Indian architecture has been renowned worldwide for its intricacy, grandeur, and magnanimity. India is home to several monuments, modernistic buildings, and baroque that echo the stories of their times. There are some excellent styles of architecture that have developed during years. Let us briefly take a look at some of the Indian architectural styles:-
- Temple Architecture:- Temples are widespread in Indian soil. The faith of building temples might be the same, but the style of architecture varies depending on factors like geography, race, climate, religion, ethnicity, etc.
The temple architecture has three main types-
- The northern style or Nagara
- The southern style or Dravida
- The mixed style or Vesara
These three different styles cover different geographical locations and are influenced by the unique religion of the area.
- Rock-cut Architecture:- Rock-cut architecture is one of the most impressive forms of ancient architectural styles of India. This art is carving beautiful structures on a single piece of solid, natural rock. India features over 1500 rock-cut structures related to religious beliefs and values.
- The Mughal Architecture:- The Mughal architecture is a unique blend of three architectural styles – Indian, Persian, and Islamic. This style took root during the 16th century and continued to prevail till the 18th century. Some of the most renowned monuments of India belong to the Mughal times and showcase the marvelous Mughal architecture. Some examples of Mughar architecture include the Humayun’s Tomb, Fatehpur Sikri, Jami Masjid, Akbar’s Tomb, Red Fort, and Taj Mahal.
- Indo Saracenic Revival Architecture:- The Indo Saracenic Revival style is a mingle of Indo-Islamic and Indian architecture. It is renowned for Neo-Mughal, Mughal-Gothic, Indo-Gothic, and Hindu-Gothic architectural styles. The Gothic revival style and the neo-classical style belong to the British Victorian era; these styles are fused with the Indian and Islamic styles.
- Cave Architecture:– Caves were homes and worshipping places for the Buddhists and Jain monks alike. These began developing in the third century BC. Some of the structures that showcase cave architecture include Viharas and Chaityas of Buddhists. Along with Jains and Buddhists, the Hindu religion also reflects cave architecture.
- Vesara Architecture:- This style belongs to Karnataka and came into existence during medieval times. The Vesara style is a fusion of Nagara and Dravida architecture styles. This style is renowned for skillfully reducing the height of its temples. They reduced the tier height individually without reducing the number of tiers, which in turn reduced the overall height of the temple.
Conclusion
Indian architecture has so much to learn and inherit from that the list can never exhaust. The Indian styles of architecture are an inspiration for every modern architect.
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