One definition of a great civilization is the magnificence of its architectural legacy, and India is surely among the foremost. The country is dotted with the remains of ages gone by, many world famous like the Taj Mahal and Qutab Minar, and some still cloaked in obscurity, off the tourist circuit, waiting to be 'discovered', but architectural gems nevertheless.
Architecture of India - is an attempt to present the Indian architecture for what it is: an intelligent, innovative response to local conditions.
The architecture of India is rooted in its history, culture and religion. Indian architecture progressed with time and assimilated the many influences that came as a result of India's global discourse with other regions of the world throughout its millennia-old past. The architectural methods practiced in India are a result of examination and implementation of its established building traditions and outside cultural interactions.
Mehrgarh culture—Indus Valley Civilization (7000 BCE—1500 BCE)
Archaeological evidence from Mehrgarh (7000 BCE) shows construction of mud brick houses and granaries. Irrigation was developed in the Indus Valley Civilization around 4500 BCE. The size and prosperity of the Indus civilization grew as a result of this innovation, which eventually lead to more planned settlements which further made use of drainage and sewers.
Post Maha Janapadas period (1500 BCE—200 CE)
The Buddhist stupa, a dome shaped monument, was used in India as a commemorative monument associated with storing sacred relics.[8] The stupa architecture was adopted in Southeast and East Asia, where it became prominent as a Buddhist monument used for enshrining sacred relics.
Early Common Era—High Middle Ages (200 CE—1200 CE)
Universities—housing thousands of teachers and students—flourished at Nalanda and Valabhi between the 4th-8th centuries.[16] South Indian temple architecture—visible as a distinct tradition during the 7th century CE
Late Middle Ages (1100 CE—1526 CE)
Vijayanagara Architecture of the period (1336 - 1565 CE) was a notable building style evolved by the Vijayanagar empire that ruled most of South India from their capital at Vijayanagara on the banks of the Tungabhadra River in present-day Karnataka.
Islamic influence and Mughal Era (1526 CE-1857 CE)
Mughal tombs of sandstone and marble show Persian influence.[27] The Red Fort at Agra (1565–74) and the walled city of Fatehpur Sikri (1569–74) are among the architectural achievements of this time—as is the Taj Mahal, built as a tomb for Queen Mumtaz Mahal by Shah Jahan (1628–58).
Colonial Era (1857 CE—1947 CE)
European colonialism bought with it a wide array of influences to further shape Indian architecture. Imperial power was stressed by using grand buildings. Local craftsmen incorporated new skills and added them to their trade.
Republic of India (1947 CE—present)
In recent times there has been a movement of population from rural areas to urban centres of industry, leading to price rise in property in various cities of India.[31] Urban housing in India balances space constrictions and is aimed to serve the working class.
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