AR152 – HOA 3

ARCH. CERVANTES
Indian Subcontinent
Introduction:
• The architecture of India includes present day India,
Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
• These countries later on got separated by political
boundaries but, still share a common cultural heritage.
• The diversity of Indian culture is represented in its
architecture.
• Indian architecture comprises a blend of ancient and
varied native traditions, with building types, forms and
technologies from west, central Asia, and Europe.
Indian Subcontinent
Introduction:
• Indian architecture has influenced the surrounding regions of
the world, especially eastern Asia, due to the spread of ideas
with Buddhism.
• A number of Indian architectural features such as the stupa
(temple mound), sikhara (temple spire), pagoda (temple
tower), torana (and temple gate), have become famous
symbols of HinduBuddhist culture, used extensively in East
Asia and South-East Asia.
• Early Indian architecture is the story of how powerful and
popular religions celebrated their beliefs through
monumental design.
Indian Subcontinent
Geography:
Indian Subcontinent
Topography:
Indian Subcontinent
India:
• Bounded by China, Nepal,
& Bhutan (north,
northeast)
• Pakistan (northwest)
• Arabian Sea (west)
• Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka
(south)
• Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh,
and Myanmar (east,
southeast)
Indian Subcontinent
Formation and Development:
• Geographical condition:
– The rivers Indus and Ganges
– The Himalayas
– The Everest mountain
– Surrounded by seas and Indian ocean
– Many cities were founded on the banks
of rivers
Indian Subcontinent
Formation and Development:
• Geological condition:
– Timber was available in plenty in Indus
and Ganges valleys
– Stone was rare
– In some part of India white marble is
available
– In some parts of India rock-cut temples
were also available
Indian Subcontinent
Formation and Development:
• Climatic condition:
– More than half the country lies in
Tropic Cancer
– The climate therefore varies widely
• Wet in winter and dry in summer
• Buildings built to adapt the climate
– In north flat roofs were common, but
steep pitched roofs were used in West
coast due to heavy rain
Indian Subcontinent
Formation and Development:
• Religious condition:
– Hinduism
– Buddhism
– Jainism
– Sikh
– Islam
– Christianity
Indian Subcontinent
Formation and Development:
• Religious condition:
– Hinduism
• Said to be the oldest religion in the world.
• Indian Dharma “Way of Life”
• Scholars regards this religion as a fusion or synthesis of
various Indian culture and traditions, with diverse roots and
no founder.
Indian Subcontinent
Caste System
• Process of placing people
in occupational groups.
• It dictates the type of
occupation a person can
pursue and the social
interaction they can have.
• Only Hindu practices this
system
• Matahma Ghandi made
the lower caste as
“HARIJIAN” – Children of
GOD.
Indian Subcontinent
Formation and Development:
• Religious condition:
– Buddhism
• Siddharta (Gautama), the first Buddha “Awakened One”
• 4th world largest religion, Buddhist
• 2 Types: Mahayana & Theravada (from the original teachings)
• Core belief – Afterlife (not everything ends with death)
• Four Noble Truths:
– Unsatisfactoriness and suffering exist and are universally experienced.
– Desire and attachment are causes of unsatisfactoriness and sufferings.
– There is an end to unsatisfactoriness and suffering.
– The end can be attained by journeying on the Noble Eightfold Path.
Indian Subcontinent
Formation and Development:
• Religious condition:
– Jainism
• Through a succession of 24 victorious saviours
and teachings known as Tirthankaras.
• Main religious premises:
– AHIMSA (Non-Violence)
– ANEKANTAVADA (Many-sidednes)
– APARIGHANA (Non-Attachment)
– ASCETICISM (Ascetic life may include nakedness
symbolizing non-possession of even clothes)
Indian Subcontinent
Formation and Development:
• Religious condition:
– Sikh
• Originated in the Punjab region of South Asia during the 15th
century.
• The fundamental beliefs of Sikhism, articulated in the sacred
scripture Guru Granth Sahib, includes:
– faith and meditation on the name of the one creator,
– unity and equality of all humankind,
– engaging in selfless service,
– striving for social justice for the benefit and prosperity of all,
– and honest conduct and livelihood while living a householder's life.
• It is also the fifth largest religion in the world
Indian Subcontinent
Indus Valley Civilization

