Indian Architecture

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भारतीय वास्तक

Indian ु ला
Architecture
India
• The name India is derived from Indus, which
originates from the Old Persian word Hindus . The
latter term stems from the Sanskrit word Sindhu,
which was the historical local appellation for
the Indus River. The ancient Greeks referred to
the Indians as Indo, which translates as "the
people of the Indus"
• India has a population of over 1.2 billion . It has
more people than any other country except China.
• It is home to Indus Valley Civilization and a
region of historic trade routes and vast empire.
India
• India is very hot and dry in summer because parts
of the country are almost desert.
• Hindi and English are the two main languages but
there are hundreds of others.
• Most Indians practice Hinduism but many follow
the religion of Islam. Other religions include
Buddhism and Christianity.
• Most Indians are farmers. They live in small
villages and grow rice, wheat, tea, cotton and jute.
Hinduism
Hinduism is one of the world’s greatest religions.
Most Hindus live in Asia, particularly in India. Their
religion has grown over a period of 4000 years.
Hindus believe that God is present in all things.
Only priests can worship the supreme God, Vishnu, the
God of life. The most important holy books of the Hindus
are the Vedas. Hindus believe that certain animal like
cobra and cows are sacred and must not be killed or eaten.
How did Hinduism spread in
India?
Historically, the spread of Hinduism came via the travels
of merchants to other nearby countries for business. The Chettiars
(var. Chettyars), a Tamil banking community, extended their
business to Burma, Malaysia, Mauritius and other parts of South
East Asia. Additionally, strong trading links have existed for
centuries between Western India and East Africa. It was Mahatama
Gandhi, who, upon completing his law degree, left India to
practice in South Africa, and commenced his famous life task
of sathyagraha, non-violent protest after he was told he could not
travel in a first class carriage on a train, and was made to move to
third class.
How did Hinduism affect
Indian Architecture?
One of the most enduring achievements of Indian
civilisation is undoubtedly its architecture, whose roots
derive from the Shilpa Shastra, one of the six Vedangas
Many large temples date back to the period 1000–1300
CE, when architecture flourished throughout India. The
Moghul Emperors (1526–1857) added their own
distinctive style, spending lavishly on forts, mosques and
palaces. For Hindus, the carving of sacred images and
figurines was an art form in itself, requiring years of
disciplined training.
Phases of Indian
Architecture
Indo-Islamic Architecture
The Islamic rule in India saw the introduction of
many new elements in the building style also. This was
very much distinct from the already prevailing building
style adopted in the construction of temples and other
secular architecture. The main elements in the Islamic
architecture is the introduction of arches and beams, and
it is the arcuate style of construction while the traditional
Indian building style is trabeate, using pillars and beams
and lintels.
Indo-Islamic Architecture
The introduction of decorative brackets,
balconies, pendentive decorations in the
architecture is an example in this regard. The other
distinguishing features of Indo-Islamic architecture
are the utilization of kiosks, tall towers and half-
domed double portals. As human worship and its
representation are not allowed in Islam, the
buildings and other edifices are generally decorated
richly in geometrical and arabesque designs.
Indo-Islamic Architecture

