Over
thousands of years, the complex cultural, religious, and social changes of the
Indian subcontinent are reflected in the wide and varied history of ancient
Indian architecture. India, a country rich in artistic and cultural
achievements, has many architectural marvels that attest to its millennium-old
culture. Ancient Indian architecture's history is a fascinating trip through
time, with various styles as dynasties and cultural influences changed. Indian
architecture has been evolving for over 4500 years, dating back to the Indus
Valley Civilization in about 2600 BC. Three primary temple architectural styles
can be found in ancient India: Dravida, which originated in the southern part
of the country, Vesara, which is a combination of Nagara and Dravidian, and
Nagara, which was common in the north. Let's examine each of the various styles
of Indian architecture in more detail.
Civilization
of the Indus Valley (3300–1300 BCE):
The
sophisticated urban planning of the Indus Valley Civilization is where Indian
architecture got its start. Town planning was remarkably advanced in places
like Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa, which included complicated architecture,
well-designed roadways, and drainage systems.
Vedic
Period (1500–500 BCE):
During this
time, temples and "yagyasalas," or sacrificial altars, were built.
Alignment with the cosmos, practicality, and simplicity were prioritized. This
era's architectural features served as a model for later innovations. One of
the earliest holy books in Hinduism, the Rigveda, was written during the Vedic
era. There aren't many architectural remnants from this era; instead, sacrifice
rites and religious songs are more prominent.
Mauryan and
Gupta dynasties (322 BCE–550 CE):
During the
Mauryan and Gupta dynasties, monumental architecture became increasingly
popular. The Ashoka Pillars are a prime example of Mauryan architecture, with
their finely carved edicts and lion caps. Indian architecture reached its
pinnacle during the Gupta era, which witnessed the creation of magnificent
rock-cut caves with paintings and sculptures, such as the Ajanta and Ellora
caves.
Dynasty of
Rashtrakuta (8th–10th centuries):
Sculpted from a single rock, the Kailasa Temple in Ellora is a spectacular example of Rashtrakuta architecture. It displays beautiful sculptures and crafts.
Chola
Dynasty (9th–13th centuries):
During the
Chola dynasty, magnificent temples were built in southern India. One of the
best examples of Dravidian architecture is the Brihadeshwara Temple in
Thanjavur, which was constructed by Rajaraja Chola I. These temples
demonstrated the Cholas' skill in architecture with their elaborate sculptures
and imposing gopurams.
Dynasty of
Hoysala (10th–14th centuries):
In
Karnataka, the Hoysalas constructed temples renowned for their elaborate and
detailed sculptures. Notable examples are the Hoysaleswara Temple in Halebidu
and the Chennakesava Temple at Belur.
Rajput and
Mughal Architecture (7th–19th Centuries):
Throughout
the middle Ages, many architectural forms emerged, with the Rajputs and Mughals
leaving a lasting impression. Chittorgarh Fort, one of the Rajput forts, is a
prime example of defensive architecture. A pair of iconic examples of Mughal
architecture are the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort. These structures are
distinguished by their symmetrical patterns, onion-shaped domes, and elaborate
sculptures.
Vijayanagara
Empire (14th–17th century):
The
Dravidian architectural style originated in Southern India during the
Vijayanagara Empire. A magnificent example is the Virupaksha Temple in Hampi,
which features large courtyards, elaborate sculptures, and a majestic entrance.
Maratha Empire
(17th–19th Century):
In addition
to their military strength, the Maratha kings left behind a lasting legacy in
building. With its massive walls and gates, Pune's Shaniwar Wada serves as a
reminder of the splendor of Maratha architecture. For security purposes, the
Marathas built a variety of forts. Notable forts like Sindhudurg and Raigad
demonstrate the Marathas' mastery of fort building.
In summary,
the history of ancient Indian architecture tells a fascinating story of
changing architectural trends that capture the dynastic, religious, and
cultural forces that molded the subcontinent. Every architectural age, from the
Mughals' opulence to the Indus Valley's accuracy, has left a legacy of
architectural wonders that still astound and inspire modern generations.
Examining these buildings is an opportunity to appreciate the creative
brilliance that has shaped India's architectural landscape in addition to
taking a trip through time.
In the upcoming
blogs we going to see details of different styles of Indian architecture.