Hoa Indian Architecture
Hoa Indian Architecture
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S T U DY O F I N D I A N A RC H I T E C T U RA L S T Y L E S
G R O U P 1 P R E S E N TAT I O N
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WHAT COMES
TO YOUR
MIND?
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WHAT IS IT?
Indian architecture refers to the diverse and rich
architectural styles that have evolved in the Indian
subcontinent over thousands of years. Characterized by
regional influences, symbolism, ornamentation, and
sustainability.
OTHER TERM
Indian architecture is also referred to as “Vastu Shastra”
which translates to ancient Indian architectural tradition
that emphasizes harmony between buildings and their
surroundings.
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HISTORY
The history of Indian architecture spans 5,000 years,
weaving cultural, religious, and geographical influences.
From temples to palaces, Indian architecture reflects the
country's dynamic history.
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EVOLUTION OF INDIAN
• Early Innovations
◦ Primitive structures and natural caves used for shelter in prehistoric times.
Ajanta Cave
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EVOLUTION OF INDIAN
• Indus Valley Civilization (2500 BCE)
◦ Well-planned cities like Mohenjo-daro and Harappa.
◦ Advanced sanitation systems and urban engineering.
-Mohenjo-Daro (meaning "Mound of
the Dead") is an ancient Indus Valley
Civilization city located in modern-day
Pakistan. It's one of the oldest and
most well-preserved ancient cities in
the world!
ORNATE TEMPLE
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THE MOST COMMON FEATURES OF INDIAN
ARCHITECTURE
MOSQUE
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THE MOST COMMON FEATURES OF INDIAN
ARCHITECTURE
FORTS
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THE THREE MAJOR STYLES OF TEMPLE
ARCHITECTURE IN INDIA
THE THREE MAJOR STYLES OF TEMPLE ARCHITECTURE
IN THE COUNTRY ARE KNOWN AS NAGARA IN THE
NORTH, DRAVIDIAN IN THE SOUTH, AND VESARA IN THE
CENTRAL REGION. NAGARA TEMPLES ARE TYPICALLY
TALL AND HAVE A PYRAMIDAL STRUCTURE, WHILE
DRAVIDIAN TEMPLES ARE SHORTER AND HAVE A
SQUARE OR RECTANGULAR STRUCTURE. VESARA
TEMPLES ARE A FUSION OF THE TWO STYLES, WITH
ELEMENTS OF BOTH NAGARA AND DRAVIDIAN
ARCHITECTURE.
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NAGARA STYLE:
THE NAGARA STYLE OF TEMPLE
ARCHITECTURE IS FOUND IN
THE NORTHERN PARTS OF INDIA
AND IS CHARACTERIZED BY ITS
TALL, SLENDER SPIRES. THIS
STYLE IS HEAVILY INFLUENCED
BY THE GUPTA PERIOD OF
INDIAN HISTORY AND IS OFTEN
REFERRED TO AS THE
“CLASSICAL” STYLE OF INDIAN
TEMPLE ARCHITECTURE.
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NAGARA STYLE:
• AMALAKA – A CIRCULAR, RIBBED STONE DISK PLACED ATOP THE
TEMPLE'S SHIKHARA (TOWER). SYMBOLIZE THE CELESTIAL REALM
• AXIS MUNDI – THE VERTICAL AXIS RUNNING THROUGH THE
TEMPLE, CONNECTING THE EARTHLY REALM TO THE DIVINE.
• SHIKHARA – THE TOWERING, CURVILINEAR STRUCTURE ABOVE THE
SANCTUM (GARBHA GRIHA). REPRESENTS MOUNT MERU.
• GARBHA GRIHA – THE INNERMOST SANCTUM WHERE THE MAIN
DEITY'S IDOL IS ENSHRINED.
• IDOL – THE SACRED DEITY OR REPRESENTATION HOUSED INSIDE
THE GARBHA GRIHA.
• MANDAPAS – PILLARED HALLS USED FOR CONGREGATIONAL
GATHERINGS AND PRAYERS.
• PLINTH – THE RAISED PLATFORM ON WHICH THE TEMPLE
STRUCTURE STAND
• KALASHA – THE FINAL POT-LIKE STRUCTURE PLACED ABOVE THE
AMALAKA, SIGNIFYING THE TEMPLE’S PINNACLE.
• ANTARALA – THE TRANSITIONAL SPACE OR VESTIBULE BETWEEN
THE GARBHA GRIHA (SANCTUM) AND THE MANDAPA (PILLARED
HALL).
• JAGATI – THE TEMPLE PLATFORM THAT RAISES THE ENTIRE
STRUCTURE, OFTEN ALLOWING CIRCUMAMBULATION
(PRADAKSHINA).
