Barabar Caves
cave temple(Similar style as Barabar Cav
s at Kanheri Caves
viharas at Kanheri Caves
8
es) at Guntupalle,
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Rock cut stair leading
Guntupalle Rockcut C
Indian rock-cut archi any other form of roc
the practice of creatin
not part of the struc
elements of the excav
nature.[2][3]
There are known m
structures contain art
stone carvings. These
structural engineering
In India, caves haveenlarged or entirely
In fact the sanctuary i
the same cave-like f
light.[5]
The Oldest rock-cut a
BC, other early cave
shrines and monaster
preceded as well as
time while stone end
of wooden constructtimber texture, grain
to Kanheri
ves, Andhra Pradesh
ecture is more various and found in greatk-cut architecture around the world.
[1]Rock
g a structure by carving it out of solid natur
ture is removed until the only rock left ar
ated interior. Indian rock-cut architecture is
re than 1,500 rock cut structures in Indi
works of global importance, most are ador
ancient and medieval structures are amazi
and craftmanship.[4]
long been regarded as places of sanctityan-made were felt to hold the same sancti
n all Indian religious structures, even free st
eeling of sacredness, being small and da
chitecture is the Barabar caves, Bihar built
temples are found in the western Decca
ies, dating between 100 BC and 170 AD. T
ccompanied by wooden structures which
res. Throughout the history of rock-cut te
ion have been retained. Skilled craftsmenand structure. The earliest cave temples
9
r abundance than -cut architecture is
l rock. Rock that is
e the architectural
mostly religious in
ia. Many of these
ned with exquisite
g achievements of
. Caves that were y as natural caves.
nding ones, retain
k without natural
round 3rd Century
, mostly Buddhist
hey were probably
re destroyed over
ples, the elements
learned to mimic include the Bhaja
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Caves, the Karla Cave
Caves. Relics found i
religious and the co
on the busy internatio
cave temples, comm
elaborate facades duEmpire and south-eas
Although free standin
cut cave temples con
became more sophi
monolithic Kailash Te
structural in nature (
century), made from
Kailash was the last sp
Early caves
The earliest caves employed
variety of purposes such as s
decorated with rock-cut art a
BC). Their use has continue
Bhimbetka, a World Heritag
erosion has left huge sandst
primitive tools and decorati
interaction with their landsca
Cave temples
Ajanta caves
When Buddhist missionaries
temples and abodes, in accor
The Western Ghats topograp
was suited to their natural in
the 1st and 2nd centuries B.C
Buddhist monks from 200
identification with trade, m
lodging houses that were us
s, the Bedse Caves, the Kanheri Caves and
these caves suggest an important conne
mercial, as Buddhist missionaries often ac
nal trading routes through India. Some of th
issioned by wealthy traders, included pi
ring the time maritime trade boomed bet Asia.
[6]
g structural temples were being built by the
tinued to be built in parallel. Later rock-cu
ticated as in the Ellora Caves, culminati
mple. After this, rock-cut architecture bec
although cave temples continued to be b
rocks cut into bricks and built as free stan
ectacular rock-cut excavated temple.[7]
by humans were natural caves used by lo
hrines and shelters. The early caves include
nd the use of natural caves during the Mes
d in some areas into historic times.[8]
Th
e Site, are on the edge of the Deccan Pl
ne outcrops. The many caves and grottos f
e rock paintings that reflect the ancient t
pe, an interaction that continues to this day.
arrived they naturally gravitated to cave
d with their religious ideas of asceticism an
y with its flat-topped basalt hills, deep ravi
clinations. The earliest of the Kanheri Caves
. as were those at Ajanta which were occupi
BCE to 650 AD.[10][11]
The Buddhist ide
nasteries became stopovers for inland tra
ually located near trade routes. As their m
10
ome of the Ajanta
ction between the
companied traders
e more sumptuous
illars, arches, and
tween the Roman
5th century, rock-
t cave architecture
ing ultimately the
me almost totally
uilt until the 12th
ing constructions.
al inhabitant for a
overhanging rock
lithic period (6000
Rock Shelters of
ateau where deep
und there contain
radition of human
[9]
s for use as cave
the monastic life.
