Indian Architecture

Architecture in Indian is a product of various styles of building and schools of archaeological thought. In this understanding we often tend to forget the efforts of many unsung artisans and skilled professionals who put in long hours of effort, involving both creative and manual labor to create these splendid and magnificent monuments. Their dedication and constant affinity towards experimentation in construction was responsible in creating structures that announce the country’s distinctiveness of the country’s construction styles. Tradition dates the earliest architectural endeavors in India to 2500 BC. Since then Hindu, Muslim, Jain and various other styles have influenced building and it is these distinctive periods that have shaped Indian architecture in an indelible and profound manner.

Indian Architecture Timeline- Indian Architectural timeline dates back to 2500 BC to the Harappa civilization. This civilization in those areas was located in North India, today there are part of present day Pakistan. It was the Harappans who built big cities that were well fortified and complete with all the facilities of a mainline city that include paved roads, granaries, warehouses and public baths. However the Harappa civilization was completely wipped out by the end of 2000BC. After that for the next 2000 years no one in India constructed monuments of stone. In 250 BC Indian architect started building structure of wood. There are was practically no one in the country at the time who knew to construct with stone. However architects and builders used stone mixed with rubble similar to the construction style of the ziggurats.

The whole construction of stone monuments and structures in India can be attributed to the Buddhists. They built monuments of stone that were not only sturdy but also ornately designed and decorated with intricate carvings. This invariably marked the beginning of architecture in India. The evolution of time also bought in an evolution of architectural style Buddhist architectural styles was followed by temple construction. Both North and South India temple builders were able to devise and develop their individual style of temple construction. With the Abbasid Invasions India was introduced to the Muslim styles of architecture. It was followed by new style of architecture that developed as a result of as a result of colonization. This distinctive style of architecture was termed as Indo Sacrescenic style of architecture.

Indian architectural styles

•Hindu Architecture- Hindu architecture can be attributed to the time just after the end of Buddhist era. Combing both spiritual and religious elements this style of architecture was distinctive for its highest use of technical knowledge and skill. This architectural style also served as a reformation for the religion. Another distinction feature is the style employed in Temple construction in India. Prominent patterns and construction models being the style employed being that of the Nagara and Kalinga style in the north that are known ornamentation and Dravidian and Besara constructions that were known for sheer grandiosity epitomized in Shikaras and interiors.

• Islamic Architecture – The advent of Muslims saw the birth of a new style of architecture that incorporated various elements that added to its grandiosity and sheer regality. The distinctive elements of Islamic architecture included ornamental decorations, inlaid marble work, colonnades and also the various chambers that were seemingly adorned with the finest and the material at the time. The development of this form of architecture can also be referred to as Indo Islamic architecture. The Indo Islamic style of architecture was neither strictly Hindu nor strictly Muslim in its character.

• Jain Architecture- Jain architecture is often referred to as the offshoots of distinctive Buddhist and Hindu styles of architecture. This is visible in the early Jain temples that to a layman have a striking similarity to the rock cut Buddhist temples. However in later years there was a diversion from this style and Jains began to construct their own temples that was characteristically rock cut and bore tedious and expansive carvings and ornamentation.

• Buddhist Architecture- Undoubtedly Buddhist architecture played a pivotal role in reviving stone construction in India. It was able to breathe life to this style of construction that was seemingly buried for almost 2000 years. Stone formed the base of temple building, yet architects of the time ably infused life into stone by creating ornate decoration on stone that are preserved even today. Another distinctive and irreplaceable feature of this style was the rock cut temples. In that age setting a rock cave temple was easy, but getting inside and creating intricate details of paintings on carved out pillars, walls, ceilings and doorways was a seemingly ardent task and this was carried out with perfection.

• Gandara Architectures- Gandara architecture is a distinctive amalgam of Indian and Greek style temple art. This combined style was used mostly in Buddhist places of worship and incorporated into sculptures as well as Buddhist monasteries. This form of building was purely decorative in nature and involved the use of elements of imagery of animals and humans and also various religious symbols.

• Colonial Architecture- Colonization had a distinctive impact on Indian architecture. The Dutch, Portuguese, French and the English left their lasting architectural impression in structural designs of many monuments that they built. The visible imitation of which can be seen in public buildings, churches, colleges, schools, government establishments as well in parks and lawns. Distinctive in its own style colonial architecture never restricted outside influence and as such was inspired by India’s existent structural design.

Major Circuits

Delhi Red Fort >> Delhi Old Fort >> Jaipur Hawa Mahal >> Jaipuir Amber Fort >> Jaisalmer fort >> Jaisalmer Havelis >> Taj Mahal

Delhi Red Fort >> Taj Mahal >> Agra Fort >> Khajuraho Temple Architecture >> Gwalior Fort >> Bhopal Laxmi Narayana Temple