INDIAN ARCHITECTURE
Dating back to 3300 BCE, the Harappan Civilization has played a pivotal role in
shaping the new-age architecture. With its well-planned grids, road hierarchy,
impeccable drainage systems, use of traditional materials, multi-storeyed homes
and clearly defined layouts, the city is no less than a work of art.
With cities like Mohenjodaro and Harappa exemplifying the use of every system as a
functional element; serving a specific purpose, it became an epitome of reference
for the coming years in the architectural journey for India
The history of Indian Architecture is incomplete without its iconic temples. They
form an important aspect since they developed in almost all regions of ancient
India. However, temple architecture has seen a diverse set of architectural styles
accounting for the changing geographical conditions, climate, ethnicity, history and
diversity. The Dravida and Vesara style was seen in the south, whereas the Nagara
style became a Northern staple. Apart from this several regional styles in the
Kerala, Himalayan and Bengal regions developed due to their dynamic geographical
and cultural symbolism.
THE LOTUS TEMPLE
The Baha'i House of Worship, popularly known as the Lotus Temple is not only
a symbol of excellence in modern Indian architecture but also one of the most
visited religious buildings in the world. The Temple located on a 9.7-hectare site
near Nehru Place in South Delhi, is a place of worship open to all races, religions and
castes.
The form of this House of Worship takes the shape the lotus, a flower considered sacred
by most Indians. It is designed to reflect the simplicity, clarity and freshness of the Baha'i
Faith and to act as a symbol of the unity of mankind and religions.
Rock Cut Architecture
The practice of carving out natural rock to create structures is most abundant in India’s historical
buildings. The required structural elements are retained whereas the interior area is excavated -
the excavated rock is put to use in other buildings. Kanheri Caves , Ajanta and Ellora, Caves
Pancha Rathas
The Kailasa Temple, It is a marvel today, with detailed carvings and ornamentation on its walls
- with a trace of Pallava and Chalukya styles.
Vesara Architecture
This style of architecture originated in Karnataka, a blend of Nagara and Dravidian
Styles of Architecture. The Hoysala temples found in Belur and Halebid are some of
the best-known examples of this style.
Features of Vesara Architecture include:
Plans derived from a square shape for the sanctum and a circle for the
vimana.
The shikaras were developed with each ascending storey smaller than the
one below it.
Intricate ornamentation depicting epics, usually following a zig-zag pattern.
Chennakesava Temple - Image by Pavan Prasad Mysuru
3. Sikh Architecture
Primarily found but not bound to religious structures, Sikh buildings also consist of other
buildings such as bungas, havelis and samadhas. It is a blend of Mughal and Rajput
architecture - noticeable in the contrast of curves and straight lines on its facades.
Features of Sikh Architecture:
Exterior facades are colored in gold and white - with gold-plated copper sheets and
marble or porcelain.
Ornamentation includes stucco, mirror and inlay work on walls to amplify the
extravagance.
Flat Roofed buildings with domes (either fluted or ribbed) in the center and on four
corners.
The Golden Temple, Amritsar
4. Kalinga Architecture
Broadly classified under the Nagara style of Architecture, Kalinga Architecture is found
in Odisha and northern Andhra Pradesh. Usually composed of two parts - a tower
(deula) and a hall (jagmohan).
Kalinga Temples are of three types:
Rekha Deula - a base building with a shikhara
Pidha Deula - a base building with a square plan and a pyramid shaped vimana
Khakhara Deula - a base building resembling the shape of a gopuram, with a barrel vault
shaped roof.
Kalinga Temple, Odisha
Features of Kalinga Temples:
Kalinga Temples were built of seven specific types of stone pertaining to different parts
of the temple.
The site selection for temples were based on vastu, along with soil type and ground
water level.
5. Dravidian Architecture
This style of architecture emerged from southern India - mostly temple buildings,
incorporating stepped designs containing statues and intricate carvings depicting
stories. These kovils are composed of three parts - porches, gate pyramids and pillared
halls.
Porches - Mandapams are the shelter areas that lead to the doors of the temple
Gate Pyramids - Gopurams are the most notable features in Dravidian temples, they
form the roofs of the temple entrances.
Pillared Halls - Chaultris or Chawadis are usually built around or lead to the main
sanctuary of the temple.
Brihadeeshwara Temple, Thanjavur
6. Indo-Saracenic Architecture
A fusion of Indo-Islamic Architecture with British Colonial Architecture gives rise to this
unique style of architecture during the British rule in India. Inspired by the Mughal style,
the British began to adopt prominent features from Islamic Architecture in their public
buildings.
Some of these features included:
Onion domes
Minarets
Chattris
Arches
This style was usually adopted in public buildings such as courthouses, clock towers and
other government and municipal buildings.
Examples of Indo-Saracenic Architecture:
Victoria Public Hall, Chennai
Howrah Railway Station, Kolkata
Chepauk Palace, Chennai
Cheapuk Palace, Chennai
7. Mughal Architecture
This style of architecture was brought by the Mughal emperors who came in to rule
India during the 16th century. This style of architecture had a standard set of prominent
features which made the buildings easy to recognize.
Features of these buildings included:
Materials usage - white marble and red sandstone
Jali works - as ornamentation on windows, usually of floral or geometric patterns
Ornamentation - intricate carving, calligraphy, etc.
Gateways leading to the main building, similar to the gopurams in Dravidian temples.
Minarets, Onion bulb domes, Chattris, Arches, etc.
Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh
India has many stupas, including the Dhamek Stupa, Sanchi Stupa, Amaravati
Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, Shanti Stupa, Mahabodhi Stupa, and Dro-dul Chorten
Stupa. Stupas are significant in Buddhism and symbolize the realization of higher
truths.
The stupa (“stupa” is Sanskrit for heap) is an important form of Buddhist
architecture, though it predates Buddhism. It is generally considered to be a
sepulchral monument—a place of burial or a receptacle for religious objects.
