INDIAN ARCHITECTURE

INDIAN ARCHITECTURE

India is like an open museum to see global architecture at one place. One can see the world in India through its varied architecture.

Indian architecture dates back about 4000 years. Mohanjodaro and Harappa is the cradle of Indian architecture (though now in Pakistan. Lothal in Gujarat also dates back to that period. Cave temples represent the early Hindu, Buddhist and Jain architecture. Udaygiri and Khandgiri Caves in Orissa are probably the oldest cave temples (still intact). Ajanta- Ellora caves are great example of temples carved out of solid rock.

Construction of stone temples probably came into style during the Gupta dynasty rule, which continued till 10th Century. Major Stone temples were built in the 7th to 12th Century A.D. The Chandellas in the north and the Cholla dynasty in the south made unique and magnificent temples using stone. Vijay Nagara kings and Nayakas were famous Hindu kings who believed in large-scale constructions and elaborate decorations.

The architecture of different periods shows the influences of contacts with the outside world, diverse geography, rulers and religions. The Sanchi Stupa built during the reign of Ashoka (2nd Century BC) is a unique architecture of Buddhist style. Jain temples in Rajasthan and Gujarat have totally different style, specially temple of Dilwara and Ranakpur in Rajasthan. West Bengal had Terra-cota style. Orissa has temples of many different styles.

In 1192 Qutabuddin Aibak started the Islamic style construction. An example of this style of construction is known as the Quwwaat-ul-Islam (built 1192-1198. Qutab Minar (built 1199-1235) is another great example
of Islamic style. Main thing about Islamic architecture is the Arch style. Craftsmen from Middle East who had the knowledge of Arch style introduced this latest trend of arches to Indian constructions. The next generation craftsmen became very perfect in the traditional Muslim construction as can be seen in the Iltutmish’s tomb (completed 1233-4). Mughal architecture flourished between 16th and 17th centuries during their reign. Mughal style was introduced with Humayun’s tomb – large complex with garden divided into quadrants (Charbagh) and Mausoleum in the middle. Use of floral designs at this tomb reflects the Persian influence. Mughals also used Jain and Hindu style in later constructions like cubical/square halls etc. Akbar’s reign can be taken as the formative period of Mughal architecture. It represents the finest example of the fusion of Indo-Islamic architecture. Red Fort in Delhi and Taj Mahal in Agra are the best example of Mughal architecture.

European architectural history is generally understood to have started with the British rule. However, Baroque influences of Portuguese or influences of construction style of Roman, Greek, French and Danish are visible as per the historical relation of these communities with specific parts of India. These include for example, Portuguese in Goa, French in Pondicherry, Danish in Churchura (West Bengal) etc.

Modern Gothic style architecture, which came with the British, has influenced lot of later constructions. British introduced colonial style of Europe in India and this impact (known as Indo-Sarcenic style) can be seen in the structures constructed during the second half of the 19th century.

Truly speaking India is the best place to enjoy the architectural heritage of different ages and dynasties.