Art & Architecture: Buddhist, Hindu, Islamic, Colonial
Delhi Police Exam History Section
1) Buddhist Art & Architecture
Features:
Started during Mauryan → flourished in Post Mauryan period
Symbolic representation initially (Stupa, wheel etc)
Later → Buddha depicted in human form
Important Structures:
Stupas (Sanchi Stupa)
Chaitya Grihas (Karle Caves)
Viharas (Monasteries, Ajanta caves)
Gandhara & Mathura Schools of Art
2) Hindu Art & Architecture
Features:
Temple based architecture
Idol worship, Garbhagriha concept
Two major temple styles:
| Style | Region | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Nagara | North India | Khajuraho Temples |
| Dravida | South India | Brihadeshwara Temple (Tanjore) |
Sculptures:
Highly detailed, mythological stories, gods, goddesses
3) Islamic Art & Architecture (Medieval India)
Features:
Use of arches, domes, minarets, calligraphy
Floral + geometric designs (no idol worship designs)
Marble inlay work
Important Examples:
Qutub Minar
Alai Darwaza
Humayun's Tomb
Taj Mahal
4) Colonial Architecture (British Period)
Features:
Blend of European + Indian styles
Classical, Gothic, Neo-classical, Indo-Saracenic styles
Important Examples:
Victoria Memorial (Kolkata)
Rashtrapati Bhavan (New Delhi)
Gateway of India (Mumbai)
Parliament House
Quick Recap
| Type | Key Feature | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Buddhist | Stupas & Caves | Sanchi, Ajanta |
| Hindu | Temple architecture | Khajuraho, Brihadeshwara |
| Islamic | Arches, Domes, Minarets | Taj Mahal, Qutub Minar |
| Colonial | European + Indian blend | Victoria Memorial |
Sample Question
Differentiate between Nagara and Dravida styles of temple architecture with examples.
Nagara Style: North Indian temples with curved shikhara (tower), e.g., Khajuraho Temples. Dravida Style: South Indian temples with pyramid-shaped vimana (tower) and gopurams (gateway towers), e.g., Brihadeshwara Temple, Tanjore.
Previous Year Questions
Sanchi Stupa is related to which religion?
Year: Previous Year
View Answer
Buddhism
Which temple style belongs to North India?
Year: Previous Year
View Answer
Nagara Style
Taj Mahal is an example of which type of architecture?
Year: Previous Year
View Answer
Islamic/Mughal Architecture
You've completed Art & Architecture Concepts!
Courage Tip: Focus on identifying key features of each architectural style - Buddhist (stupas, caves), Hindu (temple styles - Nagara & Dravida), Islamic (arches, domes, minarets), and Colonial (European-Indian blend). Remember famous examples for each type and their locations. The differences between Nagara and Dravida temple styles are frequently tested. Understanding the religious and cultural influences on each architectural style will help in answering descriptive questions.
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