• The earliest known civilization in the Indo-Pak region of

South Asia.
• The Indus valley civilization is dated around 3000 B.C.
• Comprises many urban settlements, including the large
cities of Harappa and Mohenjo Daro
• Characterized by a variety of house types, many of which
had private baths connected to public drainage systems.
Indian Subcontinent
ART
ART

Painting Carving
Type title here Significant carvings are:

Characteristics are: 1]7 chariots of Mahabalipuram, at Tamil Nadu

Natural and basic colours are used.
Eg. Ajanta, Vellure, Rajasthani.

2] Konark temple
Indian Subcontinent
ART “The man who knows nothing of music,
literature, or art is no better than a beast.”
•Hindus think highly of art
•Art = the key to salvation of the ultimate release sought
by all good Hindus
•Art is a unity of many forms and artistic experiences
very holistic
Indian Subcontinent
ART = YOGA
•Indian art in its purest form
•A disciplined style of self-restraint
and worship
•India’s oldest indigenous “science”
•spiritual exercise leading to the
beatific vision
Indian Subcontinent
ART
BHAKTI
• the moving spirit of all
great religious art
• keeps Indian art alive
• Indians believe lack of
it Bhakti is what makes
modern Western art so
lifeless
Indian Subcontinent
PROMINENT FIGURES IN HINDU ART
Ganesha
• the Lord of success and
destroyer of evils and
obstacles
• worshipped as the god of
education, knowledge,
wisdom and wealth
• one of the five prime Hindu
deities
Indian Subcontinent
PROMINENT FIGURES IN HINDU ART
Shiva
• The “Great God” of yogic
practice
• Visually represented as
“King of Dance”
• most remarkable single
symbol of divine powers
Indian Subcontinent
PROMINENT FIGURES IN HINDU ART
•Even in earliest art, lotus is
fashioned as a seat or as a
pedestal on which divine or
The Lotus sacred beings rest in a sitting or
standing posture
•Symbol of divinity of major
Hindu gods
Brahma on the lotus
flower which sprang
from Vishnu’s naval
Indian Subcontinent
PROMINENT FIGURES IN HINDU ART
Snakes
• important images in
Hindu art
• Sacred to Hindus
• seen as protectors and
often featured in Hindu
art as wrapped around a
God
Indian Subcontinent
PROMINENT FIGURES IN HINDU ART
Cows
• In Hinduism, cows are thought to
be sacred, or deeply respected.
• Hindus do not worship cows, although
they are held in high esteem.
• This represents the main teaching of
Hinduism, which is do no harm to an
animal (ahimsa). Cows also represents
butter (ghee) and strength.
Indian Subcontinent
Indian Subcontinent
Indus Valley Civilization
• The arch, a cornerstone of world architecture, was first
developed by the Indus valley civilization, and would later
be a staple of Indian architecture.
• The earliest production in the Indus Valley Civilization was
characterized by well planned cities and houses where
religion did not seem to play an active role.
• The presence of drainage systems and public baths
showed advanced standards of hygiene and sanitation
and ingenious planning.
Indian Subcontinent
Elements of Indian Architecture
• SIKHARAS
– These are the peaks of the
towers rising from the
core of Hindu temples
– These towers are always
extravagantly decorated