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DRAVIDA STYLE:
NAGARA STYLE
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VESARA STYLE
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VESARA STYLE
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NAGARA STYLE
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DRAVIDA STYLE
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DRAVIDA STYLE
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DRAVIDA STYLE
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KEY CHARACTERISTICS
• DIVERSITY OF STYLES AND REGIONAL
VARIATIONS
• INTEGRATION WITH NATURE AND USE OF LOCAL
MATERIALS
• USE OF ORNAMENTATION
• SYMBOLISM AND SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE
• USE OF LIGHT AND SHADOW
• MONUMENTALITY AND SCALE
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1. Diversity of Styles and Regional Variations
•Indian architecture varies significantly across regions, influenced by geography,
culture, and historical rulers. The major styles include Nagara (North Indian temples),
Dravidian (South Indian temples), and Vesara (a mix of both)
• Mud and
Dung • Mud and dung plaster utilizes locally sourced mud and cow dung,
rooted in ancient Vedic practices.
• This mixture is known for its superior insulation, water-repellant,
and antiseptic properties.
• The practice is commonly found in villages across India.
• There is a revival and experimentation with mud and dung plaster
in urban areas.
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• Thatc
h • Thatch is one of the earliest recognized forms of vernacular
architecture in India.
• The roofing system involves using locally available dry
vegetation.
• Thatching protects interiors from water and various climatic
conditions.
• In contemporary architecture, thatch is appreciated as a
• Stone meditative, natural, and humble element.
• India boasts a diverse range of stones, including granites, marbles,
sandstone, slate, and limestone.
• Stone has been used from ancient temples to modern luxury
houses.
• It provides interesting textures and patterns to a building's material
palette.
• Locally available stone is cost-effective and contributes to
regionally unique aesthetics in architecture.
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• Wood
• Wood is a popular construction material in the Himalayan region.
• It is vernacular to the area, commonly used in temple
construction.
• Practical reasons for using wood include its suitability for local
climatic conditions.
• Wood also holds religious significance in the region.
• Aesthetic qualities of wood are appreciated in other parts of the
country.
• Bambo
o • India is the second-largest producer of bamboo in the world.
• The country is home to many artisan communities skilled in
bamboo construction.
• Traditional building practices using bamboo vary across India,
influenced by local landscapes and climatic conditions.
• Bamboo is particularly famous in the Northeast region of India.
• It is increasingly being utilized in experimental projects
throughout the country.
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• Oxid
• Oxide is a natural material known for its earthy, shiny, and
e
colorful finish.
• The technique was introduced to India by the Portuguese
and Italians through trade.
• Local artisans experimented with oxide to develop
methodologies suited to their specific contexts.
• The practice of using oxide finishes is particularly popular in
the southern regions of India.
• Concrete
• Post-independent India saw a desire for growth and
prosperity, with concrete symbolizing modernism and
progress.
• Concrete is valued for its cooling properties and minimalistic
finish.
• Le Corbusier was a pioneer in the use of concrete in India.
• His architectural visions continue to influence local
architects today.
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3. USE OF RE
Ornamentation
ORNAMENTATIONin Indian architecture is vast and varied, spanning across
different historical periods, regions, and architectural styles.
Khajuraho, Madhya
Pradesh Sidi Saiyyid Ni Jali In
Ahmedabad
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• Frescoes & Murals
RE • Pietra Dura (Marble Inlay
Work)
The Golden
Temple is a
gurdwara
located in
Amritsar,
Punjab, India.
Gol Gumbaz
also written Gol Gumbad is a 17th-century
mausoleum located in Bijapur, a city in
Karnataka, India.
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• Chhatris RE
• Chhatri are semi-open, elevated, dome-shaped pavilions used as an element
in Indo-Islamic architecture and Indian architecture.
• Small decorative domes supported by pillars, typical in Rajput palaces and
forts
• The use of light and shadow in Indian architecture is both practical and
artistic, enhancing spiritual symbolism, cooling effects, and aesthetic
appeal. Whether through temple alignment, jali screens, stepwells, mirror
work, or fort defenses, light has been an essential design element in
traditional Indian structures.
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4. MONUMENTALITY AND SCALE
.Religious Structures: Many of India’s most monumental buildings are religious in nature,
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designed to inspire awe and devotion. Temples, mosques, and stupas are built on a vast
scale, often incorporating towering shikharas (spires) or domes.
•The Brihadeeswarar Temple in Tamil Nadu
(11th century) has a 66-meter-tall vimana (temple
tower) made of massive stone blocks.
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The Sun Temple at Konark is designed as
a colossal stone chariot, symbolizing divine
movement.
1. Vertical Scale: Temples and monuments reach for the sky, symbolizing spiritual
ascent and cosmic connection.
Rewal Works:
• Parliament Library, New Delhi. A Contemporary Indian
Architecture built in 1989-2003
• Hall of Nations, New Delhi. Prominent Exhibition Hall and
a part of Pragati Maidan complex in 1970-1972 .
Previously one of his signifi cant projects, has since been
demolished.