What is the difference between Indian and Islamic style of architecture?
The existence of architecture dates back to the existence of
mankind. However, it developed with the imprints of cultural, social and
economic transformation of the world.
Indian and Islamic art has been a vital and crucial part of our society since eternity. Though
both the art forms have developed simultaneously over a period of time, there
are some basic differences among the two.
How is Indian architecture different from Islamic architecture?
In this article, we will discuss the differences between
these two popular architecture styles.
·
Purpose
Indian architecture was basically developed
for temples. The art form was developed to design a beautiful home for God, the
place where the devotees visit and obtain the darshan of God and Goddess. Most
of the sacred pilgrimages were designed with Indian Art only.
On the contrary, Islamic architecture was
developed for constructing tombs and mosques. There are arches, beams, pillars,
lintels, cuts and polished stones that characterise a mosque. Moreover, there
is extensive use of lime and pure white mortar.
As per the Islamic architecture, the walls
of the structure are covered with inlays of gold, silver and precious metals.
Next are tombs, where an actual grave is built in an underground chamber. The
tomb structures are usually surrounded by a garden and are surrounded by small
square areas known as chaar bagh.
·
Decoration
Temples are decorated with images of living
beings, Then there are Kalash, auspicious art, Padam, chakra etc to represent faith.
On the other place, representation of
living beings is prohibited in Islam. There are calligraphic and geometrical
designs.
·
Style
Indian architecture is popularly known as the
trabeate style. There are three main styles: Nagara skills, Visara Style and
Dravida Style.
However, Islamic architecture is popular
for Mehrab style. There are three styles of Islamic architecture: Greco-Roman
tradition, Eastern tradition and Indian style.
Islamic architecture is a unique blend of
Persian and Indian styles.
·
Construction
Both Indian and Islamic architectural
styles have different styles of construction. The different construction styles
are the result of the geographical, climatic, ethnic, racial, historical, and
linguistic diversities. Temples have pyramidical shaped centre tower as well as
beehive-shaped curvilinear tower.
On the contrary, the architectural expression
of Islamic art is focused on interior decoration, courtyard and geometric
design.
Temples have vertical and horizontal elements that are joined using brackets while in Islamic architecture the empty space is filled using mehrabs, arches, vaults and domes etc.
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