Ancient Indian Architecture

Introduction
• The architecture of India includes present day
India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

• These countries later on got separated by political

boundaries but, still share a common cultural
heritage.

• The diversity of Indian culture is represented in

its architecture.
 Ancient Indian Architecture
• Indian architecture has influenced the
surrounding regions of the world, especially
eastern Asia, due to the spread of ideas with
Buddhism.

• Early Indian architecture is the story of how

powerful and popular religions celebrated their
beliefs through monumental design.
Geographical, Geological, Climatic and Religious conditions of India

FORMATION AND
DEVELOPMENT
 Geographical Condition
• The rivers Indus and Ganges
• The Himalayas
• The Everest mountain
• Surrounded by seas and Indian ocean
• Many cities were founded on the banks of
rivers
 Geological Condition
• Timber was available in plenty in Indus and
Ganges valleys
• Stone was rare
• In some part of india white marble is available
• In some parts of india rock-cut temples were
also available
 Climatic Condition
• More than half the country lies in Tropic
Cancer
• The climate therefore varies widely
• Wet in winter and dry in summer
• Buildings built to adapt the climate
• In north flat roofs were common, but steep
pitched roofs were used in West coast due to
heavy rain
 Religious Condition
1. Hinduism
2. Buddhism
3. Jainism
4. Islam
1. Hinduism
• Hinduism is the world’s oldest religion with roots
and customs dating back more than 4,000 years.
• With 900 million followers, Hinduism is the third-
largest religion behind Christianity and Islam.
• Roughly 95 percent of the world’s Hindus live in
India.
• Hinduism is unique in that it’s not a single religion
but a compilation of many traditions and
philosophies.
Some Hindu Beliefs include:

• Hindus believe in the doctrines of samsara (the continuous

cycle of life, death, and reincarnation) and karma (the
universal law of cause and effect).
• One of the key thoughts of Hinduism is “atman” or the belief
in soul. This philosophy holds that living creatures have a
soul, and they’re all part of the supreme soul. The goal is to
achieve “moksha” or salvation, which ends the cycle of
rebirths to become part of the absolute soul.
• The Om and Swastika are symbols of Hinduism. The
Swastika, which represents good luck, later became associated
with evil when Germany’s Nazi Party made it their symbol in
1920.
Hindu Texts

• Hindus value many sacred writings as opposed to one holy

book.

• The primary texts, known as the Vedas, were composed

around 1500 B.C. This collection of sacred verses and
hymns was written in Sanskrit and contains revelations
received by ancient saints and sages.

• The Vedas are made up of:

- The Rig Veda
- The Samaveda
- Yajurveda
- Atharvaveda
2. Buddhism
• Buddhism is a religion that was founded by
Siddhartha Gautama (“The Buddha”) more than
2,500 years ago in India.
• With about 470 million followers, scholars
consider Buddhism one of the major world
religions.
• The religion has historically been most
prominent in East and Southeast Asia, but its
influence is growing in the West.
Who is Sidharta
Gautama?
Siddhartha Gautama, who later became known as “The Buddha,” lived
during the 5th century B.C. Gautama was born into a wealthy family as a
prince in present-day Nepal. Although he had an easy life, Gautama was
moved by suffering in the world. He decided to give up his lavish lifestyle
and endure poverty.

When this didn’t fulfill him, he promoted the idea of the “Middle Way,”
which means existing between two extremes. Thus, he sought a life without
social indulgences but also without deprivation. After six years of searching,
Buddhists believe Gautama found enlightenment while meditating under a
Bodhi tree. He spent the rest of his life teaching others about how to achieve
this spiritual state.
Beginnings of Budhism

• When Gautama passed away around 483 B.C., his followers

began to organize a religious movement. Buddha’s teachings
became the foundation for what would develop into
Buddhism.
• In the 3rd century B.C., Ashoka the Great, the Mauryan Indian
emperor, made Buddhism the state religion of India. Buddhist
monasteries were built, and missionary work was encouraged.
• Over the next few centuries, Buddhism began to spread
beyond India. The thoughts and philosophies of Buddhists
became diverse, with some followers interpreting ideas
differently than others.
Some Buddhist Beliefs include:

