Architecture is a story of the country’s cultural legacies and artistic capabilities. By fusing designs and symbols with local religions and cultures, Indian architecture stands out for excellence in workmanship as well. Indigenous architectural designs use natural materials to create timeless beauty. There are some distinct architectural traditions in India. For instance, the central courtyard was an essential part of ancient houses. During the Mauryan period, Buddhist architecture spread throughout India. King Ashoka built some great architectural wonders. The Gupta dynasty built a slew of Hindu temples with rock-cut shrines. The Cholas and the Chandelas aided in the construction of ancient temples that still stand testimony to the exquisite crafts of the time. The Mughals also left their distinct stamp on architecture. Similarly, the Dilwara temples of Mount Abu are known for intricate carvings.
The unmistakable allure of Dravidian architecture is embedded with a link between art, history, and architecture. The most well-known Dravidian designs can be seen in the ornate entrances or the Gopurams. The Chennakesava Temple in Belur, the Hoysaleswara Temple in Halebidu, and the Kesava Temple in Somanathapura shed light on the intricate design thinking of the time. According to James Rosenquist, history is remembered through its art rather than its war machines. On some recurring symbols, artist, and architect Matthew Samuel says: “The peacock is depicted in a specific way in the Chola dynasty, and even more vividly by the Nayakas. And it’s always been in flux.”
Medieval India is a notable example of the wise use of locally available resources designed “with” nature and not “against” it. The Ajanta-Ellora caves are a collection of 30 rock-cut Buddhist monuments. Along with vaulted ceilings, there is a sunroof that illuminates the prayer hall during the day.
Architecture has always had a relationship with science and arithmetic. At the Sun Temple in Gujarat’s Modhera district, dated 1026 CE, the link between mathematics and art is unmistakable. The 52 carved pillars represent the total number of weeks in a year. The carvings of 365 elephants are even more magnificent, representing the number of days in a year. With its massive sundials, the Konark Sun Temple in Puri, Odisha, helps to calculate time.
Eco-sensitive designs
Many iconic architectural creations are built with keen eco-sensitivity. For example, the much-debated and well-known Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is built to withstand any natural calamity. Vernacular architecture, such as the Koti Banal, is resistant to natural disturbances, a testimony to the great Indian mind and aesthetics. Local housing in Assam, popularly known as Irka, demonstrates that even before the world adopted the concept of sustainability, regions of India had already made it a reality. These houses are made of bamboo. It is said that a grove of bamboo releases 35% more oxygen than an equivalent stand of trees, so the bamboo architecture is an ode to the local environment.
Heritage conservator and urban designer Eugene Pandala’s project, The Raviz, a five-star hospitality space, is made of wood, laterite stone, and a concrete foundation. Another of his works, the 35-acre Banasura hill resort, is built with rammed earth. Made in Earth studio, is another architectural firm that works with local designers and craftspeople, for creating contemporary, eco-sensitive buildings.
Chitra Vishwanath, Yatin Pandya, Dharmesh Jadeja, Trupti Doshi, Nari Gandhi, and Dean D’Cruz are some of the leading changemakers who have incorporated nature into their architectural practices. Revathi Kmanath has used the traditional mud architecture style for some upscale projects.
Charles Correra’s 32-story Kanchenjunga building is another modern architectural marvel of India. Its eminence is enhanced not only by its design but also by the fact that it is climate-sensitive, built in the style of old bungalows that allowed air to flow freely.
With climate action being the reigning theme of the times, sustainable buildings will withstand the ravages of time, and also use precious resources in an intelligent way to minimize wastage. The evolved Indian aesthetic can be seen in both ancient landmarks as well as contemporary designs.
