ARCHITECTURE IN INDIA

OBJECTIVES
ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER
01 System of construction and measurement and
the features of Indian Architecture

02 GEOGRAPHICAL AND
GEOLOGICAL INFLUENCES

03 CLIMATIC AND
RELIGIOUS INFLUENCES

04 HISTORICAL AND SOCIAL AND

POLICAL INFLUENCES
“ Wo r l d ’s L a r g e s t
Democracy ” “J e w e l o f t h e C ro w n ”

“Land of the Hindus” “Land of Prayers”

Indus River
ARCHITECTURAL
CHARACTER
Obscured and Overwhelmed
“rhythmical multiplication” of pilasters, cornices, moldings, roof, finials and exuberant
overgrowth of sculptural decorations
RATHS
A RC H I T E C T U R A L F E AT U R E
Rock-cut Temples
The amygdaloidal trap formation and the Buddhist chaltyas carved in the horizontal strata of the
living rock where it rises sheer from the ground in perpendicular cliffs
Cave Temples at Ajanta
PLAN
A RC H I T E C T U R A L F E AT U R E
Vastu Shastra
It is an ancient doctrine which consists of percepts born out of traditional view on how the laws
of nature affect human dwellings. In accordance with the position occupied by the gods in the
mandala, guidelines are given for zoning and distribution of rooms in a building
WALLS
A RC H I T E C T U R A L F E AT U R E
Tessalations
Intricate patterns and elaborate detailing
DOORS
A RC H I T E C T U R A L F E AT U R E
Door styles
Decorated doors
Domestic Architecture
Wooden doors.
Chaitya-decorated doors
are also described in the reliefs of Sanchi
Types of arches
Featured in door and openings designs
OPENINGS
A RC H I T E C T U R A L F E AT U R E
Fenestrations
ROOF
A RC H I T E C T U R A L F E AT U R E
South India Vernacular Architecture
Most suitable and commonly seen in India
South Indian Vernacular
Architecture
Karnataka and Kerala
Granite, earth, and bamboo.
Thatch/grass is one of the earliest found materials
used to cover shelters.
South Indian Vernacular
Architecture
Madras Flat Terraces
more structured roofs made with burnt brick,
wooden rafters, and lime plaster
South Indian Vernacular
Architecture
Potter’s tiles
ome of the oldest materials used in roofs. From Greece to
India, most civilisations have used this method of moulding
clay on a wheel and firing it to make roofs.

Potters made tiles by hand as they had a good understanding

of the soil in specific regions.

Sural Mud Palace

South Indian Vernacular
Architecture
Types of Roofing Systems
ome of the oldest materials used in roofs. From Greece to
India, most civilisations have used this method of moulding
clay on a wheel and firing it to make roofs.

Potters made tiles by hand as they had a good understanding

of the soil in specific regions.
CAPITAL
A RC H I T E C T U R A L F E AT U R E
Indo-Corinthian Capitals
capitals crowning columns or pilasters, which can be found in the northwestern Indian
subcontinent, and usually combine Hellenistic and Indian elements. These capitals are typically
dated to the first centuries of the Common Era, and constitute an important aspect of Greco-
Buddhist art.
FINISHES
A RC H I T E C T U R A L F E AT U R E
Ornamentation
Form works: Calligraphy, Pietra Dura, Jali work, Relief work
Finishes and Ornamentation
Buddhist Art
stupas, monolithic pillars, chambers, and shrines

The interior of the Ajanta Caves Torana at the Sanchi Stupa

Finishes and Ornamentation
Floral and Geometric patterns
Along with Hinduism and Buddhism, Jainism was an integral
part of South Asian religious belief and practice.

Dhamek Stupa Ranakpur Jain Temple, Rajasthan

Finishes and Ornamentation
Chola sculptures
prominently those at Badami and Pattakadal, exhibit opulent
human figures and various animal motifs, which are visible
throughout South Indian temple art today.

Thanjavur’s Brihadeeswara Temple

Finishes and Ornamentation
Relief Panels
Mughal monuments are known for their distinct architectural
ornamentation and depict the beliefs, values, ideals, and
interests of the era.

