IASbaba Value Add - Architecture INDIAN ARCHITECTURE

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1 INDIAN ARCHITECTURE This value add will cover the Temple architecture and Indo Islamic architecture of India in lucid point form so that you can remember the general characteristics and visualize them with the help of diagrams. As far as art and culture of Ancient and Medieval India is concerned, we have already covered it in detail in Ancient History and Medieval History Value Add. The potteries, bronze images and their making, Architecture and literature of Mauryan and Gupta period and literature and arts of up to Mughal Empire have already been covered. So there is no point in repeating the same. Kindly revise the previous history value Adds. Temple Architecture in India The art of making temples was started during Gupta period when Hinduism was being revived in its new Avatar. Before this as far as religious structures were concerned, we had Stupas, Chaityas and Viharas which we have already discussed in detail in Ancient History Value Add. For the Hindus of Vedic times, Fire Altars were the most important religious structures where Yajnas were performed. These structures were temporary and were made whenever and where ever there was a need. In Gupta Period, Temple architecture was developed in different stages: Stage I: Flat roofed square temples were constructed. They were not necessarily constructed on a raised platform. The best example of this type of Temple is the Sanchi temple. Stage II: In this stage the platform was raised and a small flat dome was added over Garbhagriha (Sanctum sanctorum) of the temple. A second storey was added in these temples. Stage III: A shikhara (tower) was added over Garbhagriha. The first example of Shikhar and Panchayatan architecture is found in Dashavatar temple at Deogarh. Stage IV: A circular base was added to the temple. Example, Maniyar Math temple at Rajgir. Page 1

2 Some important early temples: IASbaba Value Add - Architecture Sanchi Temple: Sanchi temple is the earliest temple found in India. It shows the advent of the tradition of Temple building. It is a small temple with flat square roof and cubical garbha Griha. Temple walls are plain but doors are carved. Kankali Devi temple: It is an example of second stage of Gupta temple. Dasavatara Temple: It is situated in Deogarh in Uttar Pradesh. The temple is dedicated to Vishnu. This is the first temple of India with a Shikhara and having Panchayatan style of architecture. A hindu temple is a Panchayatana one when the main shrine is surrounded by four subsidiary shrines. Page 2

3 Dasavatara Temple Classification of Temples: On the basis of style there are broadly three types of Temples Nagara Style, Vesara Style and Dravidan Style. General Characteristic of Nagara Style Temples: Location: This time of architecture is found in Northern India from Himalayas up to Vindhyas. Plan: It has a cruciform ground plan with projections coming out of it. The complete structure is built on an elevated platform. The temple has a square base with projections going outside called rathas. Page 3

4 Khandariya Mahadev Temple of Khajuraho Parts of a temple: Garbhagriha: It is the Sanctum Sanctorum of the temple where the idol of chief deity is kept. Mandapa: It is a platform in front of Garbha Griha where devotes can assemble for praying. Some temples have multiple mandaps as shown in the figure. Shikhar: It is the main tower built over the Garbhagriha. It is curvilinear. In many temples, over mandaps there can be subsidiary Shikhars. Amlaka: It is a circular notch built over the Shikhar. Kalash: It is the top most structure over the Shikhar. It looks like a coconut kalash put on top of Amlak. Jagati: It is a raised platform in front of Garbhagriha from where aarti is done. Page 4

5 By the eighth century the Nagara style emerges in its characteristic form. The Nagara style exhibits distinct varieties in elaboration. The temple belonging to the Nagara style of architecture may be seen from the Himalaya to the north of Bijapur district in the south, from the Punjab in the west to Bengal to the east. As a result, there are local variations and ramifications in the formal development of the style in the different regions. Such variations are cause by local conditions, by different directions in development as well as assimilation of unrelated trends. However, the cruciform plan and the curvilinear tower are common to every Nagara temple. Some Important variations in Nagara Style: Khajuraho Temples: They were built by Chandella rulers between AD. They are known for their grandeur and extensive erotic sculptors. The most famous temple is Khandariya Mahadeva Temple dedicated lord Shiva. Odisha Temples: Shikharas in these temples are called Deuls. Depending upon their shape there are three types of Deuls Rekha Deul, Pidha Deul and khakhara Deul. Mandaps or central halls are called Jagmohans. Page 5

