Architecture: A Survey
Indian architecture through the ages. Covers Temple architecture; Rock-cut and monolithic temples; Constructed temples and public architecture; Forts and palaces; Mosques and mausoleums; Colonial architecture.
About this unit
This unit surveys Indian architecture from ancient rock-cut caves to colonial buildings. It covers the main temple styles (Nagara, Dravida and Vesara), rock-cut and monolithic monuments, structural temples, stepwells and public buildings, forts and palaces, mosques and tombs of the Indo-Islamic tradition, and buildings of the colonial period. Architecture reflects religion, politics, technology and the skills of craftsmen, so it is an important source for history.
Key ideas
- Texts on architecture (vastu shastra, shilpa shastra) set rules for planning and proportion.
- Temple parts: garbhagriha, mandapa, shikhara or vimana, pradakshinapatha.
- Rock-cut architecture: Barabar, Ajanta, Ellora, Elephanta, Mahabalipuram.
- Structural temples: Brihadeshvara, Khajuraho, Konark.
- Indo-Islamic features: true arch, dome, minaret, jali, pietra dura.
- Colonial styles: Gothic revival, neoclassical, Indo-Saracenic.
How to prepare
- Prepare a list of monuments with builder, dynasty, place and style.
- Learn the labelled parts of a temple and of a mosque.
- Expect matching questions and questions asking you to identify a style from a description.
Topics in this chapter
Temple architecture
Early and classical temple styles.
5 questionsRock-cut and monolithic temples
Cave and monolithic structures.
5 questionsConstructed temples and public architecture
Structural temples and public and private buildings.
5 questionsForts and palaces
Medieval fort and palace architecture.
5 questionsMosques and mausoleums
Indo-Islamic architecture.
5 questionsColonial architecture
Buildings of the colonial period.
5 questions