The early architecture of India is an amalgamation of history, culture and religion. India is home to a number of architectural styles and traditions. Hindu temple architecture, Indo-Islamic architecture are some of the best known ones.
The architecture is reflection of the lifestyle of the people of the bygone era. Harappan architecture of Indus Valley civilization is the perfect example of town planning.
Hindu temple architecture can be classified into two main categories: Dravidian and Nagara styles. The former flourished during the regime of Chola, Chera and Pandian empires and Vijayanagara Empire.
A combination of Indian and Islamic styles started during the regime of Delhi Sultanate, the first major Islamic kingdom in India. The Islamic architecture flourished during the Mogul Empire. Taj Mahal is the classic example.
European styles including neoclassic, gothic etc. came into vogue during the British colonial era.
The cradle of civilization
The Indus Valley Civilization produced several cities including Harappa, Lothal, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site Mohenjodaro. The civic and town planning and engineering aspects of these cities are remarkable.
There were granaries, drains, water-courses and tanks. Mohenjodaro had wells which may be the predecessors of the stepwell.
After the Indus Valley Civilization, around the time of the Maurya Empire began the era of Indian rock cut architecture, mostly by Buddhists. The Buddhist stupa, a dome shaped monument, was used in India as a commemorative monument used for storing sacred relics.
Caves of wonder
The caves at Ajanta, Elephanta, and Ellora were in fact produced under other dynasties in Central India. They reflect the Guptan architecture style. Ajanta contains by far the most significant survivals of painting from this and the surrounding periods, showing a mature form which had probably had a long development, mainly in painting palaces.
Indo-Islamic architecture
Qutb Minar complex is the earliest examples of Indo-Islamic architecture constructed during the period of Delhi Sultanates. Qutb Minar was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.
The complex consists of Qutb Minar, a brick minaret as well as other monuments built by Delhi Sultans. Alai Minar, a minaret twice the size of Qutb Minar was commissioned by Alauddin Khilji but it was never completed.
Mughal architecture
The Red Fort at Agra and the walled city of Fatehpur Sikri are among the architectural achievements of Mughal era—as is the Taj Mahal, built as a tomb for Queen Mumtaz Mahal by Shah Johann. Taj Mahal in Agra, India is one of the wonders of the world.
Mughal architecture is the blend of Islamic, Persian and Indian architectural styles. Thanks to the Mughal emperors India has some of the most beautiful structures including Humayun’s Tomb, Akbar’s Tomb, Fatehpur Sikri, Red Fort, Jarni Masjid and of course the magnificent Taj Mahal.
Ashoka’s Buddhist Architecture
Emperor Ashoka commissioned many stupas to hold the relics of the Buddha. The most famous of these stupas is the Sanchi Stupa or Great Stupa at Sanchi which is the oldest. Other famous stupas include Amaravati Stupa and Gandhara Stupa.
Indian architecture has evolved over the centuries. They are characterized by precise and harmonious geometry, soaring towers and elaborate sculptures and monuments that featured myriad forms of gods, animals, birds, floral and geometric patterns.
Karpagam Academy of Higher Education (KAHE) is a premier educational institution located in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. It has been recognized by the Council of Architecture to offer B.Arch and M.Arch programs.
In addition to B.Arch and M.Arch, KAHE has recently introduced Masters of Planning.
KAHE offers value-based education, contemporary infrastructure, modern teaching methodologies, finest faculty, career oriented training and excellent placements.
Bachelor of Architecture, a full-time five-year undergraduate course offered by KAHE is recognized by Council of Architecture and AICTE.
School of Architecture, a department of KAHE, was established in 1998. It’s affiliated to Karpagam University, a top class educational institution in Coimbatore.
The focus of the School of Architecture is to develop and mould students into professional architects through academic learning, practical exposure, team work, creative management skills and participation in extra-curricular activities.
As one of the best college of architecture in Coimbatore, Karpagam School of Architecture is setting new benchmarks in world class architecture education.
Our vision is to stand tall as one of the best architecture college in India. The School of Architecture aims to be on par with RIBA-certified universities like AAA – London, Boston University and other such leading international institutions.