We all live in India but are still unaware of all its architectural history and styles. Did you know the architecture of India is influenced by its history, culture, and religion? The most well-known historical architectural styles and traditions include Hindu temple architecture, Rajput architecture, and Hindoo architecture. Each of them, particularly the Hindu temple architecture, features a diversity of regional styles.
The Indus Valley Civilization's Harappan architecture featured baked brick homes, grid-layout streets, vast drainage systems, water delivery systems, granaries, citadels, and some non-residential buildings. Much of the early Indian architecture was constructed of wood, which has since been eliminated. Hindu temple architecture is divided into two types, Dravidian in the south and Nagara in the north, with further regional variations. Housing styles also differ by location, which is attributed in part to climate variances.
The Delhi Sultanate was India's first significant Islamic empire, resulting in the creation of Indo-Islamic architecture, which combined Indian and Islamic elements. The Mughal Empire's era, during which Mughal architecture grew, is regarded as the best example of Indo-Islamic architecture, with the Taj Mahal as the pinnacle of their greatest contributions. The Rajput and Sikh styles were also influenced by Indo-Islamic architecture.
Throughout India during the British colonial period, European styles such as Neoclassical, Gothic Revival, and Baroque were popular. The Indo-Islamic and European styles fused to create the Indo-Saracenic style. In order to differentiate themselves from colonial culture, Indian architects followed modernist concepts after independence. In the twentieth century, Le Corbusier, who developed the city of Chandigarh, inspired a generation of architects toward modernism. The 1991 economic reforms strengthened India's urban design as the nation grew increasingly linked with the global economy.
Traditional Vastu Shastra is an ancient Hindu architectural design methodology that also incorporates traditional Buddhist teachings. It literally means 'science of habitation' having the goal to establish harmony by removing bad energy and boosting positive energy. It continues to have a significant impact on Indian architecture in the modern period.
The south Indian style of architecture began to develop with the formation of Hindu kingdoms in South India. The Pallava monarchs' most significant achievements were the rock-cut temples of Mahabalipuram and the temples of Kanchipuram. The Chola, Hoyasala, and Vijayanagar emperors all made outstanding works in the art of architecture. The temples of Thanjavur, Belur, and Halebid attest to the South Indian emperors' architectural prowess.
Bibliography:
n.a. "Indian Architecture - Architecture Styles Of India - Architecture In India - Indian Architecture Styles” Culturalindia.net. n.d. Web. 30 Mar, 2022. <https://www.culturalindia.net/indian-architecture/>
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