Rulers and Building early medieval period

Architecture was used as a statement of power. Rulers probably felt that the bigger and the grander the building , the richer and more powerful they would be considered. They might also have felt the need to leave behind some enduring mark of their rule for future generations to see and wonder . So they often filled their cities with splendid construction to impress others with their powers and wealth.

In the centuries following the fall of the Guptas around 550CE , there was a marked increase in the number of Temples that were built across India. These temples were built in different styles , in keeping with the region they belonged to. Depending on the style of archictecture followed , temples are classified on the style of archtiecture followed, temples are classified as belonging to the North Indian or Nagara style , the south Indian or Dravidian style and the Deccanni or Vesara style.

In this chapter, you will study about the architecture of medieval India. Many enduring monuments- places, forts, tombs, temples and mosques- were built by the rulers of medieval India. Architecture was used as a statement of power. Rulers probably felt that the bigger and grander the building, the richer and more powerful they would be considered. They might also have felt the need to leave behind some enduring mark of their rule for future generations top see and wonder at. So they often filled their cities with splendid constructions to impress other with their power and wealth. Many of these buildings were destroyed by succeeding rulers. However, several earlier works have managed to survive. They give us an idea of the beauty and variety of medieval Indian architecture.

Rulers and Building (Architecture in India in the early medieval period)

Between the eighth and eighteenth centuries kings and their officers built two kind of structures the first were forts, places, garden residences and tombs safe, protected and grandiose places of rest in this world and the next; the second were structures meant for public activity including temples, mosques, thanks, wells, caravanserais and bazaars. Construction activity was also carried. They built temples, mosques and wells, large mansions. The key feature of all the temples was the “Garbhagriha” the inner chamber where the idol was placed. This found the nucleus of the temple, dark and secluded, where people could pray in private.

Above the Garbhagirha , the shikhara tapered upwards . Temples also had a pradakshina or prakara , that is, a passage way to go around the garbhagriha . The mandapa, an open assembly hall supported by pillars , was another essential part of temples. The mandapa was connected to the garbhagirha by the antarala (passage) . An ardha mandapa , or porch , frequently preceded the mandapa.

Chapters

Tracing Changes Through Thousand Years - I

Tracing Changes Through Thousand Years - II

Kings and Kingdoms

Delhi 12th to 15th Century I

Delhi 12th to 15th Century II

The Mughals 16th-1 Century I

The Mughals 16th-1 Century II

Rulers and Buildings I

Rulers and Buildings II

Towns Traders and Craftsperson I

Towns Traders and Craftsperson II