EVOLUTION OF HINDU ARCHITECTURE IN INDIA

Abstract

While Muslim architecture continued to flourish during the medieval period, Hindu art continued to receive patronage from Hindu princes. Hindu princes built temples, powerful forts in traditional Hindu style. However, he did not pay much attention to the construction of palaces. As a result several Hindu schools of architecture developed in different parts of the country. The distinctive features of Hindu architecture were narrow pillars of circular section with base and capital, pilasters, corbetts or chajjas, graceful tapering arches, lavish ornamental designs and attractive well shapes. Hindu architecture remained free from Islamic architectural ideas during the early period of Muslim rule in India. However, Islamic architectural ideas found their way into Hindu architecture during the time of the Mughals. For a complete understanding of Hindu architecture in medieval times, it is desirable to make a detailed study of the various monuments of the period.