– They vary in shape
throughout the country
Indian Subcontinent
Elements of Indian Architecture
• STUPA
– Sanskrit: “heaps”
– The stupa is a shrine that represents the sacred Mount
Meru, as well as providing a sanctuary for relics of the
Buddha.
– They have four ceremonial gates to the shrine
– It was mostly a Buddhist art, though Jains also seemed
to have built stupas.
Indian Subcontinent
Elements of Indian Architecture
• Types of STUPA
– Built for a variety of reasons, Buddhist stupas are classified based
on form and function into five types:
• 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.
• Symbolic stupa, to symbolise aspects of Buddhist theology; for example,
Borobudur 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.
Indian Subcontinent
Elements of Indian Architecture
• Parts of Stupa
Indian Subcontinent
Elements of Indian Architecture
• Symbolism of a STUPA
– Five purified elements
• The square base represents earth
• The hemispherical dome/vase represents water
• The conical spire represents fire
• The upper lotus parasol and the crescent moon represent air
• The sun and the dissolving point represent the element of
space
Indian Subcontinent
Elements of Indian Architecture
• Most notable & oldest,
Sanchi Stupa, late 4th
Century BC.
• The tallest is
the Jetavanaramaya Stupa
located in the ancient city
of Anuradhapura ,Sri
Lanka with a height of
400ft
Indian Subcontinent
Elements of Indian Architecture
• SYMBOLIC LAYERS
– The towers of Hindu temples tell
stories as they rise skywards
– Each has its own distinctive
“handwriting” and depicts the
concerns of local cults as well as
universal themes.
Indian Subcontinent
Elements of Indian Architecture
• SYMBOLIC
LAYERS
Indian Subcontinent
Elements of Indian Architecture
• ANIMAL STATUARY
– To Hindus, all life is sacred and
deserving of representation.
– Most of the temples show fine
sculptures and carvings of
animals
Indian Subcontinent
Elements of Indian Architecture
• FIGURATIVE
DECORATIONS
– For Hindus, the carving of
sacred images and
figurines was an art form
in itself, requiring years
of disciplined training.
– Mostly seen in
GOPURAM, an Indian
Temple gateway
Indian Subcontinent
Elements of Indian Architecture
• CAVE TEMPLES
– Considered
sacred as it is
bonded with the
nature / natural
setting.
– Took advantage
of the
Geological
setting.
Indian Subcontinent
Buddhism and Jainism Architecture
• Buddhism gained prominence during the reign of the
emperor Ashoka around the 3rd Century B.C..
• It is primarily represented by three important building
types-
– the Chaitya Hall (place of worship)
– the Vihara (monastery) and
– the Stupa (hemispherical mound for worship/ memory)
Indian Subcontinent
Buddhism and Jainism Architecture
• The Greek influence led the Indian architecture of the
time, especially the rock-cut art, to fall under one of the
two categories: the Mathura school of art and the
Gandharva school of art
• The division of Buddhism into Hinayana and Mahayana
phases also influenced the nature of rock-cut art, the
former being represented by artifacts used by the
Buddha, and the latter by images of the Buddha.
Indian Subcontinent
Jainism Architecture