es and sharp cliffs,
were excavated in
ed continuously by
ology encouraged
ders and provided
ercantile and royal
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endowments grew, cave inte
paintings and reliefs and int
interiors became designated
(chaityas). Over the centurie
needing to be formally desi
complete. Theses artisans haa wooden structure and the
Worship hall (Chaitya) at Ajanta
Badami Cave Temples - Sanctu
Early examples of rock cut ar
monasteries, many with chan
followers to live in natural ca
became enhanced and emb
stupas had been destroyed,both less visible and therefor
material than wood and ma
most of which are Buddhist.
shrines, called Chaityas,
garbhagriha, similar to free-
to create a circumambulator
hall for the congregation of t
The Ajanta Caves in Mahar
temples carved into the shethe hills of the Sahyadri mo
iors became more elaborate with interior w
ricate carvings. Facades were added to th
for specific uses as monasteries (viharas)
simple caves began to resemble three-dim
gned and requiring highly skilled artisans
d not forgotten their timber roots and imitaood grain in working with stone.
[12]
Caves
sanctorum inside Cave No.1
chitecture are the Buddhist and Jain cave b
drashalas. The aesthetic nature of these reli
es and grottos in the hillsides, away from t
llished over time. Although many temple
by contrast cave temples are very well pree less vulnerable to vandalism as well as ma
onry. There are around 1200 cave temple
. The residences of monks were called Vih
ere for congregational worship.[12]
The
tanding ones later, had an inner circular c
path (pradakshina) around the stupa and a
e devotees.
shtra, a World Heritage Site, are 30 rock
r vertical side of a gorge near a waterfall-untains. Like all the locations of Buddhist
11
alls decorated with
e exteriors as the
and worship halls
ensional buildings,
and craftsmen to
ted the nuances of
asadi, temples and
gions inclined their
e cities, and these
, monasteries and
served as they are e of more durable
s still in existence,
aras and the cave
earliest rock-cut
amber with pillars
outer rectangular
cut cave Buddhist
ed pool located in caves, this one is
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located near main trade rout
B.C.[13]
A period of intense b
Harisena between 460 and 4
columns and carved reliefs a
Skilled artisans crafted living
and grain and intricate decornamental and not function
Another example of cave te
early Chalukya capital, carve
from the sides of cliffs, three
such as decorative pillars an
ceiling panels. Nearby are ma
Monolithic rock-cut templ
Varaha Cave Temple 7th centur
Pancha Rathas monolith rock-cu
es and spans six centuries beginning in the
uilding activity at this site occurred under
78 A profuse variety of decorative sculpture
re found, including exquisitely carved corni
rock to imitate timbered wood (such as lint
orative carving, although such architectul in the classical sense.
[12]
ple architecture are the Badami Cave Tem
d out in the 6th century. There are four c
Hindu and one Jain, that contain carved arc
brackets as well as finely carved sculptur
ny small Buddhist cave shrines.[15]
s
t temple, late 7th century
12
2nd or 1st century
the Vakataka king
, intricately carved
ces and pilaster.[14]
els) in construction
al elements were
les at Badami, the
ave temples hewn
itectural elements
and richly etched
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13
Ellora cave 16
The Pallava architects started the carving of rock for the creation of a monolithic copies of
structural temples.[5]
A feature of the rock-cut cave temple distribution until the time of the
early Pallavas is that they did not move further south than Aragandanallur, with the solitary
exception of Tiruchitrapalli on the south bank of the Kaveri River, the traditional southern
boundary between north and south. Also, good granite exposures for rock-cut structures
were generally not available south of the river.[7]
A rock cut temple is carved from a large rock and excavated and cut to imitate a wooden or
masonry temple with wall decorations and works of art. Pancha Rathas is an example of
monolith Indian rock cut architecture dating from the late 7th century located at
Mamallapuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Ellora cave temple 16, the Kailash Temple, is singular in that it was excavated from the top
down rather than by the usual practice of carving into the scarp of a hillside. The KailashTemple was created through a single, huge top-down excavation 100 feet deep down into
the volcanic basaltic cliff rock. It was commissioned in 8th century by King Krishna I and took
more than 100 years to complete.[16]
The Kailash Temple, or cave 16 as it is known at Ellora
Caves located at Maharastra on the Deccan Plateau, is a huge monolithic temple dedicated
to Lord Shiva. There are 34 caves built at this site, but the other 33 caves, Hindu, Buddhist,
and Jain, were carved into the side of the plateau rock. The effect of the Kailash Temple is
that of a free-standing temple surrounded by smaller cave shrines carved out of the same
black rock. The Kailash Temple is carved with figures of gods and goddesses from the Hindu
Puranas, along with mystical beings like the heavenly nymphs and musicians and figures of
good fortune and fertility.[17]
Ellora Caves is also a World Heritage Site.[18]
Free-standing temples
There is no time line that divides the creation of rock-cut temples and free-standing temples
built with cut stone as they developed in parallel. The building of free-standing structures
began in 5th century, while rock cut temples continued to be excavated until the 12th
century.
