Table of content

• Introduction to India's Architectural Marvels: Setting the Scene for a Journey Through India's Rich Heritage
• Miniature Marvels
• Famous Miniature Art Styles
• Monumental Wonders of India
• Introduction to Monumental Architecture in India: Diversity and Chronology
• Ancient Marvels
• Mediaeval Marvels
• Conservation Efforts and Challenges
• Citation

Introduction to India's Architectural Marvels: Setting the Scene for a Journey Through India's Rich Heritage

The earliest evidence of human settlements in South Asia is over 2 million years ago. The oldest cave paintings in Bhimbetka in Madhya Pradesh are dated as far back as 30,000 years. The Indus Valley Civilisation where India’s origins lay arose across the sub-continent over 5000 years ago. This is where the early organised urban settlements began. Over the years, as dynasties came and went, new rulers arrived in the region and religion and cultural practices evolved, the architecture of India began to take shape and be defined.

Miniature Marvels

Mughal style miniature art: Emperor Akbar on his Elephant palanquin

The art of miniature paintings was introduced in India by the Palas of Bengal. The art form developed and reached its peak in the Mughal Era and was carried forward by various artists of painting schools of Rajasthan such as Jaipur, Kishangarh, Mewar, Bundi and Marwar. Miniature art is predominant in Buddhist art and culture history which can be seen in writing and art on palm leaves. In western India, rulers of the Chalukya Dynasty in 960 A.D.. In these periods, miniature paintings mostly had religious themes. From the Mughal courts, after the entrance of the Europeans to the subcontinent, miniature art evolved from Persian style to European painting styles.

*FunFact - ^1. Akbar was a great lover of art and patron of the miniature art style in the Mughal period.

^2. Miniature painting has been around since before paper existed. Earlier miniatures were painted on palm leaves or cloth.

^3. Most miniature artists of the past remain anonymous.

Famous Miniature Art Styles:

Rajasthani Miniature art styles were established in Malwa, Mewar, Marwar, Bundi-Kota, Kishangarh, and Amber.

The Pahari Style of Rajputs in regions of Jammu and Himachal Pradesh were an assimilation of Mughal miniature art and Vaishnavite stories.

The Deccani style of miniature painting was practised in Bijapur, Ahmednagar, Golkonda, and Hyderabad from the 16th-19th century

Mughal school of miniature painting: Mughal princes learning in school.

Buddhist Miniature art: Shakyamuni Buddha (He is holding a begging bowl filled with three nectars indicating that he has conquered the ‘demons’ of uncontrolled death, a contaminated body and mind, and delusions.)

Jain miniature art - Bhagwan Mahaveer in deep meditation

Monumental Wonders of India

The Sanchi Stupa commissioned by the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE and Ajanta and Ellora cave monuments that are dated back to the 2nd century BCE are some of the oldest monuments of India. Across the country, we can witness marvellous architecture that depicts the culture, life and knowledge of that period. The prominent architectural styles from India’s history are the Mauryan style, chola style, sangama style, Chola style, Mughal style, and Victorian style.

Introduction to Monumental Architecture in India: Diversity and Chronology

The country India was originally a set of independent kingdoms that evolved with changing dynasties, evolving religions and the arrival of foreign rulers who reshaped its geographic boundaries. Many monuments were ravaged for their precious metals and gems. Others were destroyed through religious persecution. However, many survived and new monuments were erected that mark our national and cultural identity today. For instance, the invading Mughals destroyed the original Ashoka Stambh in Sarnath as a way to break people’s morale and capture the region. Yet, in the early structures and monuments built by the Mughals, such as the Qutub Minar, one can witness a graceful amalgam of Indian temple-style architecture in the pillars and the early markings of the distinct Mughal styles on the Minar itself.

 

Ancient Marvels

Most of the architectural marvels of the Indus Valley civilisation are now in Pakistan. However, some evidence of the Harappan civilisation has been found in Dholavira in Gujarat, marking the intricate plumbing network and well-planned towns. Every era has brought with it a unique architectural style and carvings on the wall that depict the life and beliefs of that era. For instance, the temple carvings of Khajuraho were originally intended to explain the relevance of “samsara” or “family life in society” for youth who were increasingly getting disenchanted with social life and were opting to become Buddhist or Jain monks.

Mediaeval Marvels

The monuments of India belong to different periods and are influenced by the ruling dynasties and religious influences of the time. For instance, the Chola dynasty temples and structures prominently displayed their national emblem - the tiger. Whereas the Hoysala empire's emblem of their King Sala fighting the lion is prominently depicted in monuments built by them. Other prominent architectural styles that marked the changing regimes and endure across the breadth of the country are -

Conservation Efforts and Challenges

The Architectural Survey of India (ASI) was established in 1861 and entrusted with the responsibility of protecting and maintaining 3679 monuments and archaeological sites. UNESCO has declared some sites of cultural and natural significance that are considered to be of “Outstanding Universal Value” as world heritage sites. With ASI and the UNESCO World Heritage Site provisions, many of the ancient monuments are offered special protection, regular maintenance and improvements.

Through government efforts and focused promotions, the sites are attracting funding from patrons and visitors which has lent to the tourism-building efforts. The ancient monuments have stood the test of time, being architectural marvels of the era. Every state in India has relics of the past, with miniature art and monuments that help us understand the evolution of our society.