Hazara Rama temple

Airavatesvara Temple
Taj Mahal Ornamentation
G I Italy is divided into three centers Indus and
E N of development: Ganges Rivers
Provided trade routes to
O F important cities in the
areas.
G L Ganges River
R U Holy place for cleansing
the ashes of their dead
A E
New Delhi
P N Capital of India

H C
The ‘Rome’ of India

I E Indus Valley-
C Harrapan
Culture
A Harappa (Pakistan) and

L
Rajasthan ties.
GEOLOGICAL
INFLUENCE
Main Building
Materials
Timber, white marble from
Rajasthan, fine red and
cream sandstone from Agra,
granite from Deccan,
volcanic potstone from
Halebid
C L I M AT I C I N F LU E N C E
Climates varied widely

East
Generally warm and humid
but not excessively hot.

North
Temperature rises high in the
summer and relatively drops
during the winter solstice
RELIGIOUS INFLUENCE
Buddhism
Founded by Siddharta Gautama Buddha in 600 BC

It means ‘Enlightenment’. This

young prince of 29 left his
palace and traveled as a
beggar in search for the
‘truth’.

He found truth and salvation

under the Bo tree.
RELIGIOUS INFLUENCE
Four teaching of Buddhism
1. Life is full of sacrifices
2. Sufferings of people are caused by
selfish motives
3. People will end his sufferings by mean
of controlling his selfish desire
4. After avoiding the suffering, the
people will reach the state of
Nirvana, perfect happiness.
1. Right belief
2. Right aspiration
3. Right speech
4. Right conduct
5. Right livelihood
6. Right effort
7. Right remembrance
8. Right meditation

The eight-fold path

RELIGIOUS INFLUENCE
Mahayana Hinayana
Greater vehicle Lesser vehicle

Involves priests. By first Involves personal and direct

century AD, it had reached worship. It remained in Nepal
Tibet, China, Korea, Japan, and Ceylon where buildings
and South east Asia became concentrated in
monasteries and shrines.
RELIGIOUS INFLUENCE
Buddhist prayer wheels
Rows of colorful prayer wheels line the
outer walls of a Buddhist temple. Here we
have one from Gantok, India.
RELIGIOUS INFLUENCE
Jainiism
Founded by Mahavira

The goal is salvation through successive rebirths.

Mahavira along with 24 other saints were
worshiped.

It’s followers believed in reincarnation but do

Ranakpu Jain Temple
not worship a deity or divine beings. The Jain sect
is relatively wealthy and can afford large temples.
RELIGIOUS INFLUENCE
Hinduism or Brahmanism
Dominant religion in India

It evolves from a combination of the faiths of the

indigenous Dravidians and Aryan invaders.

Gods of Hinduism:
Vishnu the preserver
Siva the destroyer
Brahma the soul and creator of the universe; the
prime being of the trinity Kandariya Mahadeva Temple

Brahman - priesthood
RELIGIOUS INFLUENCE
Sikhism
By Nanak Dev

The Gurmut, “The wisdom of the Guru”

It embodies the qualities of a saint-soldier. It

believed in one god and in engaging in social
reform through the pursuit of justice for all
human beings.

Faith in Waheguru, one god.

Golden Temple
HISTORICAL AND
SOCIAL INFLUENCE
Indigenous People

Dravidian – indigenous people of India with dark

skin. They belong to the lower level of society

Aryans – invaders from the Indus Valley. These

Hindus of the ancient India invented the zero
caste system.
HISTORICAL AND
SOCIAL INFLUENCE
Empires in India
Persia and Greeks
Darius I of Persia
Aramiko writing
Purdah
Zoroastrianism

Alexander the Great of Macedonia

opened India to the European trade
prepared Indian unity
HISTORICAL AND
SOCIAL INFLUENCE
Empires in India
Maurya Empire
Founded by Chandragupta Maurya in 322-232 BC

Asoka
Buddhism
Built hospitals, inns and homestead
HISTORICAL AND
SOCIAL INFLUENCE
Empires in India
Gupta Empire
Founded by Chandragupta I, rajah of Magadha

as the Golden Age of India, marked by extensive

inventions and discoveries in science, technology,
engineering, art, dialectic, literature, logic,
mathematics, astronomy, religion, and
philosophy.
HISTORICAL AND
SOCIAL INFLUENCE
Empires in India
Mogul Empire
Brought from Persian Gulf in 711 AD

Akbhar the Great – founder of the Mogul Empire,

grandson of Babur

Shah Jahan – grandchild of Akhbar, he is known fo

his architectural works. He built the Taj Mahal in
Agra for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
HISTORICAL AND
SOCIAL INFLUENCE
Empires in India
British Empire
First European were Portuguese, Vasco de Gama
- British East India Company
- Stopped Purdah, Caste system, suttee
- Unity of India
- Modernization of transportation and
communication
- Printing press, newspaper, agriculture and
water, sanitation and medicine.
- Westernized education
- August 15, 1947; independence of India and
separation from Pakistan
HISTORICAL AND
SOCIAL INFLUENCE
Empires in India
Nationalism
1947 - present
PERSONALITIES
IN INDIA
Two important personalities in India
Mohanda Karamchad Gandhi & Jawaharlal Nehru
MOHANDA KARAMCHAD
GANDHI
Indian Nationalist Leader

He spent his life campaigning for human rights in

India.

