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History of Indian Sculptures and Architecture
Overview
Archaelogical evidences of Indian Architecture are more than 5000 years old. The remains of Harappan civilization, most sites of which are now located in Pakistan, are excavated on large scale. They had well developed town planning, and buildings were mostly constructed with baked bricks. The period from 2000 BC to 500 BC was dark age of Indian architecture of which very little or no remain are found. Temples, Stupas and caves built during the period from 5Th century Bc to 7Th century AD are found in all parts of India. These temples also represents different phases of Indian sculptures. The center of architecture in the medieval period shifted to Forts, palaces, beautifully carved havelis, Tombs and mosques. Stepwise development of Indian architecture and sculptures in provided below.
Indus Valley Civilization (3000 to 1800 BC)
Excavation sites shows that the Indus people have developed advanced architecture with well planned towns and houses of more than one floors. Buildings mainly include different houses of common and influential people, public buildings, granaries and most remarkable is great bath of Mohan Jodaro.Large number of terracota seals depicting different symbols are found at Harappan Sites. Bronze sculpture of dancing girl and torso of a man represents Indus sculptures.
The Age of Mahajanapadas (400BC to 2Ndcentury AD)
Architectural remains of this period are mainly Budhhist Stupas, Viharas and cave shelters. The inscriptions tell us about splendid palaces of this age but no remains are found as they were mainly built with wood. Caves of Ajanta and Ellora also belong to this period. This period shows remarkable progress in sculptures with large numbers of Buddhist statues in different postures are found in every corner of India.
Ancient & Pre medieval (200 AD to 1200 AD)
Most of the architectural remains of this period are temples constructed under the patronage of different rulers. Temples have acquired adequate powers, and began to be considered as an unit of administration. The rights to collect revenues provided enough funds for growth of magnificent architectures. Exterior of almost all of the temples is decorated with beautifully carved sculptures. Most of the temples are partially ruined. Khajuraho temples are perfect examples of this period.
Nagar and Dravadian style of architecture
Temples of South India have mostly Dravidian style of architecture, with pyramid shaped exterior decorated with carved sculptures. Various kingdoms and empires such as the Pallavas, Cholas, Pandyan, Chera, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagara Empire amongst the many others have made a substantial contribution to the evolution of Dravidian architecture through the ages. Nagar of style temples are located in North India and some temples of Orissa.
Medieval Architecture (1200 AD to 1700 AD)
North India was the center of power during medieval times and most of the architectural monuments belonging to this period are located here. Muslims brought with them their own style of architecture but since they had to use mostly local artisans, which in turn gave rise to Indo-muslim architecture. This gradual process can be noticed in buildings of different periods. Monuments of this period includes magnificent forts, splendid palaces, artistic havelis, beautifully carved mosques and tombs.
Colonial Architecture (British rule)
British were the last foreign invadors who ruled here for more than 200 years, thus the impact of English architecture was natural. Almost all the buildings constructed during this period have survived till date. Even after independence majority of the government offices are operational in the buildings constructed during this time. These includes president's house, the parliament building and many more. At Goa, Cochin, Pondicherry etc. where Portugese and french were settled for very long time number of small forts, churches and other buildings can be seen.
Archaelogical evidences of Indian Architecture are more than 5000 years old. The remains of Harappan civilization, most sites of which are now located in Pakistan, are excavated on large scale. They had well developed town planning, and buildings were mostly constructed with baked bricks. The period from 2000 BC to 500 BC was dark age of Indian architecture of which very little or no remain are found. Temples, Stupas and caves built during the period from 5Th century Bc to 7Th century AD are found in all parts of India. These temples also represents different phases of Indian sculptures. The center of architecture in the medieval period shifted to Forts, palaces, beautifully carved havelis, Tombs and mosques. Stepwise development of Indian architecture and sculptures in provided below.Indus Valley Civilization (3000 to 1800 BC)
Excavation sites shows that the Indus people have developed advanced architecture with well planned towns and houses of more than one floors. Buildings mainly include different houses of common and influential people, public buildings, granaries and most remarkable is great bath of Mohan Jodaro.Large number of terracota seals depicting different symbols are found at Harappan Sites. Bronze sculpture of dancing girl and torso of a man represents Indus sculptures.The Age of Mahajanapadas (400BC to 2Ndcentury AD)
Architectural remains of this period are mainly Budhhist Stupas, Viharas and cave shelters. The inscriptions tell us about splendid palaces of this age but no remains are found as they were mainly built with wood. Caves of Ajanta and Ellora also belong to this period. This period shows remarkable progress in sculptures with large numbers of Buddhist statues in different postures are found in every corner of India. Ancient & Pre medieval (200 AD to 1200 AD)
Most of the architectural remains of this period are temples constructed under the patronage of different rulers. Temples have acquired adequate powers, and began to be considered as an unit of administration. The rights to collect revenues provided enough funds for growth of magnificent architectures. Exterior of almost all of the temples is decorated with beautifully carved sculptures. Most of the temples are partially ruined. Khajuraho temples are perfect examples of this period.Nagar and Dravadian style of architecture
Temples of South India have mostly Dravidian style of architecture, with pyramid shaped exterior decorated with carved sculptures. Various kingdoms and empires such as the Pallavas, Cholas, Pandyan, Chera, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagara Empire amongst the many others have made a substantial contribution to the evolution of Dravidian architecture through the ages. Nagar of style temples are located in North India and some temples of Orissa.Medieval Architecture (1200 AD to 1700 AD)
North India was the center of power during medieval times and most of the architectural monuments belonging to this period are located here. Muslims brought with them their own style of architecture but since they had to use mostly local artisans, which in turn gave rise to Indo-muslim architecture. This gradual process can be noticed in buildings of different periods. Monuments of this period includes magnificent forts, splendid palaces, artistic havelis, beautifully carved mosques and tombs.Colonial Architecture (British rule)
British were the last foreign invadors who ruled here for more than 200 years, thus the impact of English architecture was natural. Almost all the buildings constructed during this period have survived till date. Even after independence majority of the government offices are operational in the buildings constructed during this time. These includes president's house, the parliament building and many more. At Goa, Cochin, Pondicherry etc. where Portugese and french were settled for very long time number of small forts, churches and other buildings can be seen.