• One of the famous Jain architectures is the Delwara

temple situated on mount Abu, Rajasthan.
• The temple dates back to 11th and 12th century A.D.
• Delwara temples are a composite cluster of 5 temples.
Indian Subcontinent
Buddhism Architecture
• Most significant Buddhist
architecture, is the “Sanchi
stupa”, located in Madhya
Pradesh, Sanchi.
• The monument dates back
to 3rd century BC to 12th
century AD.
• This was originally built by
Mauryan Emperor, Ashoka.
Indian Subcontinent
Hindu Architecture
• HINDU TEMPLES
– The reference to temples in literature go back early
to(520 BC - 460 BC)
– Early temples were rock-cut, later structural
temples evolved.
– The temple is a representation of the macrocosm
(the universe) as well as the microcosm (the inner
space).
Indian Subcontinent
Hindu Architecture
• HINDU TEMPLES
– Indian temple architecture has often been called
sculpture on a mass scale rather than true architecture.
– They are designed as sculpture and are best
experienced and understood from the outside.
– Interiors are very small and dark spaces which are not
as impressive as the exterior
Indian Subcontinent
Hindu Architecture
• HINDU TEMPLES
– A basic Hindu temple consists of
an inner sanctum, the garba griha
or womb-chamber, in which the
image is housed, a congregation
hall, and possibly an antechamber
(entrance hall) and porch.
– The sanctum is crowned by a
tower-like shikara
Indian Subcontinent
Hindu Architecture
• HINDU TEMPLES
– The structural system of temples was
essentially post and beam and with
massive blocks of stone being the basic raw
material for the local craftsman
– Decoration was fundamental to this type of
architecture
Indian Subcontinent
Hindu Architecture
• HINDU TEMPLES
– There were three major styles of temple architecture:
• the Northern or Nagara style, (most common)
• the Southern or Dravida and (most common)
• the Vesara or hybrid style
– They are distinguishable by the shape and decoration
of their shikharas or superstructures.
Indian Subcontinent
Hindu Architecture
• NORTHERN HINDU TEMPLES (Nagara)
Nagara)
– The Nagara style which developed
around the fifth century is
characterized by a beehive shaped
tower called a shikhara
– The plan is based on a square but
the walls are sometimes so broken
up that the tower often gives the
impression of being circular.
Indian Subcontinent
Hindu Architecture
• NORTHERN HINDU TEMPLES (Styles)
• Nagara style
• From Himalayas to the Deccan
• Shikhara – beehive shaped
– Capotas and gavakas
– amalaka
• Shrine is square at center
• Bell-shaped structure on main shrine
Indian Subcontinent
Hindu Architecture Jagannath
Temple

Lingaraja Temple Rajarani

Temple
Indian Subcontinent
Hindu Architecture
• SOUTHERN HINDU TEMPLES (Dravidan)
Dravidan)
– From the seventh century the Dravidian or southern
style has a pyramid shaped tower consisting of
progressively smaller storeys of small pavilions, a
narrow throat, and a dome on the top.
– The repeated storeys give a horizontal visual thrust to
the southern style.
Indian Subcontinent
Hindu Architecture
• SOUTHERN HINDU TEMPLES (Styles)
• Dravidian Style
• Shikhara – pyramid shaped
• Have different: ground plan; position of stone
deities; decorative elements
• Walls around whole building
• Different types: Pallava, Chola, Pandya, Vijayanagar,
Nayak
Indian Subcontinent
Hindu Architecture
Indian Subcontinent
Hindu Architecture
• SOUTHERN HINDU TEMPLES (Styles)
• Gopuram
– A monumental gatehouse tower, usually
ornate, at the entrance of a Dravidian
temple.
– usually a tapering oblong in form with
ground-level wooden doors, often richly
decorated, providing access to the main
temple.
– Tallest is at 20 storey with lift which is in
Murdeshwar Temple.
Indian Subcontinent Chola - Brihdiswara
Hindu Architecture Temple

Pallava – Shore
Temple

Nayak –
Rameswaram
Pandya - Chidambaram Temple
Indian Subcontinent
Sikh Architecture
• A style of architecture that is characterized with values of
progressiveness, exquisite intricacy, austere beauty and
logical flowing lines.
• Although Sikh architecture was initially developed within
Sikhism its style has been used in many nonreligious
buildings due to its beauty.
• 300 years ago, Sikh architecture was distinguished for its
many curves and straight lines; Shri Keshgarh Sahib and
the Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) are prime
examples.
Indian Subcontinent
Sikh Architecture
Indian Subcontinent
Sikh Architecture
Indian Subcontinent
Islamic Architecture
• Influence of Islam and the Mughal Architecture
– With the arrival of Islam, the previous Indian architecture
was slightly adapted to allow the traditions of the new
religion, but it remained strongly Indian at its heart and
character.
– Arches and domes began to be used and the mosque or
masjid too began to form part of the landscape, adding to
a new experience in form and space.
Indian Subcontinent
Islamic Architecture
Indian Subcontinent
Islamic Architecture
• Influence of Islam and the Mughal Architecture
– The fundamental difference lay in the fact that Islam
prohibited idol worship and therefore a concentrated point
of focus such as the garbagriha was unnecessary.
– The most famous Islamic buildings in India emerged during
the Mughal period.
Indian Subcontinent
Islamic Architecture
• The first Islamic
architecture in
India is the Qutub
complex, built by
Qutubud-din Aibak,
in 1192AD.
Indian Subcontinent
Islamic Architecture