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Rock-cut monuments in In
Ellora caves. Cave 34. The yaksh
Rock cut steps at Ramatheertha
Bojjannakonda Rockcut Caves, A
ia
ini Ambika, the yakshini ofNeminath at a Jain Ca
m, Andhra Pradesh
ndhra Pradesh
14
ve at Ellora
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Rock cut Stupas, Bojjannakonda
Panoramic view of relief sculptu
Aihole has one Jaina/
Badami Cave Temples
Bagh Caves
Ellora Caves has twelve
Kanheri Caves
Mahabalipuram
Pancha Rathas
Pandavleni Caves
Shore Temple - structur
Undavalli caves, Andhra Varaha Cave Temple at
Masroor Temple at Kan
Bojjannakonda Buddhis
Guntupalle Buddhist Sit
Ramatheertham, Andhr
re at Mahabalipuram, a World Heritage Site
Buddhist, 17 Hindu and five Jain temples.[19]
al
Pradesh amallapuram
ra
Site, Andhra Pradesh
, Andhra Pradesh
a Pradesh
15
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Early Common EraHigh
The temple complex at Khajura
World Heritage Site.
Further information: Architect
Western Chalukya architecture,
Universitieshousing thous
Valabhi between the 4th-8t
distinct tradition during the 7
Mru-Gurjara Temple Arch
of Rajasthan. Mru-Gurjara
skills of Rajasthani craftme
Maha-Maru and Maru-G
primarily in Marudesa, Sap
originated in Medapata, Gu
Scholars such as George Mi
Mru-Gurjara Temple Archi
from the North Indian TemArchitecture and Hoysala T
sculpturally.[16]
The South Indian temple
superstructure, tower, or s
enclosed by a peristyle of c
segmented by pilasters and
the sanctuary is of the ki
in a pyramidal shape. Each
corners and rectangular wi
iddle Ages (200 AD1200 AD)
oadhering to the shikhara temple style archit
re of Karnataka, Dravidian architecture, Arc
and Badami Chalukya Architecture
nds of teachers and studentsflourishe
centuries.[12]
South Indian temple archite
th century ADis described below:
[13]
itecture originated somewhere in sixth century
Architecture show the deep understanding of s
of bygone era. Mru-Gurjara Architecture has
rjara. According to M. A. Dhaky, Maha-M
adalaksa, Surasena and parts ofUparamala w
rjaradesa-Arbuda, Gurjaradesa-Anarta and som
chell, M.A. Dhaky, Michael W. Meister and U.S.
