Daily Answer Writing GS 1 (Art and Culture)

Subject: GS 1

Syllabus: Art and Culture: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.

Questions

1. Introduction of Islamic architectural features saw its intermingling with indigenous architecture, which resulted in many similarities and differences. Discuss. (150 Words, 10 Marks)
2. The Vijayanagara Empire used its riches to erect magnificent temples and introduce distinct features. Discuss and also enumerate these features.
   (250 Words, 15 Marks)

Model Structure

1. Introduction of Islamic architectural features saw its intermingling with indigenous architecture, which resulted in many similarities and differences. Discuss. (150 Words, 10 Marks)

Model Structure (use diagram to enrich this answer)

Introduction

• The Indo-Islamic or Indo-Saracenic architecture involves intermixing of Indian and Islamic style which was a result of Muslim rule in India mainly after 10^th century CE.

Main Body

Many structures like minarets and tombs were built from scratch and some were converted from hitherto temple forms which led to this mixture of architectural forms. This can be understood by delineating differences and similarities between both architectures. The differences include:

• Style: Indian architecture is also known as trabeate style with horizontal beams and lintels as important features. Islamic style uses arcuate style which involves hemisphere structured top.
• Indian architecture used beams and columns whereas Indo-Islamic architecture has arches, domes and minarets as important features as evident in the Red Fort.
• Walls: Designs on walls of Indo-Islamic architecture are restricted to calligraphy, floral designs etc while Indian style has diverse designs like images of gods and goddesses, human images, nature etc. 
• Geometric Patterns: Islamic architecture is known for its intricate geometric patterns, such as arabesques, tessellations, and interlacing designs. These patterns were often adopted and adapted by indigenous cultures, finding their way into the decorative elements of buildings, especially in tile work, woodcarvings, and stucco ornamentation.

But due to local influences there are many similarities also which include-

• Local influences like carvings of bell motifs, toranas or gateways, lintels in mehrabs and depiction of trees are seen in both architecture.
• Assimilation of both forms was also the result of employing local labor and masons who were previously trained for Indian architecture.
• Materials used in few buildings are common because they are made on remnants of previously broken architecture. Like the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque in Qutub Complex.
• Building Techniques: Different regions had their construction techniques and craftsmanship traditions. With the introduction of Islamic architectural elements, new construction methods and artistic expressions emerged, leading to differences in how buildings were constructed and adorned.

Conclusion

• Indo-Islamic architecture has played a role in the evolution of modern architecture and created a heritage which has added to our tourism potential.

2. The Vijayanagara Empire used its riches to erect magnificent temples and introduce distinct features. Discuss and also enumerate these features. (250 Words, 15 Marks)

Model Structure

Introduction

• The reign of the Vijayanagara kings was a period of temple-building activity where granite was used as the primary material and soapstone was used for sculptures and other reliefs. It took inspiration from the Hoysala, Chalukya and Chola empires for architectural magnificence.

Main Body

• The base of the temple building was Dravidian style, which was integrated with some distinctive elements to make it Vijayanagara style.
  • Granite was sourced locally because it was as durable as seen in the temples of the Badami Chalukyas.
  • Vijayanagara temples were strongly fenced by pillared Kalyana mandapa and a Rayagopura i.e carved towers at the temple entrance.
  • Mortar was introduced by Islamic architecture, which is used extensively in Vijayanagara architecture.
  • The temples have secular designs like Islamic-inspired arches, vaults and domes.
• But it also developed a few distinctive features which were later used by other architectural styles. Some of them are-
  • Temples were specifically built to honour their monarchs, with entrances having gigantic gates with intricate carvings called Raya Gopurams.
  • In carved pillars, horse sculptures were used extensively, with platforms having monolithic statues of gods like Ganesh.
  • Marriage halls or Kalyana mantapa were a typical feature, which were made to conduct community marriages in temple premises.
  • Amman shrines were also built, which were dedicated to the god’s bride or wives and thus showed a feminist touch to temple building activity.
  • Large monolithic engravings are a chief feature that can be seen in the sculpture of Narasimha, built by Krishnadevaya.

Conclusion

• Vijayanagara encompassed the three primary cultural and linguistic regions of Kannada, Telugu, and Tamil and became the most powerful empire in South Indian history. It depicts the influence of Islamic architecture, which was also a result of trade routes.

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