These designs were carved on stone in low


relief, cut on plaster, painted or inlaid. The use of
lime as mortar was also a major element distinct
from the traditional building style.
Taj Mahal, India
Qutub
Minar,
India
Colonial Architecture
Like all other aspects, colonization of
Indian also had an impact on architecture
style. With colonization, a new chapter in
Indian architecture began. The Dutch,
Portuguese and the French made their
presence felt through their buildings but it was
the English who had a lasting impact on
architecture.
Calcutta General Post Office
Viceroy’s lodge: built in the new city of British capital, Delhi
Ancient Indian Architecture
Indian architecture is as old as the
history of the civilization. The earliest remains
of recognizable building activity in the India
dates back to the Indus Valley cities. Among
India's ancient architectural remains, the most
characteristic are the temples, Chaityas,
Viharas, Stupas and other religious structures.
Famous Hindu Akshardham temple in South Delhi
Cave Architecture
The cave architecture in India is believed to
have begun in the third century BC. These
caves were used by Buddhist and Jain monks
as places of worship and residence. Initially
the caves were excavated in the western India.
Some examples of this type of cave structure
are Chaityas and Viharas of Buddhists.
Rock-cut Architecture
The Rock-cut structures present the most
spectacular piece of ancient Indian art
specimen. Most of the rock-cut structures were
related to various religious communities. In
the beginning, remarkable Buddhist and Jain
monuments were produced in areas such as
Bihar in the east and Maharashtra in the west.
Temple Architecture
In ancient India, temple architecture of high
standard developed in almost all regions. The
distinct architectural style of temple construction in
different parts was a result of geographical,
climatic, ethnic, racial, historical and linguistic
diversities. Ancient Indian temples are classified in
three broad types. This classification is based on
different architectural styles, employed in the
construction of the temples.
Badrinath Temple, Uttarakhand
Iskcon Temple, Uttar Pradesh
Akshardham Temple, Delhi
Shri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir, Delhi
The Principle of Vastu Shastra
Vastu shastra is an ancient science of architecture
and construction. These are texts found on the Indian
subcontinent that describe principles of design, layout,
measurements, ground preparation, space arrangement
and spatial geometry. Vastu sastras incorporate traditional
Hindu and in some cases Buddhist beliefs. The designs
are intended to integrate architecture with nature, the
relative functions of various parts of the structure, and
ancient beliefs utilizing geometric patterns, symmetry
and directional alignments.
The Principle of Vastu Shastra
Buddhism
India is the land where Buddhism originated. Lord
Buddha was an Indian prince who abandoned all
materialistic pleasures to find the real truth of life. His
teachings today have immense significance. A whole lot
of people wish to know not only about his life but also
about the status of Buddhism in the country of its origin
in past as well as present. Here, through this text, we have
tried to trace for you the development, fall and revival of
Buddhism in India, from the beginning till date.
Buddhism
The basic teachings of the Buddha can be recapitulated in
the Tripitaka – the three collections of: Vinaya-pitaka
(the collection of discipline), Sutra-pitaka (collection of
discourses), and Abhidharma-pitaka (collection of
abhidharma or metaphysics). The main subject matter or
the purpose of these teaching is, respectively, the
development of the three higher trainings of discipline,
concentration and transcendental knowledge, while their
function is to remedy the three poisons of desire, anger
and delusion
Buddhism in India
Buddhism became nearly extinct in India, the
country of its origin, after the 13th century C.E.,
primarily due to continuous destructive activity of
different fundamentalist muslim emperors.
However, it continued to grow and expand in other
countries to the present day. Buddhism is now
reestablished in India by many Theravadin schools
of Hinayana and Tibetan Mahayana-Vajrayana
buddhist schools in the recent years.
Contribution of Buddhism on
Indian Architecture

The most fascinating contribution of Buddhism


to India was in the field of Sculptures and
architectures. Buddhist art and sculpture developed
with the spread of Buddhism. In art and architecture
stone was used from Asoka’s time. Numerous stupas,
chaityas and pillars were constructed.
Contribution of Buddhism on
Indian Architecture
Stupas at Sanchi, Sarnath, Runidei, Bharhut,
Dliauli and Jaugad etc. are some specimen of
Buddhist art and architecture. A large number of
sculptures of Buddha and Bodhisattavas came to be
built according to the Gandhara and Mathura school
of art. The Buddhists set the example of dedicating
cave temples and this practice was followed by the
Hindus and Jainas etc.
Distinguishing
Elements of
Indian
Architecture
Ratha
In Hindu Temple Architecture, a
ratha is a facet of vertical offset
projection on the tower. The rathas are
workshipped and decorated with
geometric figures or statues.
Dharmaraja Ratha
Types of Ratha
Stupa
Stupa
The stupa, an architectural structure usually housing the
cremated remains or possessions of important saintly
figures, is considered to be the structural emblem and the
most important type of monument of Buddhism.
Most stupas have a very distinctive semi-spherical shape,
often surrounded by a fence. As Buddhism was introduced
in different regions, the basic architectural features of
stupas were transformed into a variety of shapes reflecting
the artistic expressions of those cultures.
Types of Stupas

