http://www.boloji.com Boloji is the world's biggest Articles Database. en-us Sat, 09 May 2026 12:49:46 -0500 Sat, 09 May 2026 12:49:46 -0500 http://www.boloji.com/feed/architecture-rss.xml Boloji rk@boloji.net (Boloji) ideas@ekant.com (Ekant Solutions)https://www.boloji.com/articles/55184/the-architectural-grandeur-of-south-indian-templesIndia is known for ancient temples since ages. The land is popular for architectural beauties in the country. In particular, South India’s temple architecture stands as one of the most remarkable artistic traditions in the world—an intricate blend of spirituality, engineering marvels, and cultural expressions carved in stone. Sat, 10 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600https://www.boloji.com/articles/55184/the-architectural-grandeur-of-south-indian-templeshttps://www.boloji.com/articles/53134/saluting-the-legacy-of-bhai-ram-singhThe question who Bhai Ram Singh is, will arise reading this heading. Bhai Ram Singh is not a household name, nor has he been accorded his due recognition. There had been some belated attempts, but we need to shine a light on his lasting legacy, so that we all become familiar with his genius vision. I think the partition of the country at the time of independence of India in August 1947 and the resulting division of the country, along with the religion-based carnage and killings and the resulting migrations of population shifted the focus to survival mode, so interest in his accomplishments became secondary. Additionally, many of the hallmark buildings were in Lahore which became part of Pakistan, and no one really bothered on either side of divide. Also, the people were trying to forget the traumatic experiences associated with partition so that timing wise did not help. Additionally, the post-partition political climate between the divided nations did not help in polishing his legacy. So, let us try to correct this historical injustice to an architectural genius.Mon, 11 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/53134/saluting-the-legacy-of-bhai-ram-singhhttps://www.boloji.com/articles/48532/Sun, 01 Mar 2015 10:49:23 -0600https://www.boloji.com/articles/48532/https://www.boloji.com/articles/48531/construction-techniques-in-indian-architectureSun, 01 Mar 2015 10:40:24 -0600https://www.boloji.com/articles/48531/construction-techniques-in-indian-architecturehttps://www.boloji.com/articles/16513/the-new-architecture-in-indiaSun, 07 Dec 2014 13:32:08 -0600https://www.boloji.com/articles/16513/the-new-architecture-in-indiahttps://www.boloji.com/articles/15602/designing-without-walls-the-open-plan-and-the-family-houseSun, 09 Mar 2014 15:32:59 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/15602/designing-without-walls-the-open-plan-and-the-family-househttps://www.boloji.com/articles/15501/the-ephemeral-body-the-life-of-the-architectural-objectSat, 22 Feb 2014 11:52:29 -0600https://www.boloji.com/articles/15501/the-ephemeral-body-the-life-of-the-architectural-objecthttps://www.boloji.com/articles/15481/fiction-in-architectureSat, 15 Feb 2014 11:52:15 -0600https://www.boloji.com/articles/15481/fiction-in-architecturehttps://www.boloji.com/articles/15267/sacred-space-in-ancient-indian-architecture-form-and-meaningSat, 07 Dec 2013 12:59:29 -0600https://www.boloji.com/articles/15267/sacred-space-in-ancient-indian-architecture-form-and-meaninghttps://www.boloji.com/articles/15250/the-arch-as-an-architectural-symbol--evolution-and-technologyThe arch has been a recurring symbol and element in architecture all around the world. Though it was known as far back as the times of the ancient Greeks, in the Western world the arch had to wait until the Roman Empire to gain its concurrence. Romans used the arches in a variety of ways: from giant aqueducts to an architectural element in buildings such as the Coliseum at Rome.Sat, 30 Nov 2013 15:05:34 -0600https://www.boloji.com/articles/15250/the-arch-as-an-architectural-symbol--evolution-and-technologyhttps://www.boloji.com/articles/15231/gandhara-greek-influence-and-buddhist-monasteriesSun, 24 Nov 2013 10:11:15 -0600https://www.boloji.com/articles/15231/gandhara-greek-influence-and-buddhist-monasterieshttps://www.boloji.com/articles/15215/metamorphosis-stupas-and-chorten-in-nepal-and-tibetTue, 19 Nov 2013 18:33:38 -0600https://www.boloji.com/articles/15215/metamorphosis-stupas-and-chorten-in-nepal-and-tibethttps://www.boloji.com/articles/15186/the-architecture-of-jainismSat, 09 Nov 2013 11:27:12 -0600https://www.boloji.com/articles/15186/the-architecture-of-jainismhttps://www.boloji.com/articles/15157/entrances-and-doorways--interfaces-in-early-indian-architectureOf all the elements in an architectural construction, the door or opening is perhaps one of the most basic, and the most