A short note on Maratha Architecture

Over the centuries, Maharashtra has been home to many different architectural styles and techniques. Maratha architecture is an influential style of architecture constructed primarily in Maharashtra during British rule. Maratha architecture is a combination of the characteristics of both Hindu and Muslim architectural styles. As J D Birla notes in his book “The Architecture of India,” many mosques in Bombay were built to resemble Hindu temples and palaces. Kazi Aslam Khan writes in his article that “caste Hindus, who the Muslim rulers for their prosperity resented, often had their marvelous palaces built along the lines of mosques.

The Maratha Architecture

The Maratha Architecture was from when Indian architects were influenced by Western design elements from various areas such as France, Holland, and England.

Maratha architecture was influenced by the Roman architecture of the early Medieval period and the French Gothic style of architecture.

Although many architects were active in Maharashtra during the Maratha rule, the most notable construction projects can be attributed to two very prominent architects, Narayan Kirti Pai and Vishweshwar Iyer. Their contributions are mainly in their designs for constructions at fortresses, palaces, tombs, gateways, and temples.

Types of Stone Used

Maratha architects used a variety of materials in their construction projects. There seem to be no clear explanations regarding which stone types were used and under what conditions, but there are many Maratha architecture examples where different stone types were used for a single building project. For example, several structures have been built with limestone and granite, while other structures have been built with sandstone and slate on the same site.

• Pillars and Columns: Maratha architects used stone pillars in many of their constructions, but they do not seem consistent in their columns’ usage. Some examples of Maratha architecture use stone pillars, while others use wooden or metal columns, so it is difficult to say that one is always preferred over the other.
• Colonnades: There are many examples of Maratha architecture where colonnades were used in place of stairs. A single stone or wooden column is often used to support the upper portions of the building. This is commonly done for buildings that have a single story.
• Masonry and Stonework: Maratha architecture often uses masonry or stonework to create decorative patterns or add an aesthetically pleasing aspect to the building. Many examples of Maratha architecture with stonework, such as the Wall of Troy at the Khandoba Temple in Jejuri. This is one example where a Maratha architect used stonework to create a beautiful and aesthetically pleasing building element.
• Corinthian Columns: Maratha architecture also uses a unique set of Corinthian-style columns. These are not as commonly seen, but they add to the unique characteristics of Maratha architecture. These columns are typically used to support balconies and arches, and they are sometimes used in gateways or pavilions. The Corinthian columns were a popular style that was very popular in Europe during the Middle Ages, so it seems that the architects were trying to incorporate some aspects of European design into their work.

Maharashtra Architecture

The Maratha ruler’s influence on Indian architecture extended from the Hindu and Muslim architectural traditions that preceded them. Maratha rulers often used this fact to their advantage and their ability to provide for many of their own needs through the lucrative international trade routes, reinforce their cities, and create great palaces.

For example, the Marathas helped to influence the design of temples after they built them or provided funding for additional development at a temple. The Marathas also created a unique type of mosque that was one of the most influential Islamic structures built during their rule.

Vernacular architecture in Maharashtra

Vernacular architecture, also called vernacular architecture, is an architectural style designed and constructed by the native people of a place and not by professional architects. In India, it is mainly built of locally available materials and follows locally evolved construction methods. The architecture can be found in all regions of India.

The concept was first noted and developed by John Lockwood Kipling in his book “The Village Architecture of Southern India (1888)”, which he co-authored with Ernest Benjamin Parker. The book analyzed the architecture of village dwellings in Southern India and was the earliest study to focus on the architectural tradition of those in the region. In 1972, John Stanley Beard (1930-2010) further expanded on this theory in his book “Indian vernacular architecture: Studies in spatial organization.

Maratha architecture has a vast influence on contemporary Indian architecture. The structures are also influenced by many other foreign cultures like Mughal, British and Persian.

This tradition of Maratha architecture is still present in the Indian state of Maharashtra.

Conclusion

The unique and diverse architecture of Maharashtra was a good place for the people of India for many different religions and cultures to develop. The unique culture can be seen today in many different structures across the state. Maharashtra architecture is largely based on the history of the state. The rulers and their influence played a huge role in developing most of the architecture in Maharashtra. The Maratha Empire left a lasting impact on the state’s architecture.

While building these temples and palaces, the Maratha rulers could incorporate many different cultural influences, which can be seen in Maratha architecture today.