6 They have almost cylindrical Shikharas. They are ornate and lavishly carved from the outside but are plain from inside. The best specimen of this style are Mukteshwara temple of Bhuvaneshwar, Sun temple of Konark and Jagannnath temple of Puri. Dravidan Style: The Dravida Architectural style is associated with the temples of southern India or Deccan. The earliest traces of Dravida architectural features go back to Gupta period. The history of true Dravidan style of temples begins from 7 th century under Pallava Rulers. The remains of their architecture are mostly found at Mamallapuram and Kanchipuram. Page 6

7 Important Features of the Pallava Architecture The Pallava architecture shows the transition from the Rock Cut architecture to the Stone Built temples. The earliest examples of the Pallava art are the rock cut temples of the AD 7th century, while the later examples are of the structural temples built in the 8th and 9th century. The rock cut reliefs of the Pallavas are the earliest surviving royal portraits after the Kushana images. Mahendravarman 1st introduced the rock-cut Temples. This style of pallava temples are seen at places like Mandagappattu, Mahendravadi, Mamandur, Dalavanur, Tiruchirappalli, Vallam, Siyamangalam and Tirukalukkunram. The five rathas, popularly called as the Panchapanadava rathas, signifies five different styles of temple architecture. The mandapas contain beautiful sculptures on its walls. The most popular of these mandapas are Mahishasuramardhini Mandapa, Tirumurthi Mandapam and Varaha Mandapam. Page 7

8 Features of Dravidan Temples: IASbaba Value Add - Architecture Vimana: The towering structure over Garbhagriha in South Indian temples is called Vimana. It is Pyramidal in structure and is multi storied. At every step it is elaborately carved and sculptured. These sculptures tell different stories of myths, legends and history. Mandap: Infront of Vimana, there is an open platform called Mandap. It is usually surrounded by pillars and unlike the mandaps of North India, it is not covered from the top. Page 8

9 Gopuram: It is a typical structure of the Dravidan temple. Gopuram is the main gate of the temple which in itself is an independent structure. They are usually huge and intricately carved. They also have multy story structure and carving on every layer. Unlike the nagara temple, the dravida temple is enclosed within a compound wall. Dravidan temples reached their artistic peak during the reign of the Chola Kings. Finest examples are Brihadeshwara temple at Thanjavur, built about 1010 by Rajaraja 1, & temple at Gangaikondacolapuram, built about 1025 by his son Rajendra Chola. Various Styles under Dravidan Temples: Vijayanagar Style: They introduced the concept of enlarged high enclosure walls and more decoration on these high enclosure walls and Gopuram s. Sculpture or motif of supernatural horses was used very frequently. They also introduced the concept of secular buildings (Example-Lotus Mahal). They added a Mandap in the left side of the main shrine which is called Kalyan Mandap. It is used for wedding ceremonies of Gods and Goddesses. Krishnadeva Raya installed life size sculptors of him and his wives in the temple. Best specimen of this style is Virupaksha temple of Hampi. Page 9

10 Virupaksha temple of Hampi Nayaka Style: Have all the features of Dravidian style with an additional prominent feature known as Parakram s. Prakram s are huge Corridore s along with roofed ambulatory passageways. It served to connect various parts of temple while enclosing certain areas. Intricate carvings are seen all across the temple walls. The large tank set slightly off the axis to the main temple is another impressive feature of the temple. Surrounded by steps and a pillared portico, the tank was used for ritual bathing. Best example of this style is Meenakshi Sundareswara temple. Page 10

11 Vesara Style Durga temple Aihole It is an amalgamation of Nagara style and Dravidan style and emerged during early medieval period. Temples built in the Deccan under the later Chalukyas of Kalyani and Hoysalas are considered examples of this style. Vesara style reduces the height of the temple towers even though the numbers of tiers are retained. This is accomplished by reducing the height of individual tiers. The semi circular structures of the Buddhist chaityas are also borrowed in this style, as in the Durga temple of Aihole. It consists of two principle components like Dravidian style i.e. Vimana & Mandap. Departing from Dravidian style it does not have covered ambulatory around the sanctum. Many temples in Central India and Deccan have used the Vesara style with regional modifications. The Papanatha temple (680 AD) in particular and someo ther temples to a lesser extent located at Pattadakal demonstrate panache for this stylistic overlap. Page 11