primeval. Doorways and entrances have long been used to define the boundary between inside and outside, between public space and private space. It is not surprising that whichever era of architecture we look at, the door is the one architectural element to which most attention is paid. Be it through the form of corbelling, decoration, height or width, different devices have been used through the ages to make the door stand out.Sat, 02 Nov 2013 16:06:41 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/15157/entrances-and-doorways--interfaces-in-early-indian-architecturehttps://www.boloji.com/articles/15136/why-the-templeSun, 27 Oct 2013 10:15:12 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/15136/why-the-templehttps://www.boloji.com/articles/15112/Mon, 21 Oct 2013 20:13:19 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/15112/https://www.boloji.com/articles/15085/Tue, 15 Oct 2013 20:09:54 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/15085/https://www.boloji.com/articles/15006/the-vedic-houseSat, 28 Sep 2013 11:31:29 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/15006/the-vedic-househttps://www.boloji.com/articles/10561/response-to-climate-vernacular-architecture-and-sustainabilityTue, 15 Feb 2011 19:50:22 -0600https://www.boloji.com/articles/10561/response-to-climate-vernacular-architecture-and-sustainabilityhttps://www.boloji.com/articles/8679/language-and-architecture-of-ancient-indiaThu, 02 Sep 2010 05:25:45 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/8679/language-and-architecture-of-ancient-indiahttps://www.boloji.com/articles/7110/Thu, 23 Sep 2010 00:52:17 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/7110/https://www.boloji.com/articles/7009/middle-east-architecture-missing-cultural-rootsOver the last decade, the architecture in the Middle East if carefully observed somehow seems to make do without any character. The cities are getting choked in a jungle of concrete, steel and glass. Architecture here is needlessly influenced by concepts predominantly from the West. One of the more difficult problems for expatriates in understanding the cities of the Middle East is their relative lack of a public realm. Globalisation has given form to buildings that resemble objects, have match-box designs with unfortunate functional separations. Designs are built burdened by unnecessary stylistic demands. Thu, 12 Aug 2010 17:56:51 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/7009/middle-east-architecture-missing-cultural-rootshttps://www.boloji.com/articles/7008/world-needs-to-go-green-than-green-needs-to-go-leedThu, 12 Aug 2010 17:55:55 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/7008/world-needs-to-go-green-than-green-needs-to-go-leedhttps://www.boloji.com/articles/6681/indian-architecture-a-living-contradictionIndian architecture is indeed not a single entity but a plural manifestation of the construction process being practiced in India. The scene with regards Indian architecture has probably forever been the same, as the regional as well as religious diversity in India always have been myriad. India being a land of various different languages cultures, practices, customs and beliefs amidst these it is but obvious to see numerous built forms because architecture is to a large extent an extension or manifestation of the feelings people of a particular place hold.Thu, 09 Sep 2010 00:37:15 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/6681/indian-architecture-a-living-contradictionhttps://www.boloji.com/articles/1036/indian-architecture-colonial-indiaIndia has been invaded ever since the times of Aryans repeatedly, the invaders almost always attracted by richness of its resources and natural bounties or by the heritage and glory of an already flourishing reign. The Europeans also were no exception to this fact; European interest in India persisted since the classical times and for very cogent reasons. India had much to give Europe in the practical form of spices, textiles and other oriental products. That probably was the reason of all the expeditions from Vasco da Gamma in 1498, the Dutch in 1590, to the east India Company in 1600." .Wed, 01 Sep 2010 08:22:07 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/1036/indian-architecture-colonial-indiahttps://www.boloji.com/articles/1034/textile-and-architectureThe origin of relation between Textile and Architecture cannot be specified on a time-line. They both go hand in hand. The presence of textiles in architecture can be viewed not only in the interiors of a building e.g. upholstery, drapery, detailing, wall papering etc. but can also be felt in the construction of the architectural structures .Fri, 06 Aug 2010 23:52:41 