“The Father of Free Indians”

“Mahatma” = holy soul “Gandhi”

“Mission of Peace”
Caste system
Purdah
suttee
JAWAHARLAL
NEHRU
Indian Nationalist Leader

He fought for Indian Independence from British

rule in the late 1910s

He became the first and longest prime minister of

India and a friend of Mahatma Gandhi
ARCHITECTURAL
EXAMPLES
Styles in Different Period
Buddhis Architecture, Jain Architecture, Hindu Architecture, & Secular Architecture
BUDDHIST
ARCHITECTURE
Characteristic
Decorative detail used for emphasizing structures
and most of the structures are designed in
congregational use.

Stambha or Lath
is a pillar or column found in India. In the context
of Hindu mythology, it is believed to be a cosmic
column that functions as a bond, joining heaven
(Svarga) and earth (Prithvi)

Kirti Stambha
BUDDHIST
ARCHITECTURE Great Stupa, Sanchi
Characteristic
Stupa or Topes
Sacred mounds contraining sacred relics
BUDDHIST
ARCHITECTURE
Characteristic
Temple complex at Khajuraho
Shikhara temple style – UNESCO world
heritage site
JAIN ARCHITECTURE
Characteristic
Lighter and elegant; temples and vihara

Temples were patterned from Buddhist

temples. Temple building is a virtue ensuring
happy future states

Jain Temple
The Sitambar Jain Temple in Calcutta is one of
the most ornate religious centers in India
JAIN ARCHITECTURE
Characteristic
Lighter and elegant; temples and vihara

Temples were patterned from Buddhist

temples. Temple building is a virtue
ensuring happy future states

Ancient City of Vaishali

Birth place of Mahavira, the founder of
Jainism
JAIN ARCHITECTURE
Characteristic
Lighter and elegant; temples and vihara

Temples were patterned from Buddhist

temples. Temple building is a virtue
ensuring happy future states

Jain Temple of Jaya Stambha

Pilgrimage site which is notable for its
many richly carved stone towers
HINDU
ARCHITECTURE
Characteristic
Combination of the Vedic Cult,
Buddhimsm and Brahmanism

Vimana
Sanctuary

Garbha-griha
Small unit shrine

Mandapas
Porch-like hall

Gopuram
Pyramidal gateway
HINDU
ARCHITECTURE
Characteristic
Temple of Devi Jogadamtam
Longitudinal layout, rich sculptural
decoration
HINDU
ARCHITECTURE
Characteristic
Orissan Temples
Bhubaneshwar, Orissa State, India. 30
Orissan Temples

Horizontal patterns and beehive-shaped

tower crowned with a flat round stone
HINDU
ARCHITECTURE
Characteristic
Ibrahim Roza, Biljapur
By Adil Shah II for his queen Taj
Sultana.
He and his family where buried here.

This inspired he motives behind the

Taj Mahal
SECULAR
ARCHITECTURE
Ghat
Public bathing places
SECULAR
ARCHITECTURE
Vidhana Suodha, Bangalore
Considered one of the country’s most spectacular
buildings. Neo-Dravidian Style
SECULAR
ARCHITECTURE
Delhi’s Red Fort
This once served as the imperial palace of India’s
Mughal emperors.
SECULAR
ARCHITECTURE
Baha’i Temple, Delhi
One of Delhi’s most distict Landmarks. This is
popularly known as the Lotus Temple.
SECULAR
ARCHITECTURE
Tomb of
Itimad-ud-Daula, Agra
SECULAR
ARCHITECTURE
Khajuraho Temple Complex
It represents the melody of life
SECULAR
ARCHITECTURE
Chennakesava Temple
SECULAR
ARCHITECTURE
Qutub Minar
Constructed with redstone and marble. It’s tower
is the tallets minaret in India with a height of 73
m.
SECULAR
ARCHITECTURE
Taj Mahal
The Corwn palace
This is India’s most famouse structure built in
1631-1648.
END.