12 The trend of merging two styles was started by the Chalukyas of Badami ( AD) who built temples in a style that was essentially a mixture of the Nagara and Dravida styles, further refined by the Rashtrakutas of Manyakheta ( AD) in Ellora, Chalukyas of Kalyani ( AD) in Lakkundi, Dambal, Gadag etc. and epitomized by the Hoysalas ( AD). Most of the temples built in Halebid, Belur and Somanathapura are classified under this style. Page 12

13 Indo Islamic Architecture: This can be broadly classified into two phases Delhi Sultanate and Mughals Delhi Sultanate General Features of Delhi Sultanate Architecture: The architecture can be broadly classified into secular buildings and religious building. Secular buildings include forts, Palaces, Pillars, Sarais and Hauz (Artificial lakes) while Religious structures include mosques, mausoleums, Dargahs and madarsas. Sultans freely employed Indian architects, Masons and workers. They also introduced the ideas of Central Asian Architecture. This made Sultanate architecture and amalgamation of Islamic and Indian style. Most of the initial buildings were made after destroying the previous structures and using the raw material from them. Quwat-ul-Islam Mosque in Delhi is said to have been built by Qutub-ud-Din Aibak by demolishing a Hindu temple, which was built over a Jain temple. Likewise Adai-din-ka Jhopra a mosque in Ajmer, built in 2 ½ days came into being on the ruins of a Hindu building. Arches (Mehrab), domes and minarets were introduced by Sultanate rulers. The previous indigenous architecture was based on beams and brackets which was called trabeated style. On the otherhand, the Islamic architecture was Arcuate which used arches and vaults to bridge the spaces and supported the building of graceful domes instead of flat roofs. Indigenous structures used natural motifs and anthropogenic forms to decorate buildings while sultanate style avoided representation of living beings and used arabesque, geometric designs and floral patterns. During the Sultanate period several types of coloured stones like red, light black, yellow and white marbles were used. A very good quality of stone was used to make the buildings strong. Lime mortar was also introduced in the later part which was used as a binding material. Page 13

14 Important Monuments: Slave Dynasty IASbaba Value Add - Architecture Slave dynasty was the first dynasty of the Sultanate period. The initial buildings they made did not have true Islamic features. They had false arches and false domes. Quwat ul Islam mosque (Mehrauli), Delhi and Adhai din ka Jhopra mosque in Ajmer have Hindu and Muslim art influences. Quwwatul Islam Mosque Qutub Minar is probably the most important structure of the Sultanate period. It was built in honour of Sufi Saint Qutub ud din Bakhtiyar Kaki. The construction was started by Qutub ud din Aibak, next three floors were made by Iltutmish and final two floors were reconstructed by Firoz Shah Tughlaq after the top storey was destroyed by lightning. Page 14

15 Minar is 73m high and has got 5 storeys. They have beautiful geometric designs and Arabesque. Balconies at each floor are intricately carved with flower and geometric designs. They are also designed in such a fashion as if they are holding the next floor. The first three storeys have been constructed by red sandstone and last two are made of marble. Balban s Tomb Balban built his own tomb which is considered to have first true arch. Khilji Dynasty By this time Delhi sultanate was established and had very good economic condition. There buildings were constructed with perfect Islamic viewpoint. Page 15

16 Ala ud din Khilji built new city called Siri (in Delhi) and built Jamat Khana Mosque.He also built the Alai Darwaza. Alai Darwaza is the entrance to the Jamat Khana mosque. This has the first scientific dome. Horse shoe arch was used in the building. Jamat Khana Mosque + Dargah of Nizam ud din Auliya Jamat Khana mosque is the oldest mosque that is still being used and it is there in the same complex where Dargah of Nizam ud din Auliya is there. You must have seen the movie Rockstar, the Qawwali Kun Faya Kun is shot there. Ala ud din built Hauz Khas in Delhi. Hauz means an artificial lake. During khilji s time it was the main source of water for the city. It still is a very famous tourist destination. Page 16

17 Tughlaq Dynasty Ghayas ud din Tughlaq constructed the new city of Tughlaqabad. Tughlaqabad fort was built during this period. It is made of granite as it was readily available. Since granite is difficult to polish the texture of the building is rough. The boundary wall of this fort is sloping instead of straight. Page 17

18 Lodhi Dynasty Lodhis had a very stable tenure and hence they got a chance to build. Important Features: Buildings were made on a raised platform with gardens around them. This was made to copy the theme of heaven, later, Mughals used the same concept in their buildings. The tombs were made in octagonal shapes. This feature was also adopted by the Mughals. For the first time a double dome was introduced in the tomb of Sikander Lodhi. Tomb of Sikandar Lodhi Page 18