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/1034/textile-and-architecturehttps://www.boloji.com/articles/1033/food-and-its-relation-to-architectureThe relation between Food and Architecture is so deep and obvious that it's just not pondered over. The similarities are by far too many and hence mostly ignored. The presence of food in architecture and vice versa can be felt not only in the building construction of the architectural structures but can also be seen in the evolution of designs and the process henceforth .Sat, 20 Nov 2010 03:45:03 -0600https://www.boloji.com/articles/1033/food-and-its-relation-to-architecturehttps://www.boloji.com/articles/1032/conservation-and-restoration-a-need-or-fadNature always works a cycle, it always follow a pattern. An object, a life, a thing that has occurred, come to life, is present has to meet its end. We in this modern world discard so many a things as obsolete, old fashioned, dead and stale - even our traditions and cultures. The norms that were followed earlier stand no meaning at all in the present scenario, so are discarded and termed dead. History no doubt is preserved in the museums to take reference from, to enlighten the minds, to study the scope of improvement.Fri, 06 Aug 2010 08:28:55 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/1032/conservation-and-restoration-a-need-or-fadhttps://www.boloji.com/articles/1031/ceramic-tiles-and-the-influence-on-architectureArchitectural development cannot be talked about without the mention of building materials. Discovery of each new building material shows the advent of new technology and thus, marks the beginning of a new era, a new style, a trend in the architectural construction and its techniques. When early man left caves and graduated to hutments, Mud became the main building material. The accidental discovery of fire not only changed the way of living but also the place of living, transforming the sun-dried mud bricks to baked mud bricks. Terracotta (baked earth), the evergreen building material, paved the path for Ceramics and its vitality & indispensability till date to the field of Architecture.Fri, 06 Aug 2010 08:17:24 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/1031/ceramic-tiles-and-the-influence-on-architecturehttps://www.boloji.com/articles/1030/the-indian-vernacular-a-rich-traditionWed, 01 Sep 2010 09:34:52 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/1030/the-indian-vernacular-a-rich-traditionhttps://www.boloji.com/articles/1029/the-auroville-experimentSat, 20 Nov 2010 03:01:24 -0600https://www.boloji.com/articles/1029/the-auroville-experimenthttps://www.boloji.com/articles/1028/post-colonial-india-and-its-architecture--iiiWith a few brief exceptions, post-independence Indian politics till the 1990s was dominated largely by the Congress party, each time with a representative of the Nehru-Gandhi family at the helm, who alone seemed to be able to guarantee a certain unity. Principally backed by Nehru and his coterie of advisers, India with its five-year plans embarked on a socialist model of development that featured a top-heavy State with minimal delegation of power to the regions or to district-level representative bodies. This socialist-industrial model called for massive State-controlled investment in heavy industry and associated activitiesSat, 20 Nov 2010 13:27:41 -0600https://www.boloji.com/articles/1028/post-colonial-india-and-its-architecture--iiihttps://www.boloji.com/articles/1027/post-colonial-india-and-its-architecture--iiSat, 20 Nov 2010 13:26:59 -0600https://www.boloji.com/articles/1027/post-colonial-india-and-its-architecture--iihttps://www.boloji.com/articles/1026/post-colonial-india-and-its-architecture--iIn the ranks of those who have contributed substantially to architectural practice and discourse in South Asia is Charles Correa. Born in 1930 of Goan origin, Correa studied at the University of Michigan, and then the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, before establishing a practice in Bombay. Over the span of a career starting in the early 1950s to the present day, Correa has evolved a distinctive style of his own and has been a chief actor or major participant in various influential projects that shape and give definition to postcolonial South Asian architecture .Sat, 20 Nov 2010 13:25:53 -0600https://www.boloji.com/articles/1026/post-colonial-india-and-its-architecture--ihttps://www.boloji.com/articles/1025/towards-re-writing-a-history-of-indian-architectureSat, 20 Nov 2010 02:39:50 -0600https://www.boloji.com/articles/1025/towards-re-writing-a-history-of-indian-architecturehttps://www.boloji.com/articles/1024/Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:55:00 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/1024/https://www.boloji.com/articles/1016/the-city-of-chandigarh--iiWed, 04 Aug 2010 