Architecture is not a modern phenomenon, but has been a revolutionary and innovative force which has helped India’s heritage to flourish. Architecture is indeed the form of visual art which depicts the social, religious and cultural way of life in a particular period.
However, Indian architecture has changed from simple temples to ornate palaces. Among the most renowned monuments, Ajanta and Ellora in Maharashtra, The Sun Temple of Konarak, were the most enduring achievement of Indian civilization.
Ancient Indian Architecture
The beginning of Indian architecture can be traced back to the Indus Valley civilization, about 2500 BC. The Harappans built a well- planned city with walls round them, the paved streets, presence of drainage system and public baths shows the architectural of that time.Caves Architecture
Cave architecture in India began round the 3rd century BC. These caves were used by Jains and Buddhists as the places of worship. Great Stupa at Sanchi and caves at Ajanta are the major highlights of Buddhist Art.The caves temple of Ellora which was excavated between 600 AD and 900 AD from the solid rock were primally designed as monasteries and is considered to be the finest specimen of Indian architectural heritage.
Other major Caves like : Udayagiri Caves, Elephanta Cave, Amarnath Temple, Badami Caves, Kanheri Caves, Varaha Caves, Bhimbetka Rock Shelter.
Temple’s Architecture
In ancient India, temple architecture was constructed in different parts of India based on different architecture style. There are 3 major types of temple architectures-
Other major Caves like : Udayagiri Caves, Elephanta Cave, Amarnath Temple, Badami Caves, Kanheri Caves, Varaha Caves, Bhimbetka Rock Shelter.
Rock-cut architecture
Rock cut temple played an important role in the history of Indian architecture. It is the most prominent feature of ancient architectural remains which were produced by cutting of the rocks.
Chaityas and Viharas are those rock cut structure that were cut out for Buddhist and Jain monks. Most prominent Rock cut caves at Karle, Nashik, Bhaja and Kanheri and Rathas at Mahabilpuram were sculpted out of monolithic rocks.
Temple’s Architecture
In ancient India, temple architecture was constructed in different parts of India based on different architecture style. There are 3 major types of temple architectures-1. Nagara style
The Nagara style of architecture was observed for building temples in different part of north India. The specific feature for this type of architecture is the presence of beehive-shaped and multi- layered tower, called ‘Shikhara’. Muktesvara temple, Rajarani temple and the Lingaraja temple in Orissa are examples of this type of architecture.2. Dravadian
Another form of temple architecture is Dravadian, where the temple is in the shape of a pyramid and is made from intricate stones to give the shape to statues of deities, kings and dancers.
The entire area is surrounded with Prakara (high walls) , and the entrance is through Gopurams (gateways) which is considered to be the tallest structure of the temple.
The gateway facing the sanctum is called Mahadvara and a Vimana, the tower over the deities are the features for Dravidian style of temples. Meenakshi temple in Madurai and Thanjavur temple are perfect examples of Dravidian architecture.
3. Hoysala style
Hoysala temples were built of chloritic schist or fine grained soft stone which enabled builders for intricate sculptural carvings, and further beautifying the temples.The sculpted figures on the walls of these temples depict the lifestyle of the Hoysala times.The Chennakesava Temple at Belur, the Hoysaleswara Temple at Halebidu, and the Kesava Temple at Somanathapura are examples of Hoysala style of architecture.
Famous temples of Ancient India
The major development in of temple were seen in various part of India.- 50 AD- 1250 AD in Muktesvara temple, Orrisa,
- 950 AD- 1050 AD in Kandariya Mahadeva of Khajuraho in central India,
- 10th to 11th Century Ghateshwara and Nachna temple in Rajasthan and
- 11th to 13th Century in Gujarat.
Medieval India Architecture
In the beginning of the medieval period, Turks brought the architectural ideas in India which further enhanced the different architectural styles.- Romanesque Architecture is popular style of architecture during 1066- 1200 AD. Following are the main characteristics.
- Inspired from Roman architecture, also influenced from Visigothic, Carolingian, Byzantine and Islamic architecture.
- Softness in the basic design were introduced in this period only.
- Round arches, basillica style plan and vaults were developed to enable the construction of stone roofs.
Gothic Architecture
This style of art majorly seen in the late middle ages. Following are the main characteristics of Gothic architecture- Window opening is quite wide.
- New building techniques like flying butterness enables architects to build taller building.
- Large block of stone is used.
- Stained- glass windows were used.
- Tall spires
- Pointed Arches could support much more weight from the same pillar.
- Stone castles were rudimentary, dark, cold and damp.
Names of the Temples
The most important temple constructed in Medieval India are: Devi Jagadamba temple in Madhya Pradesh, The Golden Temple of Amritsar, Ambaji temple from Gujarat. In South India, Vittala temple, Virupaksha temple are well known. Sukhresvara temple in Guwahati, Rudranath temple and Chandan Devi temple in Haridwar and Jama Masjid are other famous temples of India.
Features of the building existed in colonial India-
Colonial India Architecture
The architectural contribution of the British started after the mutiny of 1857. British constructed many Churches and Buildings which reflect the imperial glory. Rashtrapati Bhawan, Parliament and other buildings in Conn ought place Delhi are the good examples.
Features of the building existed in colonial India-
- Greek and Roman influence observed in colonnades and pillared buildings.
- Indo -saracenic style of buildings, which is a combined features of Hindu, western and Islamic elements
- Use of sandstone for buildings.
- Design features like canopies and jaali for the construction of the buildings.