19 Mughal Architecture Mughals were patron of art and culture and built magnificent structures. Salient Features of Mughal Architecture Mughals buildings were a mix of Indo Islamic style. In Indian styles, Rajput and Buddhist influence is more dominant. In Islamic style, Iranian and Central Asian style is dominant. The structures are generally big and lofty displaying the wealth and strength of empire. The king used to take personal interest right from design and construction. Hence usually a centralized plan was made which artists were not allowed to change in between. Pillars, dome, arches, squinches and plinth were main features. All the buildings were theme based. Special emphasis was given on gardens, geometry and symmetry of design. Initially red sandstone was used because of its easy availability. Later marble was extensively used. Lime was used as binding material. Precious and semi-precious stones were used for decoration. They were brought from Iran and central Asia. Calligraphic work and arabesque on the walls were used frequently. The one on Taj mahal is most famous. Persian styled double domes (onion shaped) were made. Double Dome: Double Dome Page 19

20 A double dome is built of two layers. There is one layer inside which provides ceiling to the interior of the building. The other layer is the outer one which crowns the buildings. The devices of double dome enable the ceiling inside to be placed lower and in better relation to the Interior space it covers. This is done without disturbing the proportions and the effect of elevation of the exterior. The method of making double dome was practised in east Asia for quite sometime before it was imported into India. It was a problem for the early Muslim builders to place a dome over an edifice effectively. If they erected it high, it left a deep void of darkness in the ceiling of the building it cover-ed. In case they kept it low. in proportion with the dimensions of the room. it diminished the monumental effect of the structure. The solution was invented as double dome. In this innovation, the dome instead of consisting of one thickness of masonry was composed of two separate shells one Outer and the other inner-with ample space between them. The attempts in the direction of Double Dome started with tomb of Taj Khan (1501 ) and the tomb of Sikandar Lodi (1518), both in Delhi. However, the fully mature form of the double dome is seen, for the first time in India in the tomb of Humayun. Important structures: Babur: He did not get much time to build anything. During his reign 3 mosques were build by his men. They are located at Panipat, Sambhal and Ayodhya. The one at Ayodhya has been demolished. He built a garden at Agra Aram bagh (now known as Ram bagh). He was originally buried here but now his grave is at Kabul. Humayun: Humayun s reign was full of turmoil where he was dethroned by Sher Shah Suri and then again regained it. He started building a new city called Din Panah which was later completed by Sher Shah. It is now called the Old Fort. Page 20

21 Old Fort, Delhi Akbar s Building: Akbar was a great Patron of art and architecture. His buildings showed grandeur and power. Humanyun s Tomb Page 21

22 Humanyun s Tomb this was the first major Muhgal structure built by haji Begum (Humanyun s wife and Akbar s mother) It is based on the theme of Jannat ul Firdaus (the seventh heaven). The tomb is octagonal and built on a high platform. It is surrounded by gardens and water channels. Trees are planted on the pathways. It appears as if guards are standing to pay their tribute to the king. It is made of red sandstone with a white marble dome. It is a world heritage site and known as a prototype of the Taj Mahal. Red Fort of Agra: Diwan e aam, built by Akbar in red sandstone. Jehangir mahal based on Rajput style it has small doors and has mural paintings. Another marvel built during his reign was the City of Fatehpur Sikri. Fatehpur Sikri: Diwan e Aam large courtroom with red sandstone in Rajput style. Diwan I Khas Iranian style it has a famous pillar with minute crafts of flowers and geometric design with aerobridge. Jodha bai s palace Rajput Style. Has a large mural of Krishna. The roof is flat with square pillars. The roof has Chattri structure to provide shade. Page 22

23 Jodha Bai s Palace Maryam Palace (Maryam was Akbar s Christian wife) it has mural paintings Birbal s Palace based on the design of Buddhist Vihara. Page 23

24 Panch Mahal Multi storey building. Based on Buddhist style. it only has pillars and roof and no walls. Panch Mahal Jama Masjid (Fatehpur Sikri) : Built towards the west of the Palace. Its southern gate is called Buland darwaza built to commemorate the Gujrat Victory. It is 176 ft tall. Tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti is inside the mosque. Tomb of Akbar (Agra) finished by Jehangir. Based on Buddhist style, does not have a dome and have four minarets. Jehangir s building: Jehangir was more interested in Art and painting, rather than buildings. Most of the time he added some features in the previous buildings. Tomb of Itimad ud Daulah: Page 24