• Taj Mahal
Mahal,, by Shah Jahan
Jahan.
Indian Subcontinent
Islamic Architecture
• TAJ MAHAL
– It was erected by Shah Jahan to the
memory of his beloved queen, Arjumand
Banu Begum, called Mumtaz Mahal
– A year after her death in 1631 he began
the Taj & it took twenty -two years to
complete with over 20,000 workers
participating.
– The Taj Mahal stands in a walled
enclosure measuring around 580x305m.
Indian Subcontinent
Islamic Architecture

• TAJ MAHAL
– Its beauty lies in its calm solemnity, and the marble’s subtle
colors as it reflects the changing sky above.
– The dome was derived from both Hindu temple design and
Persian Timur architecture.
Indian Subcontinent
Christian Architecture
• After Hindus and Muslims, Christians constitute the third largest
community in India.
• Since India was under the rule of British for over 200 years, we can
easily see the influence of the British in India.
Indian Subcontinent
British Colonial
– Britain’s presence in India lasted for over 3 Centuries
and their legacy still remains until this date.
– French, Dutch, and Portuguese
– Different Architectural Styles
• Indo – Sarasenic Revival Style
• Art Deco
Indian Subcontinent
British Colonial
– INDO SARASENIC REVIVAL
• Indo Gothic, Hindu-Gothic, Neo-Mughal, Mughal-Gothic
• A magnificent mix of spires, cusped arches, onion domes,
vaulted roofs, dome-shaped pavilions, pinnacles, minarets,
intricate tracery, pillars and overhanging eaves,
• An architectural style developed by British architects
in British India in the late 19th century. Structures
observing the principles of the movement are found in
present-day India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Malaysia and even
in England.
Indian Subcontinent
British Colonial
– INDO SARASENIC REVIVAL
• This confluence of East and West was medieval Indian
Islamic (Mughal) and some Hindu architecture meeting
the Gothic Revival and Neoclassical styles of
construction
• It was manifested in government buildings, law courts,
railway stations, post offices, palaces for local royals,
churches, schools, colleges, town halls and museums
throughout the Indian subcontinent.
Indian Subcontinent
British Colonial
– INDO SARASENIC REVIVAL
• The pivotal players of the movement were:
– Edwin Lutyens,
– Herbert Baker, •Frederick W. Stevens,
– Henry Irwin, •Robert Chisholm,
– Charles Mant, •William Emerson
•George Wittet
Indian Subcontinent
British Colonial
– INDO
SARASENIC
REVIVAL
Indian Subcontinent
British Colonial
– INDO SARASENIC REVIVAL
• Gateway of India, Mumbai (Bombay)
– To commemorate the landing of King George V & Queen Mary
– Arch made of yellow basalt & dissoluble concrete
– 26m high, central dome is about 48 feet diameter
– Designed by George Wittet,
– Combination of Hindu and Muslim Architectural Styles
– (Arch: Muslim, Decorations: Hindu)
– Features: intricate latticework and 4 turrets
Indian Subcontinent
British Colonial
– INDO SARASENIC REVIVAL
Indian Subcontinent
British Colonial
– INDO SARASENIC REVIVAL
• Taj Mahal Palace Hotel
– Mumbai, India
– “Heritage Grand” – 5 star class
– Indian Architects Sitaram Khanderao Vaidya and D.N.
Mirza
– Originally caters to mainly Europeans & the Maharajas
– First hotel in India to have electricity
Indian Subcontinent
British Colonial
– INDO SARASENIC
REVIVAL
Indian Subcontinent
British Colonial
– INDO SARASENIC REVIVAL
• Mysore Palace (Ambavilas
(Ambavilas Palace)
