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The history, culture, and religion of India all have a significant impact on the country’s architecture. The most well-known architectural styles and traditions include the many subtypes of Hindu temple architecture, Indo-Islamic architecture — most notably Mughal architecture — Rajput architecture, and Indo-Saracenic architecture. Other styles and traditions include: The majority of early Indian architecture was made of wood, but very little of it has been preserved. Instead, the earliest remnants come from the numerous Indian sites that feature rock-cut architecture, the vast majority of which are Buddhist but also include Hindu and Jain elements.
Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal, also known as the “Palace of the Palace,” was commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan to be constructed in memory of his most beloved wife, Empress Mumtaz Mahal. In the year 1612 A.D., Shah Jahan wed Arjumand Bano Begum, also known as Mumtaz Mahal. Mumtaz Mahal was the granddaughter of Itimad-Ud-Daulah, who served as the Wazir (Prime Minister) of Emperor Jahangir.
In the year 1631 A.D., Mumtaz Mahal passed away while giving birth to her 14th child. The bereaved emperor spared no effort in erecting the mausoleum in her honour, and it is now universally agreed upon that it is one of the most stunning works of art ever conceived by humankind.
The Taj Mahal’s floor plan displays a rigorously symmetrical bilateral arrangement. The tomb (rauza) and its four minarets are at the centre of the complex, which also contains a mosque and an assembly hall (Mehman Khana) The width of the Taj Mahal is proportional to its height (55mtrs). The exquisitely carved pietra dura that is inlaid with semi precious stones is one of the monument’s most impressive features.
It is believed that Shah Jahan had the idea that his tomb and garden should be a representation of paradise on earth. The colour of the translucent marble keeps changing from dawn to midnight, giving it a magical aura that is in keeping with Shah Jahan’s vision. As well as being one of the Seven Wonders of the World, it is also a one-of-a-kind man-made manifestation of the glorious Mughal age.
Following his passing in the year 1666 A.D., Shah Jahan was also laid to rest in the Taj Mahal alongside his cherished wife.
Fatehpur Sikri
It is located 37 kilometres away from Agra and is known by its name, Fatehpur Sikri. This city is built almost entirely out of red sandstone. Akbar, the third Mughal Emperor, was responsible for the construction of this town. It was his intention to make this city his capital, but a lack of water forced him to abandon those plans and abandon the city. Following this, the Mughal capital was relocated to Lahore within the space of twenty years. Between the years 1571 and 1585, Fatehpur Sikri was constructed. This abandoned city is home to approximately 30,000 people as of today. Because of the efforts of the Archaeological department, a significant number of the older buildings in this now-deserted city have been preserved. One of the finest examples of Mughal architectural splendour at its height, Fatehpur Sikri is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Even though much of the city is in ruins, tourists still flock to see it when they come to Agra. In point of fact, however, Fatehpur Sikri is the kind of place where one ought to linger for a while. An unforgettable scene is created when the sun sets over the ruins. The city of Fatehpur Sikri is regarded as the finest illustration of the synthesis of Hindu and Muslim architectural styles. It is believed that the mosque in Fatehpur Sikri is a copy of the mosque in Mecca. The mosque also features designs that are derived from Persian and Hindu architectural styles.
Lotus Temple
In December of 1986, the Lotus Temple was dedicated and opened to the general public for the first time. The Iranian architect Fariborz Sahba was the one responsible for its design. He received praise for the project even before the construction of the temple was finished. After then, it was honoured with a number of accolades.
The term “Lotus Temple” comes from the structure’s distinctive appearance. In accordance with the Baha’i faith, which holds that the number nine possesses mystic qualities, this structure, like all other Baha’i mashriqi, is built with nine sides. The white marble structure rises to a height of more than 130 feet and is situated on an elevated plinth within a 26-acre (10.5-hectare) area of landscaped gardens. The structure is also surrounded by nine ponds that are lined by red sandstone paths (40 metres). The complex of the temple is made up of 27 separate marble “petals,” which are clustered together to form nine sides (through which open nine entrances into a central chamber) and into groups of nine to form three concentric rings of the temple. Canopies are formed over each of the nine entrances by the petals in the first ring, which face outward. The second ring encompasses the main lobby area. The petals of the innermost ring curve inward to create a partial enclosure around the central prayer area, which has space for around 2,500 people. The top of the building has the appearance of being open; however, it is actually covered with a glass and steel roof that lets in natural light. The overall impression is akin to that of a floating lotus flower that is on the cusp of opening its petals and is encircled by its leaves.
Conclusion
Indian architecture predates recorded history of the civilization in which it was created. The cities in the Indus Valley are responsible for leaving behind the earliest evidence of recognisable human building activity in India. The temples, Chaityas, Viharas, Stupas, and other religious structures are the oldest architectural relics that have been discovered in India. They are also the most recognisable. Temple architecture of a high standard developed in almost all regions of ancient India, where it was practised. The geographical, climatic, ethnic, racial, historical, and linguistic differences between regions contributed to the development of distinctive architectural styles for the construction of temples in those regions.