• Relic stupa, in which the relics or remains of the Buddha, his


disciples and lay saints are interred.
• Object stupa, in which the items interred are objects belonged
to the Buddha or his disciples such as a begging bowl or robe, or
important Buddhist scriptures.
• Commemorative stupa, built to commemorate events in the
lives of Buddha or his disciples.
Types of Stupas

• Symbolic stupa, to symbolise aspects of Buddhist theology, for


example, Borobuddur is considered to be the symbol of "the
Three Worlds (dhatu) and the spiritual stages (bhumi) in a
Mahayana bodhisattva's character."
• Votive stupa, constructed to commemorate visits or to gain
spiritual benefits, usually at the site of prominent stupas which
are regularly visited.
Sanchi Stupa

One of the most famous


stupas, The Great Stupa
(Mahastupa) was built
at the birthplace of
Ashoka’s wife, Devi,
daughter of a local
merchant. in the village
of Sanchi located on an
important trade route in
the state of Madya
Pradesh, India
Shanti Stupa

Shanti Stupa is a Buddhist white-domed stupa


on a hilltop in Chanspa, Leh district, Ladakh, in the
north Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. It was
built in 1991 by Japanese Buddhist Bhikshu,
Gyomyo Nakamura and part of the Peace Pagoda
mission.
Origin of Stupas in the Buddhist
Tradition
The Mahaparinirvana Sutra claims that after the Buddha
passed away, his followers divided his cremated remains
into eight portions. Each of the eight kingdoms in which the
Buddha had lived received one portion of the relics, and a
stupa was erected in each kingdom in order to house the
remains. Buddhist sources claim that during the 3rd century
BCE, the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka the Great ordered
these eight stupas to be opened, further distributed the relics
of the Buddha into 84,000 portions, and had stupas built
over them all over the expanding Buddhist world.
Architectural Development of
the Stupa
During early Buddhist times, stupas were
composed of a semi-spherical dome with a
parasol placed on top. The dome covered a
square base with a small receptacle in the centre
containing relics, while a space for
circumambulation was defined around the dome.
This basic format underwent changes as stupas
were introduced in other cultures.
Importance of Stupas

The pilgrimage activity around the stupa had an important


impact on the social history of Buddhism. Merchants, artisans,
and monks alike enjoyed the benefits of the income generated
by the activity resulting from the emblematic stupas. The
religious function of the stupa was still central, but market
activity and social interactions revolving around it were
equally important for the communities where stupas were
present.
Stambhas
Stambhas
• Free -standing pillars rising up to great
heights (about 40 feet) topped with a stone
lion
• Made of bricks, circular or square pillars
• Carried inscriptions regarding Buddhism or
royal edicts of king Ashoka
• Usually erected near a Stupa
Vijay Stambha Ashokan Pillar
Top detail of an
Ashokan Pillar
Vihara
• Monastery -secluded place or dwelling for monks
• Walled quadrangular court with flanked by a row of
small cells and a pillared veranda in front
• Or a hall for congregation with a running veranda on 3
sides. Cells were fitted with rock-cut platforms for beds
and pillows
• Later became centers for learning, universities (ex.
Nalanda)
Types of Viharas

•Wood construction
thatched-bamboo huts
•Stone or brick
•Rock-cut
Rock-cut Vihara, Nasik
Sikhara

Śikhara, a Sanskrit word translating literally to


"mountain peak", refers to the rising tower in
the Hindu temple architecture of North India. Sikhara
over the sanctum sanctorum where the presiding deity
is enshrined is the most prominent and visible part of
a Hindu temple of North India.
Types of Sikharas
• the Dravidian style prevalent in southern India : The
tower/sikhara consists of progressively smaller storeys
of pavilions. The dravidian style is highly ornated
• the Nagara style prevalent almost everywhere else : The
tower/sikhara is beehive/curvilinear shaped.
• the Vesara style, a synthesis of the two others, seen
mostly in Karnataka and most commonly in Hoysala and
later Chalukya temples.
Sikhara of Adinath Jain Nagara sikhara of Rameshwar
Temple,Khajuraho, India. Temple in Bhubaneswar
Dravidian Sikhara of Murudeshwara Temple
Vesara style of Keshava Temple, Somanathapura.
Towers are in 16 pointed star plan.
Mandapa