• Followers of Buddhism don’t acknowledge a supreme god or

deity. They instead focus on achieving enlightenment—a state of
inner peace and wisdom. When followers reach this spiritual
echelon, they’re said to have experienced nirvana.
• The religion’s founder, Buddha, is considered an extraordinary
man, but not a god. The word Buddha means “enlightened.”
• The path to enlightenment is attained by utilizing morality,
meditation and wisdom. Buddhists often meditate because they
believe it helps awaken truth.
• Buddhist monks, or bhikkhus, follow a strict code of conduct,
which includes celibacy.
• Buddhists embrace the concepts of karma (the law of cause and
effect) and reincarnation (the continuous cycle of rebirth).
Buddha Quotes and
Teachings
• Buddha’s teachings are known as “dharma.” He taught that
wisdom, kindness, patience, generosity and compassion were
important virtues.

• Specifically, all Buddhists live by five moral precepts, which

prohibit:
- Killing living things
- Taking what is not given
- Sexual misconduct
- Lying
- Using drugs or alcohol
Gautama traveled extensively, giving sermons on how to
live and achieve enlightenment. Some popular quotes
commonly attributed to Buddha include:

• “Better than a thousand hollow words, is one word that

brings peace.”

• “Hatred does not cease through hatred at any time.

Hatred ceases through love. This is an unalterable law.”

• “The root of suffering is attachment.”

3. Jainism
• Jainism is an ancient religion from India that teaches
that the way to liberation and bliss is to live a life of
harmlessness and renunciation.
• The aim of Jain life is to achieve liberation of the soul.
• Jainism was born in India about the same period as
Buddhism. It was established by Mahavira  (c. 599 -
527 BC) in about 500 B. C.
• Mahavira was called ‘Jina’ meaning the big winner and
from this name was derived the name of the religion.
Jains believe that every thing has life and this
also includes stones, sand, trees and every other
thing. The fact that trees breath came to be
known to the science world only from the 20th
century. Mahavira who believed that every thing
has life and also believed in non-violence
practically didn’t eat anything causing his self-
starvation to death. 
Teachings of Jainism

The cardinal principles of Jainism are:

1. Ahimsa (non-violence)
2. Anekantvada (multiplicity of views)
3. Aparigraha (non-possessiveness)
4. Non-stealing
5. Brahmacharya (Chastity)
4. Islam
Islam in India constitutes the second-most
practiced religion after Hinduism, with
approximately 151 million Muslims in India's
population as of 2007 (according to government
census 2001), i.e., 13.4 percent of the
population. 
The emergence of Islam in the region took place
at the same time as the Turko-Muslim invasion
of medieval India (which includes large parts of
present day Pakistan and the Republic of India).
Those rulers took over the administration of
large parts of India. Since its introduction into
India, Islam has made significant religious,
artistic, philosophical, cultural, social and
political contributions to Indian history.
 Ancient Indian Architecture
• Indian architecture is as old as the
history of the civilization. The
earliest remains of recognizable
building activity in the India dates
back to the Indus Valley cities. 
INDUS VALLEY CIVILIZATION
 Indus Valley Civilization
The Indus Valley Civilization was an
ancient civilization located in what is
Pakistan and northwest India today,
on the fertile flood plain of the Indus
River and its vicinity.
 Indus Valley Civilization
Evidence of religious practices in this
area date back approximately to 5500
BCE. Farming settlements began
around 4000 BCE and around 3000
BCE there appeared the first signs of
urbanization.
Thousand of years ago, the Indus
Valley civilization was larger than the
ancient civilizations of Egypt and
Mesopotamia combined. Many of its
sprawling cities were located on the
banks of rivers that still flow through
Pakistan and India today..
The Indus Valley Civilization had two
major cities, namely Harappa and
Mohenjo-Daro (Hill of the Dead in
Sindhi)
Map of Indus Valley Civilization
Source: https://www.ancient.eu/Indus_Valley_Civilization/
Click icon to add picture

The Great Bath of Mohenjodaro, a watertight

pool perched on top of a mound of dirt, is
enclosed within walls of baked bricks.

