The geometry and symmetry in construction are as a result of extreme planning, conceptualization of design and a startling trilogy of creativity included. Indian architecture incorporates diverse elements beside simple lines and curvatures. Cosmic elements, religious symbols, voluptuous damsels, floral motifs; structural grandeur, diverse cultural impacts all encompassing assimilation into the final product that has resulted in landmark monuments many of which are of World fame while some pop up as surprise.
This is what an article in MSN India speaks of. In a changed language I describe in a less fluent language the monumental structures in my blog.
Breathtaking Example of Indian Masonry:
Taj Mahal
It is not only a magnanimous symbol of love, the intricate carving, amazing patterns, floral motifs, all amidst unfettered symmetry that is simply astounding. This is Moghul Architecture at its best in India.
 | |||||||||
| Nicke James - Taj at Agra |
The Chaturmukha Temple exhibits astounding symmetry in amalgamation of spiritual numbers into intricate geometrical patterns. The temple dedicated to Lord Adinath makes visible the idol from any point inside the structure due to placement of 1000 plus pillars typical of Western Indian Architecture. Typical to this style are the spokes on ceilings interspersed with ornate motifs and dancing Apsaras. These features are much suggestive of colors and freedom of expression of living in India.
Sun Temple Modhera
The structure comprises of three elements integrated to perfection. The idol has been desecrated by the plunderer Mahmud Gazhni long time back. The step well or Surya Kund is intricately carved with shrines on each step leading to the water. The vivid geometrical pattern forming equilateral triangle is the striking feature of this structure. The many pillared (52) Sabha Gruh is another element that has cosmic relevance and extols the Hindu calender.
Shaniwar Wada Palace
The seat of Peshwa Rulers, this palace in Pune has architecture with a unique design. The attractive feature is the Hazari Karanje or thousand jet fountain. The garden is also beautifully manicured and comprises of geometrical patterns.
City Palace Udaipur
This is a large complex with many palatial elements. In fact a series of palaces are assimilated in the larger complex. The architecture is amalgamation of Mughal, Rajasthani, Chinese and European Styles. A museum of fine art the palace comprises of intricately carved cupolas, balconies and towers part of the darbar hall, temples and living quarters of the Royals.
Ellora Caves Aurangabad
The rock cut caves exhibit beautifully done murals and carvings depicted three religions namely Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.
Veer Narayana Temple Belvadi
The architecture was named after the Hoysala Rulers who built many temples. These were either one, two or three shrines while a few were multi-shrines. The ceiling panels are carved with celestial figures and soldiers.
Red Fort - New Delhi
Built entirely of red sand stone is a later date Mughal Architecture and displays both symmetrical and asymmetrical patterns. The former can be seen at Diwan-E-Aam and Rang Mahal while the walls of the fort exhibit the latter style.
Chand Baori - Abhaneri
The thirteen story deep step well in Rajasthan is one of the largest in the World. The equilateral triangles formed on the steps are amazing besides the other geometrical forms are rhombus and diagonal lines. The thousand year old structure was the main source of water to local inhabitants.
Bhoganandeeshwara Temple - Nandi Hills
The monolithic stone pillars convey symmetry typical to Dravidian Style of Architecture in Southern India. Dedicated to Lord Shiva it is most revered edifice built around 9 Century AD.
Rani Ki Vav - Patan - Gujarat
An excellent example of Gujarat's Subterranean Architecture it is an inverted temple besides being a step well. The idol of Lord Vishnu is visible from many angles of the seven layered stairs. The stairs are intricately carved with floral motifs and incarnation of Hindu deities.
Jantar Mantar - Delhi & Jaipur
These are two structures built by Raja Jaisingh to calculate many celestial and solar phenomena and activities. These observatories were used to predict eclipses and calculate various event using complex instruments (structures) formed using simple geometrical lines.
The MSN Article
Sun Temple Modhera
The structure comprises of three elements integrated to perfection. The idol has been desecrated by the plunderer Mahmud Gazhni long time back. The step well or Surya Kund is intricately carved with shrines on each step leading to the water. The vivid geometrical pattern forming equilateral triangle is the striking feature of this structure. The many pillared (52) Sabha Gruh is another element that has cosmic relevance and extols the Hindu calender.
Shaniwar Wada Palace
The seat of Peshwa Rulers, this palace in Pune has architecture with a unique design. The attractive feature is the Hazari Karanje or thousand jet fountain. The garden is also beautifully manicured and comprises of geometrical patterns.
City Palace Udaipur
This is a large complex with many palatial elements. In fact a series of palaces are assimilated in the larger complex. The architecture is amalgamation of Mughal, Rajasthani, Chinese and European Styles. A museum of fine art the palace comprises of intricately carved cupolas, balconies and towers part of the darbar hall, temples and living quarters of the Royals.
Ellora Caves Aurangabad
The rock cut caves exhibit beautifully done murals and carvings depicted three religions namely Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.
Veer Narayana Temple Belvadi
The architecture was named after the Hoysala Rulers who built many temples. These were either one, two or three shrines while a few were multi-shrines. The ceiling panels are carved with celestial figures and soldiers.
Red Fort - New Delhi
Built entirely of red sand stone is a later date Mughal Architecture and displays both symmetrical and asymmetrical patterns. The former can be seen at Diwan-E-Aam and Rang Mahal while the walls of the fort exhibit the latter style.
Chand Baori - Abhaneri
The thirteen story deep step well in Rajasthan is one of the largest in the World. The equilateral triangles formed on the steps are amazing besides the other geometrical forms are rhombus and diagonal lines. The thousand year old structure was the main source of water to local inhabitants.
Bhoganandeeshwara Temple - Nandi Hills
The monolithic stone pillars convey symmetry typical to Dravidian Style of Architecture in Southern India. Dedicated to Lord Shiva it is most revered edifice built around 9 Century AD.
Rani Ki Vav - Patan - Gujarat
An excellent example of Gujarat's Subterranean Architecture it is an inverted temple besides being a step well. The idol of Lord Vishnu is visible from many angles of the seven layered stairs. The stairs are intricately carved with floral motifs and incarnation of Hindu deities.
Ancient Indian Edifices
 |
| Hawa Mahal Rajasthan |
These are two structures built by Raja Jaisingh to calculate many celestial and solar phenomena and activities. These observatories were used to predict eclipses and calculate various event using complex instruments (structures) formed using simple geometrical lines.
The MSN Article
Posts
1 comment:
Rajasthan has a beautiful architecture. Its rich in its culture, heritage, festivals. And one thing makes it so special for me that it connects to historic and religious stories.
Post a Comment