tecture is entirely Western Indian architecture
le architecture.[15]
There is a connecting link beemple Architecture. In both of these styles ar
onsists essentially of a square-chambered sa
ire and an attached pillared porch or hall (ma
ells within a rectangular court. The external wa
carry niches housing sculpture. The superstruc
a type and consists of an arrangement of grad
story is delineated by a parapet of miniature s
h barrel-vault roofs at the centre. The tower i
16
ectureis a UNESCO
hitecture of Bengal,
at Nalanda and
cturevisible as a
in and around areas
ructures and refined
wo prominent styles
ru style developed
ereas Maru-Gurjara
areas of Gujarat.[14]
. Moorti believe that
nd is quite different
tween Mru-Gurjara chitecture is treated
ctuary topped by a
apa, or maapam),
lls of the temple are
ture or tower above
ally receding stories
rines, square at the
topped by a dome-
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shaped cupola and a crowni
North Indian temples showe
10th century.[17]
Richly dec
constructed in Central India.[1
through various trade route
carvings, high domes, gopu
architecture in India.Example
Temple at Konark in Odisha,
Late Middle Ages (1100 A
Ornate lintel over mantapa entr
Further information: Hoysala ar
Vijayanagara Architecture o
evolved by the Vijayanagar
Vijayanagara on the banks
architecture of the temples b
of political authority.[19]
Thi
architecture which featured
structures across the deccan
Hoysala, Pandya and Chola st
ruled and is characterised by
Hoysala architecture is the di
Empire in the region historic
11th and the 14th centuries
examples of the Hoysala arc
the Hoysaleswara Temple at
examples of fine Hoysala c
Nuggehalli. Study of the Ho
influence while the impact o
temple architecture is its att
ng pot
d increased elevation of the wall and elab
rated templesincluding the complex at
7] Indian traders brought Indian architectur
s.[11]
Grandeur of construction, beautiful s
ras and extensive courtyards were the f
s include the Lingaraj Temple at Bhubanesh
rihadishwar Temple at Thanjavur in Tamil N
1526 AD)
ance, Belur temple.
hitecture and Vijayanagara architecture
the period (1336 - 1565 AD) was a not
empire that ruled most of South India fr
of the Tungabhadra River in present-day
uilt during the reign of the Vijayanagara e
s resulted in the creation of a distinctiv
prominently not only in temples but als
.[20]
The Vijayanagara style is a combinatio
yles which evolved earlier in the centuries
a return to the simplistic and serene art of t
stinctive building style developed under the
ally known as Karnata, today's Karnataka, I
.[22]
Large and small temples built during
hitectural style, including the Chennakesav
Halebidu, and the Kesava Temple at Som
aftmanship are the temples at Belavadi,
sala architectural style has revealed a ne
Southern Indian style is more distinct.[23]
A
ntion to detail and skilled craftmanship. Th
17
orate spire by the
Khajurahowere
to South east Asia
culptures, delicate
eatures of temple
war in Odisha, Sun
adu.
able building style
m their capital at
Karnataka.[18]
The
pire had elements
imperial style of
in administrative
n of the Chalukya,
hen these empires
e past.[21]
rule of the Hoysala
India, between the
this era remain as
a Temple at Belur,
anathapura. Other
Amrithapura, and
gligible Indo-Aryan
feature of Hoysala
e temples of Belur
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and Halebidu are proposed
survive today.[25]
Islamic influence and Mug
In the August 1604 CE the co
religionwas completed.
Further information: Mughal ar
Qutub Minar a prominent exam
Mughal tombs of sandstone(156574) and the walled c
achievements of this timea
Shah Jahan (162858).[26]
Em
and parks while stressing o
Jahan.[27]
Quranic verses we
depiction of any living being
forbidden under Islam.[1]
The
blend of Indian style with the
Some scholars hold that cult
October 149513 December
NESCO world heritage sites.[24]
About a 10
al Era (1526 AD-1857 AD)
struction of the Harmandir Sahibthe holies
hitecture and Indo-Islamic architecture
ple of Islamic architecture in India.
and marble show Persian influence.
[26]
Th ity of Fatehpur Sikri (156974) are amon
s is the Taj Mahal, built as a tomb for Queen
ploying the double dome, the recessed arch
symmetry and detail was visible during
re described on the walls of the buildin
an essential part of the pre-Islamic tradi
Architecture during the Mughal Period has
Iranian style.
