Architecture Identity for India

~Aishwarya KA 

(4th sem) 1MS09

Indian Architecture is based on its society, religion and customs. India is known for its diverse cultures which includes art and architecture. From the Indus civilization to the outstanding Taj, Indian architecture has always been greatly appreciated. The recently built Akshardham Temple has also received a lot of positive criticism worldwide. Architecture in India has been evolving constantly; as a result it is hard to connect it to a single entity.  Architecture for “India” becomes hard to summarize. The search for identity continues.

Architecture of India has many branches spreading from a single tree. Diversity is obvious because of its constant invasions throughout history. Each community or area in India is known for its own style and customs. The temple construction from south India varies so much from the north that it is hard to say they are from the same country. Muslim and Buddhist architecture also varied from place to place to suit the climate and culture. India doesn’t particularly have a “vernacular architecture” of its own because each place has its own local style.

India on one hand wants to revive its rich historical past which has been varying due to outside influences from Arabs, Persians, and Mughals.etc and is accepted by all Indians without any predetermined conclusions. On the other hand, India wants to set up itself as a growing nation with its head held high and walk with flamboyance.  This conflict puts in the country in confusion. The traditional old or the innovative new?

Urban development in India has risen rapidly over the past few years. The construction of many IT parks, office buildings, and tall apartments have come up such that cities are expanding in all directions.  The use of foreign technology is used a lot in the day to day construction process. Urban architecture is also influenced by overseas cultures. The shingles from Tibet, the columns from Greek and the verticality from gothic can be seen in various buildings throughout developing cities in India.

While the influence of other cultures progresses in cities, traditional architecture remains in the countryside. The buildings in rural areas vary from mud-plastered to reed thatched to timber framing according to the setting. For example, Rajasthan has architecture ongoing from its root which is a prominent symbol of the state. It strengthens the culture and customs and adds to the incessant necklace of India’s diversity. 

India being a newly independent nation and developing country, it would be reckless to stick to the past and not accept new technology which is accepted globally. Architecture & construction has seen new advancement in terms of technology and ecology over the past few years. The lifestyle change amongst the populace in India brings new requirements for designing every day. The growth and advancement of our country shows that we must actively participate in the technological trend that’s creating currents across the world. It is for this reason that, even in the most conservative country such as India, architects are designing buildings that are globally accepted.

Architecture in India can have many faces to itself; what is presently constructed is not a single idea or concept, but a blend of the past with the technological advancement of the world. The past and the present are juxtaposed. While it is obvious for India to have countless ideas, it is also shows an edge of astounding styles of construction. Indian architecture might be haunted by the past, but it has achieved an independence of spirit while staying part of the global network.