CH-1 INDIAN ARCHITECTURE, SCULPTURE AND POTTERY

Introduction The word architecture is derived from the Latin word “tekton”, which means builder. So, as to sculpture, is derived from Proto-Indo-European root “kel” which means to cut or cleave.

Difference between Architecture and Sculpture Architecture refers to the design and construction of buildings. Architecture generally uses a mixture of various types of materials like stone, wood, glass, metal, sand , etc. Architecture involves study of engineering and engineering mathematics. It requires detailed and accurate measurement. Example: Taj Mahal, Red Fort, etc. Sculpture: Sculptures are relatively smaller 3-dimensional works of art. A single piece of sculpture is usually made of a single type of material. Sculpture involves creativity and imagination and may not depend as heavily on accurate measurement. Example: Nataraj’s image, Dancing girl, etc.

Indian Architecture: The story of Indian art and architecture is a story of evolution. The confluence of different cultures and styles, etc. are all reflected in the evolution of Indian architecture and sculpture. Harappan Art and Architecture: A flourishing civilization emerged on the banks of the river Indus in the second half of the third millennium BCE and spread across large parts of western India. It is also known as Indus valley civilization. Numerous sculptures, seals, potteries, Jewelleries were found at the excavation sites. Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro were the two major sites of the civilization. The planned network of roads, houses and drainage system indicate the planning and engineering skills that developed during those times.

Architecture in Harappan Civilization: The towns were laid out in a rectangular grid pattern. The roads ran in north-south and east-west direction and cut each other at right angles. The big roads divided the city into a number of blocks, while the smaller lanes were used to connect the individual houses and apartments to the main road. Mainly three types of buildings have been found in the excavation sites-dwelling houses, public buildings and public baths. The Harappan used burnt mud bricks of standardized dimensions for the purpose of construction. Many layers of well-backed bricks were laid out and then joined together using gypsum mortar. An important feature of the Harappan cities is prevalence of public baths, which indicate the importance of ritualistic cleansing in their culture. These baths also had an array of galleries and room surrounding it. Most buildings had private wells and bathrooms and they were properly ventilated. The most striking feature of Harappan civilization is the advanced drainage system. Small drains ran from each house and were connected to large drains running alongside the main roads.

Sculptures of Harappan Civilization: The most commonly found were seals, bronze figures and potteries. Seals: While most seals are square, it was found that triangular, rectangular and circular seals were also used. Steatite a soft stone found in the river beds was although the most common material used to make seals, yet agate, chert, copper, faience and terracotta seals have also been found. Terracotta: Terracotta refers to the use of fire baked clay for making sculptures. They were made using pinching method and have been found mostly in the sites of Gujarat and Kalibangan.

Mauryan Art and Architecture: With the advent of the Buddhism and Jainism in 4th century BCE, as both the religions were opposed to the Varna and Jati system of Vedic age, they gained patronage of the Kshatriya rulers. Post Mauryan Art: After the decline of the Mauryan empire in 2nd century BCE, small dynasties sprang up in various parts of India. Among them, Shungas, Kan, Kanvas, Kushanas and Shakas in the north and Satvahanas, Ikshavakus, Abhiras and Vakatakas in Southern and western India gained prominence. Religion saw the emergence of Brahmanical sects as the Saivites, Vaishnavites and Shaktites. The architecture in the form of rock-cut caves and stupas continued. Different schools of sculpture emerged and the art of sculpture reached its climax in the post-Mauryan period.

Gupta age: The emergence of the Gupta in 4th century A Gupta age: The emergence of the Gupta in 4th century A.D is often hailed as the Golden period of Indian Architecture. While the earlier Gupta rulers were Buddhists and continued the tradition of Buddhist architecture, temple architecture reached its climax during this period. Similarly, Buddhist and Jain art also reached its peak during the Gupta age. The Gupta rulers, especially in the later phase, were Brahmanical rulers. However, they showed tolerance for all other religions. Three principal deities were worshipped-Vishnu in the Northern and central part of India, Shiva in the southern part and Shakti in the eastern part of India as well as in the South-West part of India. Caves: During the Gupta period, architectural development of the caves remained constant. However, the use of mural paintings on the walls of the caves became an added feature. Ajanta is a series of rock-cut caves near Aurangabad in Maharashtra. Ellora is also situated near Aurangabad. Sculptures: During the Gupta period, a new school of sculpture developed around Sarnath. It was characterized by the use of cream colored sandstone and the use of metal.

South Indian Art: Temple Architecture in South India began under the Pallava ruler Mahendravarman. Pala School: It was developed in the period between 8th and 12th century A.D under the patronage of Pala dynasty and sena dynasty. The palas were mainly Buddhist rulers, while the senas were Hindu. Thus, the architecture reflected the influence of both the religions. The architecture of this region is featured by: (i.) The building had a curve or slopping roof. (ii.) Burnt bricks and clay, known as terracotta bricks, was the principal building material used. Architecture in Medieval India: Thrones of Delhi had been occupied by an Islamic ruler. There was a mix of Persian style with the Indian style. Hence, it is known as Indo-Islamic architecture or Indo-Saracenic architecture. Some of the features of Indo-Islamic architecture are given as follows: The Islamic rulers introduced the use of minars around the mosques. Mortar was used as a cementing agent in their construction. The indo-Islamic architecture avoided the use of human and animal figure.

Architecture during Delhi-Sultanate Period: During the period of Delhi Sultanate, i.e. 1206-1526 A.D architecture can be categorized into two broad categories: Imperial style: Patronised by the rulers of the Delhi. Provincial style: Patronised by local rulers and fiefs. Imperial style: Slave dynasty Khilji dynasty Tuglaq dynasty Lodi dynasty Mughal Architecture: The Mughals were great patrons of art and architecture. Under them, architecture regained its place of importance, as new buildings were built with great vision and artistic inspiration. Modern Architecture: The arrival of European colonists coincided with the decline of Mughal empire which started a power struggle among the Portuguese, French, Dutch, Danish and the British, which culminated in the British rule of India till 1947. However, the Europeans also brought with them a wealth of architectural styles, which can be seen in the numerous, constructions they undergo.

Portuguese influence: The Portuguese brought with them the Iberian style of architecture. They also introduced the concept of patio houses and Baroque churches of the Iberian style. Ex: St. Cathedral in Goa and Castella de Aguanda in Mumbai. French Influence: The French brought the concept of urban city planning with them. Ex: Church of Sacred Heart of Jesus in Puducherry. British Influence: The British brought with them the Gothic style of architecture. It merged with the Indian architecture and resulted in the Indo-Gothic style of architecture. Some of the features of Indo-Gothic style are: The constructions were extremely large and elaborate in their execution. The walls were thinner. Use of large windows It adhered to advanced structure of engineering standards of Britain. Steel, iron and poured concrete stared being used.

Neo-Roman Style: Post-1911, the construction undertaken by the British Raj. The features of this phase are: The constructions were anonymous and without any interesting features. It was a confluence of all styles of architecture which made the style congested and cramped the space of artistic expression. Simplicity, modernity and utility were highly compromised due to the hybrid nature of the construction. There was a focus on circular buildings. Post-Independence Architecture: After 1947, two schools of architecture emerged the Revivalist and the Modernist. This has caused a decline in the standard of the architectural traditions of India. Laurie Backer: known as the architect of poor. He was responsible for the revolutionized mass housing concept in Kerala. Some of its features are: Construction of environment- friendly buildings by using locally available material. He also laid emphasis on ventilation and thermal comfort arrangements.