ral contact with Europe under Manuel I of
1521) resulted in exchange of architectural
18
0 Hoysala temples
t shrine of the Sikh
Red Fort at Agra the architectural
Mumtaz Mahal by
way, white marble
the reign of Shah
s.[1]
However, the
tion of Indiawas
shown a very good
Portugal (reign: 25
influences.[28]
Little
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literary evidence exists to co
suggested a possible relation
Colonial Era (1500 AD19
The Chepauk Palace at Chennai,
Further information: Indo-Gothi
Under colonial rule, architec
patron. Numerous outsiders i
ancestral and adopted ho
symbolized their mission of c
The British, French, Dutch
India.[30] [31]
British Colonial Era: 1615 toBritain reigned India for ove
building and infrastructure th
The major cities colonized d
Bankipore, Karachi, Nagpur,
St Andrews Kirk, Madras is re
and is sided by two rectang
with twelve colonnades and t
them. The interior holds sixtegold stars.[35]
The staple of Madras was Fo
Surrounding the fort was Whi
to be called Georgetown. Bla
the natives are numerous, irr
narrow and ill-ventilateda
centre."[36]
firm the Indian influence but some scholar
based on proximity of architectural styles.[28
7 AD)
once the residence of the Nawab of Arcot
c
ture became an emblem of power, design
nvaded India and created architectural style
mes. The European colonizers created
nquest, dedicated to the state or religion.[2
and the Portuguese were the main pow
947 The British arrival in 1615 overthrew tr three hundred years and their legacy sti
at populate their former colonies.[32]
ring this period were Madras, Calcutta, Bo
hopal and Hyderabad.[33][34]
nowned for its colonial beauty. The buildin
lar sections one is the entrance porch. Th
wo British l ions and motto of East India Co
en columns and the dome is painted blue w
t St. George, a walled squared building adj
ite Town settlement of British and Indian ar
ck Town described in 1855 as the minor s
egular and of various dimensions. Many of t
hallow square, the rooms opening into
19
have nonetheless
]
ed to endorse the
s reflective of their
architecture that
]
rs that colonized
he Mughal empire. ll remains through
mbay, Delhi, Agra,
is circular in form
e entrance is lined
pany engraved on
ith decorated with
cent to the beach.
a Black Town later
reets, occupied by
hem are extremely
courtyard in the
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20
Garden houses were originally used as weekend houses for recreational use by the upper
class British. Nonetheless, the garden house became ideal a full-time dwelling, deserting the
fort in the 19th Century.[37]
Calcutta Madras and Calcutta were similar bordered by water and division of Indian in the
north and British in the south. An Englishwoman noted in 1750 the banks of the river are asone may say absolutely studded with elegant mansions called here as at Madras, garden
houses.Esplanade-row is fronts the fort with lined palaces.[38][39]
Indian villages in these areas consisted of clay and straw houses, later transformed into a
metropolis of brick and stone.[40]
The Victoria Memorial in Calcutta, is the most effective symbolism of British Empire, built as
a monument in tribute to Queen Victorias reign. The plan of the building consists of one
large central part covered with a larger dome. Colonnades separate the two chambers. Each
corner holds a smaller dome and is floored with marble plinth. The memorial stands on 26hectares of garden surrounded by reflective pools.
[41]
French: 1673 to 1954 The French colonized a fishing village (Pondicherry) in Tamil Nadu and
transformed it into a flourishing port-town. The town was built on the French grid pattern
and features neat sectors and perpendicular streets and divided into two sectors, French
Quarter (Ville Blanche) and the Indian quarter (Ville Noire). French styled villas were styled
with long compounds and stately walls, lined houses with verandas, large French doors and
grills. Infrastructure such as banks, police station and Pondicherry International Port still
hold the French presence.
To preserve Pondicherry an organization names INTACH was formed. Authorization is
needed from INTACH, to annihilate any original French Architecture.[42]
French expanded their empire by colonizing coastal towns, Yanam in Andhra Pradesh,
Karaikal in Tamil Nadu and Mahe in Kerala with a French atmosphere of quiet towns around
beaches. French spelling on signage and traffic signs still remains.[43]
Dutch: 1605 to 1825 The Dutch entered India with the only interests of Trade in the early
17th Century. During their 200 years in India, they colonized Surat, Bharuch, Venrula,
Ahmedabad, Malabar Coast, Kochi and Sadras.[44]
Surat a Dutch factory in 1630s Bharuch: Trading Post of the Dutch East India Company
had a Dutch cemetery. Venrula: a warehouse was built for 3000 Guilders by Leendart
Janszoons and a castle for the protection of the Dutch. Ahmedabad: The Dutch cemetery
lies on the bank of Kankaria lake. It holds a mix of Indian and European styled graves, with
domed tombs, pyramids, walled and plain grave stones. Malabar Coast Kochi: The Dutch
Palace (Mattancherry Palace) The palace was originally built by the Portuguese, it fell into
