Posts tagged with "Indian architecture"

Medieval Indian Architecture

Posted by Nitin Kumar 1 Comment
Dec 21 2011

In Medieval times, Indian architecture has developed into various styles encompassing cultural aspect of that time.

There was two main site of this prosperous development, Northern India and Southern India. The developed their own distinct style of architecture.

Lets go to Indian medieval times and explore some excellent examples in architecture.

1. Khajuraho Temples, Khajuraho

Khajuraho Temples were build around 10-12th century AD. These were build by a Hindu empire. These temples are famous for its sandstone architecture. Some part of temples uses megaliths for columns and architraves  that weighing several tons. These temples have delicate and expressive sculptures on the outer temple walls depicting the normal life of people at that time that also include sexual life.

Khajuraho Temple

Khajuraho Temple

2. Prambanan Complex, Java, Indonesia

Prambanan Complex is group of Hindu temples which are located in Java, Indonesia outside India but it depicts marvelous of medieval Indian architecture. It was build in 9th century AD by Indian empire which was ruling Indonesia and consist of a total 224 structures including grand temple dedicated to Hindu lord Shiva and other numerous shrines.

Prambanan Complex

Prambanan Complex

3. Sun Temple, Konark 

It is also know as Konark Sun temple. It was built in 13th century AD. It resembles to a huge chariot drawn by seven spirited horses on twelve pairs of beautifully curved decorated wheels. This temple architecture consist of wall patterns and figures of various floral, geometrical shapes, human, divine as well as semi-divine in sensuous poses.

Konark Temple

Konark Temple

4. Peruvudaiyaar Temple, Thanjavur

Peruvudaiyaar Temple was built by 11th century AD and is a great example of architecture in medieval India. It is world’s first complete granite temple. Entire temple is made of hard granite stones and most of its parts are curved from single stone.  The entrance and walls are adorned with beautiful decorations.  According to some, this temple is the India’s largest temple.

Thanjavur Temple

Peruvudaiyaar Temple

Mughal Inspired Indian Architecture

Posted by kunthra No Comments
Aug 4 2010

There are many examples of Mughal inspired Indian architecture :

One such example is Fatehpur Sikri (फतेहपुर सीकरी), a city built by Mughal Emperor Akbar.

Gol Gumbaz is a mausoleum for Mohammed Adil Shah, who was a sultan.

Tomb of Akbar the Great is a vast piece of architecture that spans 690 meters square of space

Gopuram

Posted by kunthra No Comments
Jul 16 2010

A prominent feature of Hindu temple architecture is the Gopuram. A gopuram is a tower-like structure at the entrance of a temple.

The Kamakshi Amman Temple in Kanchipuram, India is one example of displaying a gopuram.

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The Tirumala Venkateswara Temple In Tirumala, India is another such example of having a gopuram.

My personal favorite is the Murudeshwara Temple in Bhatkal Taluk, India.

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Architectural Wonders of India

Posted by kunthra 1 Comment
Jan 12 2010

India is a land filled with many beautiful and interesting man-made structures of architecture. Let’s take a look at some of these constructions.

The statue of Gomateshwara is a grand monument. It is 17 meters high (55 ft). The statue is of Gomateshwara (also known as Bahubali) who was a Jain prophet. The statue is presented nude, and is made of granite. The statue stands on top of a hill located in Karnataka State. Every twelve years devotees gather around the statue and present gold coins, butter, milk, yogurt and saffron as an offering.

The Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib) is one of the most holiest Sikh shrines. The temple is located in the city of Amritsar in Punjab. The temple is surrounded by a large lake. It can be entered by four different sides, which is symbolic of the openess and inclusiveness of the temple. People of all relgions and gender may enter, the only prohibition being that you don’t bring any alcohol, cigarettes, and meat to the temple.

The Lotus Temple is located in Delhi, India and is the Bahá’í House of Worship. People of all religions may enter, but they cannot deliver sermons or peform any ritual ceremonies inside the temple. Also, chanting of prayers and singing is allowed, but no musical instruments can be played. The Lotus Temple was intended to be a universal place of worship. Therefore any prohibitions were designed to prevent any one religion from dominating the temple.

The Qutab Minar is a tower in Delhi containing the world’s tallest minaret. The tower is made of brick, sandstone and marble. It is 72.5 meters tall (234 feet). There is a slight tilting of the tower, but that’s to be expected, since it’s a freestanding structure. According to tradition, anyone who can circle the entire diameter of the tower with their back leaning against the pillar will have their wish granted!

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