25 Itimad ud Daulah was father in law of Jehangir and his wazir too. It is the first complete marble building of India. For the first time, the mughals used the Pietra Dura technique. It is an Italian technique of Stone inlay. Precious and semi precious stones were cut and embedded in the base stone to make beautiful shapes and designs. Pietra Dura was previously used by Rajputs. Page 25

26 Pietra Dura at Taj Mahal. Maximum gardens were made during his reign. Most important of them are Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh of Kashmir. Shah Jehan: Mughal Architecture reached its peak during his reign. It was because of two major reasons his personal interest and relatively peaceful period. Iranian style was more dominant It included calligraphic work, Iranian dome (Onion shaped) and marble screen work. Shah Jehan s buildings unlike Akbar, instead of Grandeur, showed delicacy and sophistication. They depicted luxury more than the power. He used Peitra dura extensively. Also Gold was used in the ceilings and walls. Important works: Shahjahanabad: He built the city of Shah jahanabad (Now old Delhi). Three landmarks are there: Page 26

27 Red fort of Delhi 80% of the building was destroyed by the British during revolt of Chandni chowk market Red Fort Delhi Jama masjid the second largest mosque of India. Page 27

28 Jama Masjid Taj Mahal The most important work and the pride of Mughal Architecture, The Taj Mahal was built by Shah jahan. The Taj marks the ultimate moment in the development of Mughal architecture. It formed the stage of the art from where it could only decline. The Taj is the perfect expression of beauty and the illusionary effect of the monument adds to its aesthetics. Salient features (Which you all must be knowing :P) Entire structure is made of white marble quarried from Makrana. It has a large white double dome providing it height and grandeur. It has four minarets which are made in such a way that just in case if they fall, they fall outwards and not on the central structure. Pietra dura work has been extensively used and colourful gems have been embedded in the white marble to provide different natural and geometric motifs. Page 28

29 Arabesque of Quranic verses have been written in a unique way. The size of the font gradually increases with height, so if a person is looking from a distance, everything looks like the same size. It has very fine work of marble net. The light penetrating the net is diffracted, providing a divine look. The structure has been provided with proper ventilation, so it is never suffocating even if a large crowd is there. Gardens are made around it, to give a look of heaven with fountains and water channels. (Note: Many more points can be added to this list) Aurangzeb did not invest too much of time and money in construction. So there are very few buildings associated with him. One of the most famous monument of his time is Bibi ka Maqbara (Tomb of Aurangzeb s wife) in Aurangabad. It is a prototype of Taj Mahal and is not made of precious stones and expensive building material. Page 29

30 Sikh Style of Architecture: IASbaba Value Add - Architecture Theme: it was mainly religious and witnessed the construction of Gurudwaras and other monuments. Golden Temple - Amritsar It was highly influenced by Mughal style and Rajput style of Architecture. Structures are devoid of any sculptor and images in and around gurudwaras. The monument has entrance from all four sides and large empty space. They have a common kitchen, a dining hall and a pond. There is a central dome which has closed petal shape rather than smooth round shape. It springs out from a floral base. It is usually white or gold plated. Apart from central dome, there are four cupolas in the corner. Prominent examples are Harminder Sahib or Golden Temple, Nankana Sahib etc. Page 30

31 Rajput Architecture: IASbaba Value Add - Architecture Rajputs the native of Rajasthan are famous for their strong glorious forts and luxurious palaces. Kumbhalgarh Fort Rajputs had a unique style: Tall walls were made of strong granite and they were very thick to avoid invasion. Kumbhalgarh Fort is famous for its wall. It is the second longest wall after the Great wall of china. Forts and palaces were usually built on Hill tops for security purposes. A higher vantage point gave better view and range to attack. They used beam and pillar structure to support the buildings. The pillars were square with intricate carvings unlike Mughal pillars which were cylindrical. Rajputs introduced the Pietra Dura work for the first time in India. They used Chattri in their structures. It is an outer protruding slab moving away from the window. They took care of the ventilation. Even though the temperature outside gets high during summer, the air inside the palace remains cool and moving. Later part of Rajput Architecture had strong Mughal influence and they started building domes and arches. Page 31