Indian Architecture

Latticework

decorative structural framework built by crossing thin strips of material to create a grid or weave pattern

Stupa

dome that houses sacred relics associated with the buddha

Shikharas

• tower or spire in indian architecture

• most dominant characteristic feature of the hindu temple

Sarovar

• large artificial holy water tank surrounded on a temple

• believes it has purifying properties

Gopura

entrance gateway to a hindu temple

Mandapa

porch in indian temple

Causeway

raised pathway over an obstacle or body of water

Alas Kanya

• female figure in Hinduism temples

• design or ornamentation in temples

Kirtimukha

• significant and distinctive decorative motif

• symbolizes face of glory or glorious face in sanskrit

Medhi

enclosed railing that supports the dome (stupa)

Harmika

symbol placed on the top of the stupa to represent the Ashed Buddhist saints

Pista

base or platform of Indian temples that are high elevated upon which a temple or other structure is built

Pidha

type of temple building with a square base and pyramid shaped superstructure

Ghanta

top layer of indian temples

Amalaka

placed on the tip of the temple

Raha Paga

Center part of the hindu temple

Dravidian Style

• pyramid structure built within the ground level

• flourished under the rule of Palallavas, Cholas, Pandyas, and Vijayanagar empires South India

Nagara Style

• curvilinear towers, compact layouts, and intricate carvings evolved during the Gupta period

• emerged in northern India contains multiple towers and elevated higher than the ground

Indo-Islamic Architecture

• mughal architecture

• unique blend of indian, persian, and islamic styles developed during the mughal empire and develop symmetry

• features indlues arches, symmetry, and use of marbles

• onions shaped domes = islamic influence

Golden Temples

• constructed around an artificial pool

• holiest gurdwara for the sikh community

• temple was attacked several times by muslim invaders

Hawa Mahal Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh By

• five storied pink sandstone monument in the form of a pyramid

• built entirely in red sandstone

• because of latticework, air circulation flows well

• built for women of Jaipur to get a view of the world without stepping outside

Architect Habib Rahman

• one of the first Indian architects to adopt modernist principles

  • World Health Organization in Delhi 1962

Climate and Geographic

• hot temperature and scarce of water

• thick walls, small windows to keep interiors cool

• stepwells for water storage and ventilation

Hinduism

• texts are written in sanskrit

• dominant religion

• Mount Meru = mythical mountain considered the axis of the universe in hindu cosmology

Jharokhas

balcony to allow the royal family to observe street festivals