– Royal Residence in Karnakarta state of India
– Mysore is also known as “City of Palaces”
– Primarily Indo-Sarasenic style with Hindu, Mughal,
Rajput, and Gothic.
– this palace complex houses 12 Hindu temples.
– The entrance gate and arch holds the emblem & coat of
the Kingdom of Mysore (never terrified)
Indian Subcontinent
British Colonial
– INDO SARASENIC REVIVAL
Indian Subcontinent
British Colonial
– INDO SARASENIC REVIVAL
Indian Subcontinent
Modern India
Indian Subcontinent
Modern India
– CHANDIGARH CAPITOL COMPLEX
• Government compound designed by Le Corbusier
• UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Comprises of three buildings (Palace of Assembly,
Secretariat and High Court) as well as three monuments
(Open Hand, Geometric Hill and Tower of Shadows)
Indian Subcontinent
Modern India
Indian Subcontinent
Modern India
Indian Subcontinent
Modern India
– LOTUS INDIA Bahá'í House of Worship
• New Delhi, India
• Notable for flowerlike shape, architectural elements that
are specified from the Baha’I Scripture.
• Composed of 27 free-standing marble-clad petals
• Nine doors that opens to a central hall
• Iranian Architect Fariborz Sahba
• Won numerous architectural awards
Indian Subcontinent
Modern India
Indian Subcontinent
Modern India
Indian Subcontinent
Modern India
– AKSHARDHAM or SWAMINARAYAN AKSHARDAN
COMPLEX
• the complex displays millennia of traditional Hindu and Indian
culture, spirituality, and architecture.
• According to Swaminarayan Hinduism, the
word Akshardham means the abode of almighty Lord
Swaminarayan and believed by followers as a temporal home
of God on earth/
• Listed as the World Largest Comprehensive Hindu Temple on
Guinness world record though some people speculates.
Indian Subcontinent
Modern India
Indian Subcontinent
Pakistan Architecture
Indian Subcontinent
Pakistan Architecture
Janam Asthan Nankana Sahib
• Nankana Sahib is named after Guru Nanak (1469-
1539), the founder of the Sikh Faith.
• Nankana town is part of Nankana Sahib District in the
Punjab province, adjacent to Sheikhupura district. The
specialty of this shrine is that within its walls are
numerous other shrines commemorating other
aspects of the Nanak’s life.
Indian Subcontinent
Pakistan Architecture
Lahore Fort
Indian Subcontinent
Pakistan Architecture
Lahore Fort
• Lahore Fort is located at an eminence in the northwest
corner of the Walled City.
• The citadel is spread over approximately 50 acres and is
trapezoidal in form.
• Although the origin of this fort goes deep into antiquity,
the present fortifications were begun by Mughal Emperor
Jalaluddin Muhammad Akbar.
• There is evidence that a mud fort was in existence here in
1021, when Mahmud of Ghazni invaded this area.
Indian Subcontinent
Pakistan Architecture
Lahore Fort
Indian Subcontinent
Pakistan Architecture
Faisal Mosque
Indian Subcontinent
Pakistan Architecture
Faisal Mosque
• The Faisal Mosque in Islamabad is
the largest mosque in Pakistan and
South Asia.
• Turkish architect Vedat Dalokey
• (won Aga Khan Award for Architecture)
• Modern and unique, traditional
domes and arches are missing.
• Concept: Arab Bedouin’s tent and
the cubic Kaaba in Mecca
• Features 4 minarets
 Assignment
• Due: February 01, 2018
• Draw Taktsang Palphug Monastery, Bhutan
• Group Report: Changu Narayan - Bagmati, Nepal
• Manual coloured – any media
• Landscape
• Short Bond (Board or any thick paper)
• To be compiled at the end of the term