Source: https://www.thebetterindia.com/60143/mohenjodaro-harappa-
indus-valley-civilization/
Evidence suggests
they had a highly
developed city life;
many houses had
wells and
bathrooms as well Mohenjo-Daro Sewer System
as an elaborate Source:
http://www.sewerhistory.org/photosgraphics/hara
ppa-lothal-mohenjo-daro/
underground
drainage system.
HINDUISM IN INDIAN
ARCHITECTURE
 HINDU TEMPLES

• The reference to temples in literature go back

early to(520 BC - 460 BC)

• Early temples were rock-cut, later structural

temples evolved.
 HINDU TEMPLES

• Indian temple architecture has often been

called sculpture on a mass scale rather than
true architecture.

• They are designed as sculpture and are best

experienced and understood from the outside.

• Interiors are very small and dark spaces which

are not as impressive as the exterior.
Lingaraj Temple
Brihadeeswarar Temple
Elements of Hindu Temple
The sanctuary as whole is known as the Vimana.

Parts of a Vimana:
1. ‘Sikhara’ - the tower or the spire. It is the pyramidal or
tapering portion of the temple which represents the
mythological ‘Meru’ or the highest mountain peak. The
shape and the size of the tower vary from region to region.

2. ‘Garbhagriha’ - the womb chamber. It is nucleus and the

innermost chamber of the temple where the image or idol of
the deity is placed. The chamber is mostly square in plan and
is entered by a doorway on its eastern side.
3. ‘Pradakshina patha’ - the ambulatory
passageway for circumambulation. It consists
of enclosed corridor where devotees walk
around the deity in clockwise direction as a
worship ritual and symbol of respect to the
temple god or goddess.
4. ‘Mandapa’ - the pillared hall in front of the
garbhagriha, for the assembly of the devotees.
It is used by the devotees to sit, pray, chant,
meditate and watch the priests performing the
rituals. (It is also known as ‘Natamandira’ meaning
temple hall of dancing, where in olden days ritual of music
and dance was performed.)
Typical Plan of Hindu Temple
5. ‘Antarala’ - the vestibule or the intermediate chamber.
6. ‘Ardhamandapa’ - the front porch or the main
entrance of the temple leading to the mandapa.
7. ‘Gopuram’ - the monumental and ornate tower
(gateway) at the entrance of the temple complex,
specially found in south India.
8. ‘Pitha’ - the plinth or the platform of the temple.
9. ‘Amalaka’ - the fluted disc like stone placed at the
apex of the sikhara
10.‘Mandir kalasha’ -  is a metal or stone spire used to
top the domes of Hindu temples.
Types of Hindu
Temples
There were three major styles of temple architecture:
• the northern or Nagara,
• the southern or Dravida and
• the Vesara or hybrid style

the most common are the Nagara and the Dravida.

Temples are distinguishable by the shape and
decoration of their shikharas
North Indian
Temples (Nagara)
The Nagara style which
developed around the fifth
century is characterized by
a beehive shaped tower
called a shikhara. The plan
is based on a square but
the walls are sometimes so
broken up that the tower
often gives the impression
of being circular.
South Indian Temples
(Dravida)
From the seventh century
the Dravida or southern style
has a pyramid shaped tower
consisting of progressively
smaller storeys of small
pavilions, a narrow throat,
and a dome on the top. The
repeated storeys give a
horizontal visual thrust to
the southern style.
 Ornaments
Symbolic layers
The towers of Hindu temples tell stories as they
rise skywards Each has its own distinctive
“handwriting” and depicts the concerns of local
cults as well as universal themes.
Animal statuary
To Hindus, all life is sacred and deserving of
representation. Most of the temples show fine
sculptures and carvings of animals.
Figurative decorations
For Hindus, the carving of sacred images and
figurines was an art form in itself, requiring
years of disciplined training.
Khajuraho Temple
(Kamasutra Temple)
BUDDHISM IN INDIAN
ARCHITECTURE
 Introduction
The Buddhist Architecture began with the development of
various symbols, representing aspects of the Buddha's
life(563BCE- 483BCE)

Indian Emperor Ashoka, not only established Buddhism as the

state religion of his large Magadh empire, but also opted for the
Architectural monuments to spread Buddhism in different
places

The major features of this style are Stupas, Stambhas, Chaityas,

Viharas.
Beginning of Buddhist Architecture in India

• Three types of structures are associated with the

religious architecture of early Buddhism:
• monasteries (Viharas),
• places to venerate relics (stupas),
• and shrines or prayer halls (chaityas also called chaitya
grihas), which later came to be called temples in some places.