the hands of the Dutch when the Portuguese lost control of Kochi. Dutch cemetery The
cemetery runs parallel to the beach and is the oldest European cemetery in India. It holds
104 tombs that visually narrate the Dutch influence in Architecture during the era. The
cemetery is guarded by heavy walls and the entrance pillar still carries the original
calligraphic inscription 1724 David Hall which was the residence of the famous Dutch
-
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21
Commander and Governor of Kochi, Adriaan van Reed lot Drakestein was built in 1695. The
hall has been restored as a cultural centre and art caf for young, visual and performing
artists. Bastion bungalow This Dutch styled building near the Fort Kochi beach was built to
protect the harbor. Thakur House the Dutch built this bungalow overlooking the sea as a
club. Sadras 17 km (11 mi) from the rock cut temples of Mamallapuram is another Dutch
settlement. Pullicat Pullicat lake 55 km north of Madras is a million years old and thesecond largest lagoon in India. It was the most important trading post of the Dutch. They
built two cemeteries. One was ruined due to negligence and at the entrance is flanked by
stone pillars, having 76 tombs. Images of skeletons are carved onto the gravestones,
symbolizing life and death.[45][46]
Portuguese: 1498 to 1961
The Portuguese arrived as merchants in the 1498 and were more driven by a Catholic
missionary zeal than gaining powers in India. The Portuguese gained a foothold Goa and
ruled for 400 years.[47]
Portuguese dominance in Goa still remains. Their missionary spirit built many magnificent
cathedrals, churches, basilicas and seminaries. The Basilica of Bom Jesus (Good Jesus), Old
Goa, former capital during the Portugal rule. The three storied Renaissance styled church
was built of plaster and laterite in 1605, it holds the body of St.Francis. The interior is built in
a Mosaic- Corinthian style and adorned with wood and gold leaf. The walls embrace old
painting of saints as the floor is laid with pure white marble.[48]
The Portuguese - Catholic houses faced the street with unique large ornamental windows
opening onto verendahs. Bold colours were painted on houses constructing distinct identity,allowing the sailors to recognize their houses from sea. The covered porches and verandas
were designed for socializing contrary to the Hindu styled housing. Front doors were lined
with columns, and railings were popular in embellishment.[49]
The interior of Goan-Portuguese houses consisted of elaborate patterns created with tiles
imported from Europe and a false ceiling installed of wood. The walls are painted with
bright colours contrasting to the earthy coloured furniture.
The walls were made of out mud or laterite stone and coloured with vegetable and natural
dyes. Gateposts and compound walls were craved with great detail.[50]
Indian Architecture continued to flourish as they took influence from the colonies. Indian
Architecture further shaped as they combined the colonial influences with traditional
Architecture.
Republic of India (1947 ADpresent)
Further information: List of World Heritage Sites in India and Category:Indian architecture
In recent times there has been a movement of population from rural areas to urban centres
of industry, leading to price rise in property in various cities of India.
[51]
Urban housing in
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India balances space constrictions and is aimed to serve the working class.[52]
Growing
awareness of ecology has influenced architecture in India during modern times.[53]
A significant feature of India's architecture is the courtyard.[54]
Klaus-Peter Gast (2007)
elaborates on the significance of courtyards in India:[54]
The courtyards also take up an old Indian architectural motif whereby the courtyard provides
light and air for the rooms directly in this hot climate, and people are able to spend time outside
or inside according to the time of day. The courtyard is also the classical symbol of something
shared, a place where people meet, spend time with each other and live together. This aspect is
emphasised in the courtyard for the general public, which is placed immediately inside the
entrance and constructed in the form of a Kund, a large area of stone steps. Here people spend
their waiting time together almost as if in a state of communal meditation. A waiting area that
would be completely inconceivable in Western culture functions as a think tank here, with the
ambience of waiting stimulating communal reflection.
Climate responsive architecture has long been a feature of India's architecture but has been
losing its significance as of late.[55]
Indian architecture reflects its various socio-cultural
sensibilities which vary from region to region.[55]
Certain areas are traditionally held to be
belonging to women.[55]
Villages in India have features such as courtyards, loggias, terraces
and balconies.[52]
Calico, chintz, and palamporeof Indian originhighlight the assimilation
of Indian textiles in global interior design.[56]
Roshandans, which are skylights-cum-
ventilators, are a common feature in Indian homes, especially in North India.[