In Hindu temples, the mandapa is a porch like


structure through the ornate gateway and leading to
the temple. It is used for religious dancing and
music and part of the basic temple compound.
Amritheswara temple in Amrithapura,
Chikkamagaluru district, Karnataka state,
India
Chaitya
Chaitya grihas or halls of worship were
built all over the country either of brick or
excavated from rocks. Ruins of a large number
of structural Buddhist chaity grihas are found
in the eastern districts of Andhra Pradesh, in
valleys, near rivers and lakes.
Bhaja, Rock-cut Chaitya Hall
Karle, Chaitya Hall
The most perfect of this group of chaitya grihas is
cave 19. Excavated at the end of the 5th century AD
it is similar to the other chaityas in its plan and
ribbed vaulted ceiling except for its single doorway
and elaborate ornamentation. It has a pillared portico
in front leading into a courtyard with the walls on
either side heavily sculptured with figures. The
interior pillars are well decorated with cushion
shaped capitals. The corbel brackets are richly
sculptured.
The drum of the
central stupa is elongated
and carved. Projecting
from the drum is an arched
nasika or niche with the
figure of a standing
Buddha carved in it. The
rounded dome of the stupa
~ is surmounted by a
harmika and three tiers of
chhatras, diminishing in
size and supported by
figures on four sides.
On top of the chhatras and
touching the ceiling is another
small stupa with a miniature
harmika. The facade of the cave
is exquisitely carved. The
chaitya-window has figures of
yakshas and richly carved,
friezes on either side. Two
figures of standing Buddha
flank the entrance. The walls of
the hall and the ceiling of the
aisles is richly painted with
figures of Buddha, floral
motifs, animals and birds.
Temple of Tanjore
The Peruvudaiyar Kovil is a Hindu temple dedicated
to Shiva that is located in the city of Thanjavur in the Indian
state of Tamil Nadu. It is an important example
of Tamil architecture achieved during the Chola dynasty. It is
also known as Periya Kovil, Brihadeshwara
Temple, RajaRajeswara Temple and Rajarajeswaram, It is one
of the largest temples in India and one of India's most prized
architectural sites. Built by emperor Raja Raja Chola and
completed in 1010 AD, Peruvudaiyaar Temple, also popularly
known as the 'Big Temple', turned 1000 years old in 2010. The
temple is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as
the "Great Living Chola Temples".
Temple of Tanjore
Bas Relief
Relief, or relievo rilievo, is a sculptural
technique. The term relief is from the Latin
verb relevo, to raise. To create a sculpture in relief
is to give the impression that the sculpted material
has been raised above the background plane. What
is actually performed when a relief is cut in from a
flat surface of stone (relief sculpture) or wood
(relief carving) is a lowering of the field, leaving
the unsculpted parts seemingly raised.
Indian Bas Relief
Indian Latticework or Jali
Lattice work is a wood, stone or metal
framework consisting of criss-crossing patterns of
strips. Prominent in Asia, they were mostly
ornamental but also used as a window, room divider
or door screen to let cool air into a room but no
direct sunlight. When sun came through the lattice
work, the patterns would reflect in the shadows,
revealing gorgeous designs.
Indian Latticework or Jali

In India, lattice work (or jali) was a common


feature especially in the homes of the wealthy and
noble. While Islamic and Japanese lattice work
were typically geometric, Indian and Asian versions
had religious motifs that included gods, animals and
nature.
Indian Arches
Before the true arch was introduced by the
Mughals, the arches in Indian buildings were trabeated or
corbelled. In North India in the state of Orissa, "the later
temples at Bhubaneswar were built on the principle of
corbelled vaulting, which is seen first in the porch of the
Mukteswar [a temple said to epitomize N. Indian
architecture, circa 950 AD] and, technically speaking, no
fundamental change occurred from this time
onwards."[3] The tomb of Sultan Ghori is an example of a
corbelled arch from 1231 AD, located in New Delhi,
India.
Indian Arches

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