• This religion initially did not involve making of

figures or idols but gradually the followers started
making sculptural representations of Buddha.
 Indian Buddhist
Architecture

Stambhas Stupas Chaityas Viharas

1. Stupas
Dome-shaped structures used to house sacred
relics of the monks and hence also known as
“Relic-shrines”.

Stupas are made with earth materials covered

with stones or bricks. The plan, elevation and the
basic structure all derived from the circle.
Stupas can be classified into three types:

• SARIKA STUPA - raised over body relics.

• PARIBHOJIKA STUPA - erected over sacred
texts and relics
• UDDESHIKA STUPA - Stupas built as
commemorative monuments.
Great Stupa at Sanchi
• Sanchi Stupa is located 40 km north east of Bhopal, and 10
km from Besnagar and Vidisha in the central part of the
state of Madhya Pradesh.

• Sanchi Stupa was built by Emperor Ashoka (273-236 B.C.)

• Sanchi Stupas is located on the top of the Sanchi hill, which

raise about 100M high above the plain.

• The 'Great Stupa' at Sanchi is the oldest stone structure

in India
Parts of a Stupa
1. Anda - The spherical dome
symbolized the infinite space of
the sky, abode of God.
2. Chattra - a triple umbrella
crowning the Anda.
3. Harmika - pedestal surrounded by
a square railing where the Chattra
is mounted.
4. Vedica – railing enclosure around
a stupa.
5. Pradikshina path – ambulatory
passage around a stupa enclosed by
a Vedica.
6. Toranas – gateways of stupas
located at the four cardinal points.
7. Medhi - is an elevated circular
Path around the stupa used for
Pradhikshina
2. Chaityas
• A Buddhist shrine or prayer hall with stupa at
one end.
• Made for large gatherings of devotees
• Made in rock-cut due to permanency of
structure
• Chaityas were influenced by ascetic lifestyle
of Vedic period and tendency of hermits to
retire in solitude
Basic Characteristics of Chaitya

• Accommodates Stupa
• Apsidal Plan
• No division between nave and chaitya i.e
space for congregational service not clearly
defined Vaulted hall
• Colonnades
• Side aisles
 Ajanta Caves
Ajanta Caves in Maharashtra, India are a
Buddhist monastery complex of twenty-nine
rock-cut cave monuments containing paintings
and sculpture considered to be masterpieces of
both "Buddhist religious art" and "universal
pictorial art"
3. Viharas
• A monastey, arrangement of
cells for accommodation of
monks.
• Dwellings were simply wooden
construction/thatched bamboo
huts.
• Near settlements on trade routes
.
• After first century AD, Viharas
came in as educational institutes
Basic Characteristics of Viharas

• Quadrangular court for gathering

• Surrounded by small cells
• Front wall incorporated a shrine for image of
Buddha
• Cells had rock cut platforms for beds
• Viharas were not alike in design
• Doorways were on sides of the walls of main
hall
4. Stambhas
Stambhas or Lats are free
standing monolithic
columns erected over sites
selected because of their
sacred associations. They
were basically stone
objects.
A stambha consists of a circular column or shaft
slightly tapering towards the summit (monolithic). On
top of this shaft is the Persepolitan bell or the inverted
lotus shaped base. Above this is the abacus on top of
which rests the crowning sculpture. These three
portions were carved out of a single stone (monolithic).

The famous iron pillar from the Gupta period is a fine

specimen, withstanding exposure to rain & storm, yet
remaining smooth and unrusted bearing testimony to
the mastery of Indian metal-casting.
In the context of Hindu Mythology, stambha, is
believed to be a cosmic column.
ISLAM IN INDIAN
ARCHITECTURE
Mughal Architecture
 Badshahi Masjid
The Badshahi Masjid in Fatehpur Sikri is the
largest and most impressive mosque built during
Akbar’s reign.
 Jama Masjid
The Jama Masjid in Delhi was built by Mughal
emperor Shah Jahan between 1644 and 1656.
The mosque was completed in 1656 AD with
three great gates, four towers and two 40 m high
minarets constructed of strips of red sandstone
and white marble.
 Babri Masjid
The mosque was constructed in 1527 on the
orders of Babur, the first Mughal emperor of
India, and was named after him.