The history of Indian Architecture was shaped by the history of the Indian sub-continent Urban civilisation traceable to 2500

B.C. Cities of Harappa, Mohenjo daro Kushan Empire, Mauryan Empire, the Sunghas, Satvahanas Styles ranging from Hindu Temple to Islamic to Western Classical Architecture

Each city was surrounded by massive walls and gateways. They based their city streets on a grid system which were oriented east-west. Each street had a well organised drainage system. Houses and other buildings were made of sun dried or kiln fired mud brick.

Each house had an indoor and outdoor kitchen. Outdoor kitchen were used when it was warmer and the indoor kitchen was used, when it was colder. Wells are quite common and comprise one of the most recognizable feature of Harappan urbanism.

REMAINS OF THE HARAPPAN SITE

WELL

RUINS AT HARAPPAN SITE

Layout was based on a grid of streets which were laid out in perfect pattern. Buildings were particularly advanced. Structures were constructed of same size sun dried bricks of baked mud and burned wood. The public buildings also suggest a high degree of social organization. Granaries were designed with bays to receive carts delivering crops from the country side.

Renowned Great Bath came up during the Mohenjo-Daro. The elaborate bath area was very well built with a layer of natural tar to keep from leaking and in the centre was the pool.

This style of architecture is based on the influence of 7 kingdoms in south India, namely: 1. The Pandyas(560-710 AD) 2. Pallavas(600-900 AD) 3.Cholas(848-1280 AD) 4. Rashtrakutas(753-973 AD) 5. Chalukyas(973-1180 AD) 6.Hoysalas(1100-1343 AD) 7. Vijayanagaras(1343-1565 AD)

MAIN FEATURES of Temple Architecture:

1.

The principal part, the actual temple itself, is called the Vimanam. It is always square in plan, and surmounted by a pyramidal roof of one or more stories; and it contains the cell in which the image of the god or his emblem is placed. The porches or Mantapams, which always cover and precede the door leading to the cell.

2.

3. Gate-pyramids, Gopurams, which are the principal features in the quadrangular enclosures that surround the more notable temples. 4. Pillard halls or Chaultrisproperly Chawadis -used for various purposes, and which are the invariable accompaniments of these temples.

Indian style of architecture is one of the most diverse ones in the history of the world Deep impact of religion: Hindu Temples, Buddhism, Islamic architecture Influence of dynasties: Architectural features of different dynasties have played significant role in shaping Indian architecture Impact of foreign invasion: The invasions of West Asian & European nations have also left their influence