Art & Architecture
One of the most enduring achievements of Indian civilization is undoubtedly its architecture. Indian architecture, which has evolved through centuries, is the result of social-economic and geographical conditions. Different types of Indian architectural styles include a mass of expressions over space and time, transformed by the forces of history considered unique to India. As a result of vast diversities, a vast range of architectural specimens have evolved, retaining a certain amount of continuity across history.
Indian architecture, belonging to different periods of history, bears the stamp of respective periods. Though the cities of Indus Valley provide substantial evidence of extensive town planning, the beginnings of Indian architecture can be traced back to the advent of Buddhism in India. It was in this period that a large number of magnificent buildings came up. Some of the highlights of Buddhist art and architecture are the Great Stupa at Sanchi and the rock-cut caves at Ajanta.
With the establishment of Hindu kingdoms in South India, the south Indian school of architecture began to flourish. The most notable achievements of the Pallava rulers were the rock-cut temples of Mahabalipuram and the temples of Kanchipuram. The Chola, Hoyasala and Vijayanagar rulers also did remarkable job in the field of architecture. The temples at Thanjavur, Belur and Halebid bear testimony to the architectural excellence of the South Indian rulers.
In northern India, a new, distinct architectural style developed. It is called Nagara style architecture. In central India, the Chandela rulers built a magnificent temple complex at Khajuraho. With the arrival of Muslim rulers, a new architectural style developed in India - Indo-Islamic architecture. The Indo-Islamic style is neither fully Muslim nor fully Hindu. The architecture of the medieval period can be divided into two broad categories. This is Delhi or Royal Style and Mughal Architecture.
This was followed by a new architectural style developed by the colonization of India. This architectural style is called Indo-Saracenic. Indo-Saracenic architecture combines features of Hindu, Islamic and Western elements. Colonial architecture expresses itself through institutional, civic and utilitarian buildings such as post offices, railway stations, nursing homes and government buildings.
During the colonial period, Indian architecture underwent a change with the arrival of the Dutch, Portuguese and French. However, it was the British who had the greatest influence on Indian architecture.
The Middle Ages saw tremendous growth in the field of architecture. With the arrival of Muslims in India, many new features were introduced in the buildings. The development of the Islamic architectural style of this period can be called Indo-Islamic architecture or Indian architecture influenced by Islamic art. The Indo-Islamic style is neither fully Muslim nor fully Hindu.
Indian architecture is as old as the history of civilization. The earliest traces of recognizable construction activity in India can be traced back to the towns of the Indus Valley. Among the ancient architectural monuments of India, the most characteristic are the temples, Chaityas, Viharas, Stupa and other religious structures.
It is believed that cave architecture in India dates back to the third century BC. These caves were used by Buddhist and Jain monks as places of worship and residence. Originally, the caves were dug in western India. Some examples of this type of cave structure are the Chaityas and Viharas of the Buddhists.
The rock-cut structures present the most spectacular work of ancient Indian art. Most of the rock-cut structures are associated with different religious communities. At first, notable Buddhist and Jain monuments were created in regions such as Bihar to the east and Maharashtra to the west.
In ancient India, high-level temple architecture developed in most regions. The distinct architectural style of the construction of temples in different regions is the result of geographical, climatic, ethnic, racial, historical and linguistic diversity. The ancient temples of India are classified into three main categories. This classification is based on the different architectural styles used in the construction of temples.