07:28:32 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/1016/the-city-of-chandigarh--iihttps://www.boloji.com/articles/1014/the-city-of-chandigarh--iIn 1947, at the command of the British viceroy and with the consent of the future leaders of India and Pakistan, Sir Radcliffe drew a line in the sand, dividing the British empire in the Indian subcontinent into two new entities: the nations of India and Pakistan. The rationale behind this division was ...Sat, 20 Nov 2010 02:33:14 -0600https://www.boloji.com/articles/1014/the-city-of-chandigarh--ihttps://www.boloji.com/articles/1013/partition-and-after-new-challenges-for-a-new-nationThe flames of partition subsiding, the new Indian State was faced with a gargantuan task. There was debilitating poverty. There were millions of refugees without a home. The State was short of almost everything, from food to medicines, from industry and infrastructure to skilled manpower, from housing to distribution systems for relief and aid. A massive nationwide program, thus, was launched.Sat, 09 Jul 2011 16:27:04 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/1013/partition-and-after-new-challenges-for-a-new-nationhttps://www.boloji.com/articles/1011/nascent-nationalism-and-indian-architectureFrom the middle of the 19th century, nationalistic currents in India began to be more and more pronounced. These were the result of English education making itself felt amongst the wealthier class of Indian on the one hand, and the efforts of indigenous reformers on the other, who felt that Indian traditional culture and customs were in danger of being wiped out by European culture. The first lot would go on to espouse increasing modernity and appropriation of the industrial, financial and governmental institutions of the West as a way for India to catch up with the developed world, while the second category would militate for a return to traditional values and culture systems as the path for India to recover her lost glory.Fri, 06 Aug 2010 05:45:54 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/1011/nascent-nationalism-and-indian-architecturehttps://www.boloji.com/articles/1008/british-colonial-architecture-towns-cantonments-amp-bungalowsWhile British supremacy did not change the fact that India was becoming rapidly urbanized, it did lead to new alignments and priorities, since the controlling power was now different. A number of new towns and new suburbs were built to house the British, and the pattern of new town planning changed.Thu, 02 Sep 2010 03:33:05 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/1008/british-colonial-architecture-towns-cantonments-amp-bungalowshttps://www.boloji.com/articles/1006/the-architecture-of-the-princely-statesSat, 20 Nov 2010 02:39:56 -0600https://www.boloji.com/articles/1006/the-architecture-of-the-princely-stateshttps://www.boloji.com/articles/1005/new-delhi-a-new-capitalThu, 02 Sep 2010 03:16:00 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/1005/new-delhi-a-new-capitalhttps://www.boloji.com/articles/1004/british-colonial-architecture-ivthe-seats-of-power--shimla-and-new-delhiWed, 04 Aug 2010 02:53:16 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/1004/british-colonial-architecture-ivthe-seats-of-power--shimla-and-new-delhihttps://www.boloji.com/articles/1001/british-colonial-architecture-iiia-search-for-an-imperial-styleThe debate in Britain in the 19th century was centered around the form imperial administration should take. While one school of thought spoke for preserving as much as possible the culture of the countries under rule, others spoke of supplanting native systems by a wholly British one.Sat, 20 Nov 2010 02:23:42 -0600https://www.boloji.com/articles/1001/british-colonial-architecture-iiia-search-for-an-imperial-stylehttps://www.boloji.com/articles/1000/british-colonial-architecture-iian-imperial-visionWith the defeat of Tipu Sultan of Mysore in 1799, the British became the most powerful political and military force in India. With this status came also the need and responsibility to govern territories under their control, and to be seen as a powerful, civilising force by the Indians.Sat, 20 Nov 2010 02:03:54 -0600https://www.boloji.com/articles/1000/british-colonial-architecture-iian-imperial-visionhttps://www.boloji.com/articles/997/british-colonial-architecture-iThe British East India Company made its presence felt in India in the 17th century, during the height of power of the Mughal empire. Instead of selling their own goods, the British eventually found it more profitable to sell Indian goods in Europe. The early days were hard.Sat, 20 Nov 2010 13:28:27 -0600https://www.boloji.com/articles/997/british-colonial-architecture-ihttps://www.boloji.com/articles/996/for-christians-and-spices-the-portuguese-and-the-estada-da-indiaWed, 