Exploring Cultural Influences on Architectural Styles

Several cultures have influenced Indian culture over the millennia. And its impact on architecture is evident across the length and breadth of the sub-continent.

Cultural impact on architectural styles is essential to the curriculum for the Bachelor of Architecture in Jaipur and universities across India. We will explore the integral relationship between culture and architecture in general and specifically in Indian architecture. Read it as a reference. For one of the top architecture colleges in Jaipur, we recommend the School of Architecture and Design at Manipal University Jaipur.

Cultural Influences on Architectural Styles

As an architecture student, you must understand how significantly culture influences architecture. A country's culture and the influence of other cultures reshape architectural styles. It speaks a lot about the values, beliefs, events, traditions, and lifestyles of people in that period. Here are some crucial ways in which culture impacts architecture.

Historical and Traditional Styles

Several architectural styles deeply connect with a particular culture's traditions and history. For example, sliding paper doors and tatami mats of traditional Japanese architecture are deeply related to the culture and lifestyle of the Japanese. Pointed arches and ribbed vaults of Gothic architecture of Europe reflect the religious beliefs of Christians.

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Religious Influence

Religious beliefs and processes of worship have a profound influence on architecture. Architectural styles of Temples, Gurudwara, Mosques, Churches, and others reflect specific religious beliefs and traditions. Religion being an integral part of culture, it is another influence on architecture worldwide. For example, Garbhagriha, Mandapa and Shikhara are core aspects of Temples, Dome, Cross, Steeples, etc., representing different Christian beliefs and essential aspects of Church architecture.

Climate and Environment

Cultural and social practices adapt to local weather, climate patterns and environmental factors. It reflects in architectural designs. For example, homes and buildings in colder regions are designed to receive good sunlight and ensure maximum insulation. In arid and hot areas, thick walls and small windows are common sights in buildings to keep the heat out.

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Other Ways Culture Affects Architecture Styles

Cultural Influences on Indian Architectural Styles

A Medley of cultures has affected Indian architecture over the centuries. The best universities of Rajasthan offer a comprehensive curriculum focusing on changing architectural styles in India through centuries under the influence of different cultures, including British, Turkish, Mongolian, Mughals, Portuguese and more.

Among the many cultural influences Indian architecture experienced, the British colonial period left a lasting impact across the sub-continent. We can see a fusion of different European styles like Neoclassical, Baroque, and Gothic Revival with Indian architectural forms.

Indo-European styles merged with Indo-Islamic forms and created the Indo-Saracenic architectural style. Prominent examples of Indo-Saracenic architectural style are The Victoria Memorial, designed by Sir William Emerson, The Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles in Mumbai, and more.

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British architecture also introduced the Gothic style, which became the Indo-Gothic style after its fusion with Indian architecture. Also, Neo-Roman architecture was introduced here in 1911.

Indian architecture styles have been influenced by multiple cultures and formed several fusion architectural styles. Prominent ones are mentioned below.

Indo-Islamic Architecture

From the Sultanate period to the Mughals, Islamic art forms have penetrated Indian architecture significantly. The fusion of Indian and Islamic art forms created the Indo-Islamic architecture style. Examples: Red Fort, Lahore Fort, Shalimar Gardens, Bagh-e-Babur, Jama Masjid Delhi, Taj Mahal, Bibi ka Maqbara, etc.

European Styles

British, Portuguese, French and other European countries arrived on the shores of India through annals of time and brought their architectural styles with them. Examples of a few prominent structures across India reflect a fusion of Indian and European architectural styles.

Neoclassical architecture: Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad, Bangalore Town Hall in Bangalore, Metcalfe Hall and more

Dutch architecture: Mattancherry Palace, also known as The Dutch Palace in Kochi

British architecture: The Writers' Building, The Raj Bhawan in Kolkata, Victoria Terminus in Mumbai and more

Indo-Portuguese architecture: Se Cathedral in Goa

French architecture: Notre Dame des Anges church in Puducherry, The French Institute and Consulate-General, French Palace and more

Buddhist Architecture

Arches, courtyards, and lattice screens are some of the prominent architectural styles of Buddhist culture brought into India and can be seen in buildings across India.

Apart from foreign cultural influences on Indian architecture, we have our own architectural styles that go back more than 4500 years. Indian architecture began with Indus Valley Civilisation around 2600 B.C. and evolved through time. Religious and secular architecture is visible across India.

To Conclude

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