DISSERTATION

FAISAL ANSARI
GCAD/18/109 | SEC – A

Guide by -
ANAND DHOTE
INFLUENCE OF CULTURE ON EVOLUTION OF FAÇADE

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Introduction and background:

a. A building facade is recognized by its appearance and the way it stands out
from the other neighboring buildings; thus, a building facade is one of the
most essential factors of building design as it adds a sole personality and
character to it. A building façade can be of any shape and size, therefore the
scope for an architect to experiment with the appearance of a building and
discover new innovative ways to bring out the character of the building design
increases.

monolit-office-building-igloo-architecture https://www.re-thinkingthefuture.com/history-of-architecture/a2291-evolution-of-
architecture-how-the-change-in-human-habits-reflected-on-architecture/

The implication of the culture on design with the modern technologies is the
great achievement. When the culture word is implemented in the façade
design, material plays a central role with respect to the culture, tradition as
well as the climatic response as per the location of the context.
In essence, Indian architecture is a combination of various and ancient native
traditions, as well as building styles and technologies from many regions of
Asia and Europe.
The most different architectural styles that India inherited, as well as the
fascinating histories and civilizations that each of these styles represents.
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1206 and 1526 AD – DELHI SULTANATE

The Delhi Sultanate period, which encompassed more than three hundred years
and five governing dynasties, is recognised in Indian history as the time between
1206 and 1526 AD. During this time, India made significant improvements in its
architecture and fine arts.

SLAVE DYNASTY
Islamic architecture was initially introduced to India by the Slave Dynasty,
led by Qutub-ud-din-Aibak. One of the earliest and most well-known
structures from this time period is the Qutb Minar, which is made of red
sandstone and marble and is 238 feet tall. This minaret has Indian floral
designs, Quranic texts, and the distinctive Muqarnas corbel of traditional
Persian construction.

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The Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque, the Alai Darwaza, and other buildings and
tombs in the Qutb complex are further excellent examples of architecture.
The Tughlaq dynasty left behind a number of structures in a conventional
dynastic style and employed numerous Hindus as architects and constructors.

LODHI DYNASTY
There are a few great examples of Sayyid and Lodi era Indian architecture
still standing, nevertheless, at Delhi's Lodhi Gardens. One particularly
beautiful example is the tomb of Mohammad Shah, which features gul
dasdas (ornamental flower-shaped pinnacles) and pointed Islamic arches,
both of which were later discovered to be typical of Mughal architecture.
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1526 and 1761 AD – MUGHAL EMPIRE

Moving on to the Mughal Empire, one of the most revolutionary eras in
Indian history in terms of art, culture, politics, and unification of the nation
under one ruler. The world has consistently praised and recognised the
Mughal architecture in India; one building is an Agra Fort UNESCO World
Heritage Site, and another is one of the Seven Wonders of the World (Taj
Mahal). Large bulbous domes, slender minarets, and delicate ornamentation
are hallmarks of Mughal architecture, which is best exemplified in the
extravagant graves of Babur, Sher Shah Suri, and Humayun. During the rule
of Shah Jahan, who built the Taj Mahal, the Jama Masjid, the Shalimar
Gardens, and the Wazir Khan Mosque, which all exhibit a distinctive Indo-
Islamic style, Mughal architecture unquestionably reached its apex.
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1350 and 1700 AD – VIJAYANAGARA EMPIRE

Contrastingly serene, the architecture of the southern region of the nation.
From 135 to 1700, the Vijayanagara kingdom governed this region and
constructed temples, monuments, palaces, and other structures all over South
India. The capital city is home to hundreds of standing monuments, 56 of
which are under UNESCO protection, while the monuments in Hampi are
recognised as a UNESCO world heritage site. The architecture, artwork, and
sculpture of the Vijayanagara period are a synthesis of older Chola, Hoysala,
Pandya, and Chalukyan traditions, and they exhibit a straightforward and
peaceful attitude.

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1500 and 1800 AD – THE RAJPUTS
The Rathas of Mahabalipuram, the Kailash temple at Ellora, and the carvings
of Elephanta were all constructed by the Rajputs, who also had a talent for
building temples, forts, and palaces. They are also credited with building the
great fortresses in numerous other locations, including Chittorgarh, Amber,
Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Ranthambore, and Gwalior. It should be noted that these
forts are typically built on tiny hills, and certain barriers were constructed to
prohibit any potential assailants from entering.

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1600 and 1823 AD – THE MARATHAS

Between the 17th and the 19th centuries, the Maratha Empire controlled and
fought a never-ending battle with the Mughal Empire. So, like the Rajputs,
they built a number of fortresses, such as Shaniwar Wada, Pratapgad,
Raigad, and Mangad. Many well-known temples were constructed or
restored throughout Maharashtra throughout the Confederacy era, which
shows a peculiar architectural style known as Maratha Architecture.
1600 and 1823 AD – THE BRITISH EMPIRE
The Indo-Saracenic architectural revival style popularised by the British Raj
in the late 19th century marked the end of Indian architecture's long history.
Public and governmental buildings, as well as the palaces of princely nations,
exhibited this architecture. The British considered Rajasthani, Mughal, and
Maratha architecture to be the epitome of Imperial Indian design, hence this
attempt was made to replicate it.

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