x 008 indian architecture

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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


7/22

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


8/22

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


10/22

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


11/22

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


12/22

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


13/22

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.


14/22

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


15/22

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


16/22

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-


17/22

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


18/22

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


19/22

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


20/22

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


21/22

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.[

x 008 indian architecture

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