01 Sep 2010 08:34:30 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/996/for-christians-and-spices-the-portuguese-and-the-estada-da-indiahttps://www.boloji.com/articles/995/mughal-decline-and-princely-architectureIn 1707, at the death of Aurangzeb, the Mughal empire was apparently intact and was still the premier power in the subcontinent. In 30 years, by 1739, the Mughal empire would have ceased to exist as a viable political entity. What caused this radical change?Fri, 25 Oct 2013 11:39:06 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/995/mughal-decline-and-princely-architecturehttps://www.boloji.com/articles/993/the-mughal-empire-the-taj-mahalThu, 02 Sep 2010 03:00:55 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/993/the-mughal-empire-the-taj-mahalhttps://www.boloji.com/articles/991/The reign of Shah Jahan was one of unparalleled prosperity. The Mughal empire now stretched across almost the whole subcontinent, and the imperial court was amongst the richest in the world. India ran a flourishing trade with Europe and the East. Embassies and foreign diplomats, among them the Englishman Thomas Roe, were present at the court. It seemed that the empire would last forever. Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:29:08 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/991/https://www.boloji.com/articles/989/the-mughal-empire-mosques-and-tombs--iHumayun's tomb is entered by a long axial processional path, which has on its way great gateways offering teasing views to the superstructure. The tomb itself is raised on an arcaded platform, under which can be found numerous lesser graves, which are ascribed to various nobles and workers who served Humayun.Wed, 15 Sep 2010 08:07:01 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/989/the-mughal-empire-mosques-and-tombs--ihttps://www.boloji.com/articles/986/the-mughal-empire-splendor-and-decadence-in-delhiSat, 20 Nov 2010 01:50:57 -0600https://www.boloji.com/articles/986/the-mughal-empire-splendor-and-decadence-in-delhihttps://www.boloji.com/articles/984/fatehpur-sikri--the-city-of-victoryAfter his victories over the Rajputs, Akbar commemorated his achievement by the building of a new capital. The city was called Fatehpur Sikri and was close to the imperial fort of Agra. Here, within six kilometres of defensive wall, Akbar built palaces, courts of audience, hunting lodges, mosques and triumphal portals.Sat, 20 Nov 2010 02:00:17 -0600https://www.boloji.com/articles/984/fatehpur-sikri--the-city-of-victoryhttps://www.boloji.com/articles/981/the-mughal-empire-fortresses-and-citadelsMughal architecture owes its origins to its religion, Islam, as a showpiece of prestige and power, for pleasure, and for death. These concepts are reflected in great mosques, forts, durbars and palaces, gardens and pools, and finally, tombs. Formally and artistically, Mughal architecture owes as much to its genealogical origins among the Safavids and Timurids, as it does to the syncretism of its patrons, notably Akbar and Shah Jahan.Thu, 02 Sep 2010 02:38:48 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/981/the-mughal-empire-fortresses-and-citadelshttps://www.boloji.com/articles/979/a-quirk-of-fateSat, 20 Nov 2010 01:39:19 -0600https://www.boloji.com/articles/979/a-quirk-of-fatehttps://www.boloji.com/articles/977/rajput-architecturethe-beginning-of-a-national-identityThu, 02 Sep 2010 02:30:29 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/977/rajput-architecturethe-beginning-of-a-national-identityhttps://www.boloji.com/articles/975/the-deccan-golconda-and-bijapurThe dynasties which supplanted the enfeebled Bahamanis in the Deccan early in the 16th century continued ardently patronage of architecture. Of these, the Qutb Shahis of Golconda and the Adil Shahis of Bijapur were especially active. Of their military works, the citadels, one each at Golconda and Bijapur, are testimony to the eventual might of these dynasties and cause for their long resistance against the Mughals. The heroic exploits of Chand Bibi, the Sultana of Bijapur, against Murad, son of Aurangzeb, are at least as celebrated as those of Rani Lakshmibai or Razia Sultana.Sat, 09 Apr 2011 03:53:23 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/975/the-deccan-golconda-and-bijapurhttps://www.boloji.com/articles/973/the-deccan-gulbarga-and-bidarMon, 11 Jul 2011 08:23:41 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/973/the-deccan-gulbarga-and-bidarhttps://www.boloji.com/articles/970/brick-and-bamboo-at-bengalBengal was one of the foremost provincial Islamic outposts, beginning with A.D. 1193, when Muhammad Bakhtiyar Khilji extended Muslim rule right down to the ancient capital of Gaur. It is interesting to note that it was in the same year that Qutb-ud-Din Aibak established the Sultanate in Delhi. The reason for this rapid conquest, when closer places like Malwa took many years to subdue, was principally that the Ganges provided a great waterway to facilitate the movement, and so hordes of troop transports could navigate the river with ease all the way down to its estuary.Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:41:12 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/970/brick-and-bamboo-at-bengalhttps://www.boloji.com/articles/969/the-pleasure-palaces-of-manduMon, 11 Apr 2011 00:16:29 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/969/the-pleasure-palaces-of-manduhttps://www.boloji.com/articles/943/integration-and-absorptionregional-variations-of-islamic-architectureThe Muslim rulers of Gujarat produced architecture on as grand a scale as their Hindu and Jain predecessors. As in Delhi, the first building material for the earliest mosques and tombs came from the demolition of temples in the area.Fri, 06 Aug 2010 02:11:39 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/943/integration-and-absorptionregional-variations-of-islamic-architecturehttps://www.boloji.com/articles/939/the-end-of-the-delhi-sultanateThe invasion of Timurlane left Delhi sacked and in ruins. The once mighty city of the Delhi Sultanate, home to kings and dynasties, was left a shattered wreck. It took more than a century for the city to regain a semblance of its former prestige, first under the Sayyids and then under the Lodis .Sun, 22 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0600https://www.boloji.com/articles/939/the-end-of-the-delhi-sultanatehttps://www.boloji.com/articles/937/firoz-shah-and-afterAfter the capricious reign of Muhammed bin Tughlaq, his cousin, the devout (and even bigoted!) Firoz Shah Tughlaq (1351-1388 A.D.) became Sultan. Firoz Shah inherited, thanks largely to the disastrous policies of his predecessor, nearly empty coffers and a disintegrating empire. This did not stop him from embarking on a vigorous campaign of buildingFri, 06 Aug 2010 02:02:46 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/937/firoz-shah-and-afterhttps://www.boloji.com/articles/935/the-tughlaq-yearsIt was a time of elation. It was a time of rediscovery. From the corners of the land they came, the master builders, for a new Sultan had taken his seat. And in his old years, he had seen history. Seen empires rise and fall. And was laying the foundation of what he hoped would be an empire that would last far beyond his approaching death.Thu, 02 Sep 2010 01:03:15 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/935/the-tughlaq-yearshttps://www.boloji.com/articles/932/the-megalomania-of-ala-ud-din-khiljiAfter Shams-ud-Din Iltutmish, the Delhi Sultanate was marked by a long period of brief rules and frequent internecine warfare. This interregnum was to last for almost sixty years before any stable government could be re-established. Not surprisingly, there was little in the way of building achievement except for a few scattered tombs at Multan. The wars of succession and coronation left little scope to devote time or energy to artistic and architectural patronage .Sat, 20 Nov 2010 01:25:10 -0600https://www.boloji.com/articles/932/the-megalomania-of-ala-ud-din-khiljihttps://www.boloji.com/articles/929/consolidation-and-continuation-the-beginnings-of-an-indo-islamic-cultureShams-ud-Din Iltutmish (A.D. 1211-1236), succeeding to the throne after Qutb-ud-Din's death in a freak polo accident, was an energetic builder. The first of his notable works was the addition of a facade to the Arhai-din ka Jhompra (literally, hut of two-and-a-half days) mosque built by his predecessor at the military encampment of Ajmer in Rajasthan.Sat, 09 Apr 2011 03:29:46 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/929/consolidation-and-continuation-the-beginnings-of-an-indo-islamic-culturehttps://www.boloji.com/articles/928/the-towers-of-godThere were two ways of consolidating power - militarily and theocratically. Once the immediate military aims were achieved, Qutb-ud-Din set about to establish himself not just as a marauding invader, but a proselytizing missionary. The first mosque in India, the Quwwatu'l Islam (The Might of Islam) was constructed by destroying, in Qutb-ud-Din's own words, 27 Hindu and Jain temples in the region.Sat, 20 Nov 2010 01:22:42 -0600https://www.boloji.com/articles/928/the-towers-of-godhttps://www.boloji.com/articles/925/the-islamic-influenceThe development of Indo-Islamic architecture from its crude beginnings in the early 12th century to its heyday is not just a story about architecture, it is a whole new civilization developing in the fertile plains of India which left an indelible mark on its future.Sat, 20 Nov 2010 01:21:07 -0600https://www.boloji.com/articles/925/the-islamic-influencehttps://www.boloji.com/articles/923/The conquest of the North by the marauding forces of Islam had already sounded the death-knell for most of the Hindu empires, with the exception of a few proud Rajput strongholds. The Sultans of Delhi were now in the process of consolidation and administration, and little by little Muslim rule and the Persian-Saracenic way of life began to permeate throughout the land. The south however was largely ignored, with the rulers of Delhi leaving a governor in Daulatabad who nominally ruled in the name of the Sultan but in reality was a law unto himself. Before long, the inevitable happened with these governors revolting and naming themselves the true rulers.Sat, 20 Nov 2010 01:19:25 -0600https://www.boloji.com/articles/923/https://www.boloji.com/articles/921/the-hoysalas-of-karnatakaThe flourishing temple styles in North India - both the Khajuraho and the Orissi versions - were brought to a rude end with the Muslim invasion. When the Muslims consolidated their hold over North India, temple-building activity virtually stopped. Entire families of skilled craftsmen were now presented with two choices - the first of which was to work for their new masters and abandon the idea of building a temple as an offering to God. This resulted in the fusion of Persian and Indian building styles and was to result in an entirely new idiom, as we shall see later .Sat, 09 Apr 2011 03:20:38 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/921/the-hoysalas-of-karnatakahttps://www.boloji.com/articles/919/the-temple-cities-of-the-southThe Gopuram (literally Cow-Gate), was erected primarily to emphasize the importance of the temple within the city precincts without in any way altering the form of the temple itself. The formal aspects of the Gopuram were evolved slowly over time. It had to be towering, massive and impressive. But it was not felt necessary to repeat verbatim the square-based form of the temple Vimana. This could be due to the fact that the square was a essentially a static form, signifying calm and rest, while the entrance gateway needed to have some dynamism.Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:20:41 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/919/the-temple-cities-of-the-southhttps://www.boloji.com/articles/916/tamil-magnificence-developments-in-south-indiaIn the 10th and 11th centuries, the south too witnessed the construction of massive temples, great cathedrals in their own right. With the passage of time, the Chola dynasty came to dominate politics in south India. With their progression to power, the small scale of the Pallava masterpieces - the rathas and the Shore temple at Mahabalipuram - was not sufficient as a showpiece of Chola power. The craftsmen were soon to be put to a greater test .Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:28:41 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/916/tamil-magnificence-developments-in-south-indiahttps://www.boloji.com/articles/913/hindu-temple-architecture-in-the-north-the-glorious-culminationSun, 15 May 2011 01:24:18 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/913/hindu-temple-architecture-in-the-north-the-glorious-culminationhttps://www.boloji.com/articles/911/theories-and-principles-of--indian-temple-constructionFor God's own abode, the form had to be perfect and this limited the choice of shapes to the circle - a form without beginning and end, and the square - perfect for its symmetry. The circle had already been extensively used by the Buddhists in their Stupas and moreover, was perceived to be too dynamic a form for the resting place of the gods. For the Hindus, their gods had to be installed in buildings symbolizing unity, inertia and permanence. The square, thus, was chosen for these qualities .Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:17:01 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/911/theories-and-principles-of--indian-temple-constructionhttps://www.boloji.com/articles/908/north-indian-style-evolvesTemple building in India, by the Mediaeval Age, had gradually crystallized into two main streams - the north Indian or Indo-Aryan, and the Dravidian in south India. The north Indian style was manifested over a large geographical area, from Gujarat in the west to Orissa in the East. These disparate developments often were the basis of regional schools of art and architecture, and were the intermediate steps in the continuing process of the evolution of the Hindu TempleSat, 06 Oct 2018 00:00:00 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/908/north-indian-style-evolveshttps://www.boloji.com/articles/905/elephanta-cavesSat, 20 Nov 2010 01:07:58 -0600https://www.boloji.com/articles/905/elephanta-caveshttps://www.boloji.com/articles/902/rock-cut-architectureRock-cut architecture occupies a very important place in the history of Indian Architecture. This differs from 'building up' in many important ways. Firstly, the art is more akin to sculpture than architecture, in that a solid body of material (rock) is taken, the final product visualized and cutting/carving starts. Secondly, the mason is not overly concerned with spans, forces, beams, columns, and all the other architectural features - these can be carved, but are seldom playing any structural role. None of the regions where rock-cut architecture can be found - namely Egypt, Assyria, Persia and Greece - show as wide a range of work or an audacious imagination as India .Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:05:15 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/902/rock-cut-architecturehttps://www.boloji.com/articles/900/poetry-in-stone-crystallization-of-the-hindu-templeThe principal architectural features of a temple are as follows: The sanctuary as a whole is called a vimana, and the pyramidal or tapering roof above this is called the shikhara. Inside the vimana is a dark chamber, the cella, called the garbha-griha (literally the womb-house'), and this is entered by a doorway on one side. In front of the doorway is a pillared hall, or mandapa, which serves as an assembly for devotees. In some examples the mandapa is detached from the vimana by an open space. Leading up to the mandapa is a porch or ardh-mandapa. In some parts of the country it was common to enclose the temple complex by a boundary wall made of rectangular cells facing inward, thus forming a courtyard.Sat, 20 Nov 2010 01:02:48 -0600https://www.boloji.com/articles/900/poetry-in-stone-crystallization-of-the-hindu-templehttps://www.boloji.com/articles/898/the-evolution-of-the-templeThe cyclic nature of history demands a renaissance after every Dark Age. It was no different in India - the age that followed has been described as the greatest intellectual awakening in the sub-continent. A large part of the country came under the political control of the Gupta dynasty, which reached its zenith around 400 AD. The culture of the Guptas and their innate Brahmanism gave a fillip to the arts, and in the field of architecture fundamental progress was made .Sat, 20 Nov 2010 01:01:27 -0600https://www.boloji.com/articles/898/the-evolution-of-the-templehttps://www.boloji.com/articles/896/communion-with-the-soul-the-rise-of-buddhismThe Buddhist Stupa: A trip through rural India reveals the countryside to be dotted with shrines of all sizes, shapes and denominations. (The more famous ones also have a certain notoriety, such that if you frequent them, people look at you a trifle askance!)Sat, 20 Nov 2010 00:58:16 -0600https://www.boloji.com/articles/896/communion-with-the-soul-the-rise-of-buddhismhttps://www.boloji.com/articles/894/the-vedic-ageThe Aryans did not settle into the well-planned cities of the Harappan culture, and instead preferred to clear forests around the riverbanks of the Gangetic plain and settle in small villages. This could be due to the inherent dislike of a pastoral people to settle in one place for very long, and thus their innate suspicion of any hint of permanence.Fri, 05 Oct 2018 00:00:00 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/894/the-vedic-agehttps://www.boloji.com/articles/892/the-indus-valley-civilization-images-from-antiquityThe Indus Valley Civilization, or the Harappan Culture, formed the earliest urban civilization on the Indian sub-continent, and one of the earliest in the world. Its unique urban characteristics ensure it a place in the annals of world architecture. However, before discussing these, it is worthwhile to briefly examine the history of its discovery.Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:22:52 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/892/the-indus-valley-civilization-images-from-antiquityhttps://www.boloji.com/articles/889/introducing...a-history-of-indian-architectureOne definition of a great civilization is the magnificence of its architectural legacy, and India is surely among the foremost. The country is dotted with the remains of ages gone by, many world famous like the Taj and Qutab Minar, and some still cloaked in obscurity, off the tourist circuit, waiting to be 'discovered', but architectural gems nevertheless. In a perfect world, we would all be traveling, exploring and writing for a living, seeing monuments, marveling at the ineffable genius of builders long dead, imagining our world in the age of kings, dreaming of empires long gone and their pomp and glory .Sat, 09 Apr 2011 02:44:12 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/889/introducing...a-history-of-indian-architecture