Architecture of India: Ancient to Modern

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Indian architecture is that vast tapestry of production of the Indian sub- continent that encompasses a multitude of expressions over space and time, transformed by the forces of history considered unique to the sub-continent, sometimes destroying, but most of the time absorbing. The result is an evolving range of architectural production that none the less retains a certain amount of continuity across history. This architectural heritage is one of the most enduring achievements of Indian civilisation.

This book introduces various facets of Indian architecture through the ages. It attempts to show the total image of Indian architecture by evenly picking up architecture forms from Indus Valley period to post-independence period. Besides students and professionals of architecture, this book will also be useful for historians, archaeologists, tourists and interested layman.

Ramprakash Mathur, a distinguished teacher of history, is having twenty-five years of experience in the postgraduate department of many universities and institutes. He has participated in many inter- national and national conferences and is a recipient of many prestigious national and international awards.

Dr. Mathur is an honorary member of many historical as well as cultural association in India and abroad. He has written a number of textbooks on world and Indian history. A keen researcher and an eminent historian, he has travelled all over the world and studied about the history and culture of various countries.

This book examines several important problems faced by people of rural India. It analyses the status of rural infrastructure, level of rural poverty, issues of water management, rural illiteracy, issues in the agricultural sector, problems of rural women, issues in the health sector, trends in rural development, and so on. This book will be of much use for researchers, academicians, policy-makers, programme managers and people who are involved in the process of rural development.

One of the most enduring achievements of Indian civilisation is undoubtedly its architecture. The artistic and architectural heritages of India are almost five millennia old. Though the Indus Valley sites of Harappa, Mohenjodaro, and Lothal provide substantial evidence of extensive town planning, the beginnings of Indian architecture are more properly to be dated to the advent of Buddhism in India, in the reign of Ashoka, and the construction of Buddhist monasteries and stupas.

The Guptas, Chandellas, Solankis and Gangas were great patrons of art and architecture. The Gupta period can be described as the zenith of Indian architecture. By the eighth century, the southern Hindu school of architecture began to flourish. The Pallavas, Cholas, Hoysalas and the rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire contributed a great deal to the advancement of architecture in south India.

The advent of Muslim rulers brought in new elements of architectural finesse such as floral motifs, domes and beautiful calligraphy. The Islamic architecture reached its acme under the Mughals, who constructed many beautiful forts, palaces, mosques and gardens. The Red Fort and Jama Masjid at Delhi, the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikhri in Agra, the Badshahi Gardens at Lahore and the Shalimar Gardens at Kashmir are fine specimens of Mughal architecture.