Architecture for Mains

Nagara Architecture of Ayodhya’s Ram Temple – UPSC GS1

 The grand temple at Rama Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya will follow the Nagara style of temple architecture. What is Nagara style of temple architecture? The basic form of a Hindu temple contains the following architectural elements: Garbhagriha – the small room where the principal deity/deities of the temple reside Mandapa – the portico or hall at …

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Modern Architecture – UPSC GS1

Do we have anything today as representative of Modern Architecture which could be compared with our old buildings? Critically examine. (200 Words) The architecture practices of modern times were quite different from Indian old buildings but till share some common features. The modern form of architecture was developed by the distinct and far more developed …

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Indo-Islamic or Indo-Saracenic – UPSC GS1

What do you understand by the term ‘Indo-Islamic’ or ‘Indo-Saracenic’ architecture? How did this architecture evolve in India? Discuss. (200 Words) Indo-Islamic architecture in India is neither an exclusive local variant of Islamic architecture nor it is another kind of Indigenous style. Instead it is assimilation of both Islamic and Indian design and methods. It …

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Buddh/Jain architecture – UPSC GS1

Impact of Buddhism/Jainism on architecture: Emergence of Buddhism and Jainism helped in the development of early architectural style. Buddha’s burial mounds and places of major events in his life became important landmarks of the significant architectural buildings in the country. These became important sites for Buddha’s order of monks and nuns – the sangha. Monasteries …

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Buddhist Stupa – UPSC GS1

The Buddhist Stupas were built at places where Buddha’s remains were preserved and at the major sites where important events in Buddha’s life took place. Stupas were built of huge mounds of mud, enclosed in carefully burnt small standard bricks. The Buddhist Stupa is a form of architecture, comprising a hemispherical dome, a solid structure …

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Barabar Caves – Lomas Rishi – UPSC GS1

“Lomas Rishi cave in the Barabar Hills of Bihar and gateways of some of Buddhist stupas are an excellent example showing true imitations in stone of early wooden constructions.” Examine. (150 Words) The Mauryan period was initially dominated by timber as is corroborated by accounts of Kautilya and Megasthenes. Ashoka was the first Mauryan to …

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