Difference Between Indian and Islamic Style Architecture is that Indian style of architectures are mainly Temples, Rock cut Caves and Palaces, Whereas, Islamic Style of architecture includes Tombs, Forts and Mosques.

Examples of Indian Style of Architecture includes Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple, Puri Jagannathan Temple

Examples of Islamic Style of Architecture includes Taj Mahal and Red Fort in Delhi.

The evolution of Indian architecture over the ages can be classified into three distinct phases: Ancient, Medieval, and Modern. In addition to religion and culture, regional, climatic, ethnic, racial, historical, and linguistic factors also have an impact on Indian architectural style. Whereas Islamic architecture incorporates a variety of architectural designs, including Roman, Byzantine, Persian, Mesopotamian, and Indian forms which developed after the rise of Islam. The Difference between Indian and Islamic Style Architecture is one of the most important topics for the UPSC IAS Examination.

Download PDF Difference between Indian and Islamic Style Architecture for UPSC Exam Now!

Difference between Indian and Islamic Style Architecture

Following table provides a detailed comparison of Indian and Islamic styles of Architecture.

Comparative Analysis Of Indian and Islamic Style Architectures
Indian Style of Architecture	Islamic Style of Architecture
Indian Style of Architecture developed throughout a number of ages in diverse portions and areas of the nation.	Islamic Style of Architecture developed after the arrival of Islam, though it was influenced by Roman, Byzantine, Persian, and Mesopotamian architecture.
In this, living things’ representations were used to embellish temples.	Islam strictly forbids the depiction of living things.
The Indus Valley Civilization, the world’s first urban civilization noted for its town planning and engineering prowess, is where architectural buildings can be found.	Islamic Style of Architecture is a later age phenomenon.
The most notable architectural styles are rock-cut caves, temples, reservoirs, palaces, and forts.	The most notable architectural styles are the Mosque, Tomb, Palace, and Fort.
It is commonly referred to as “trabeate Style.”	It is frequently referred to as “Mehrab Style.”
Padam, chakra, swastika, Kalash, etc. were all shown under the auspicious art.	Calligraphy and geometrical patterns served as the foundation for Indo-Islamic architecture.
The three architectural styles used in Indian temples are Nagara Style, Visara Style, and Dravida Style.	Islamic architecture can be divided into three styles: Greco-Roman style; Indian style and Eastern style (Mesopotamia and Persia).
Temple’s central tower (Vimana) is the shape of a pyramid, and its curvilinear tower has a beehive appearance (Shikhara).	More emphasis was placed on the geometric design, courtyard, and internal ornamentation in Islamic architecture.
It contained both horizontal and vertical components that were connected by brackets.	Using mihrab, arches, vaults, domes, etc., the vacant spaces are filled.
Geographical, climatic, ethnic, racial, historical, and linguistic diversities led to the numerous architectural styles used in construction in various regions.	This building’s architectural expression concentrated on the geometric pattern, courtyard, and interior décor.
Some famous examples are Sun Temple, Brihadeswara Temple, Lingaraja Temple, Amer Fort, and Chittorgarh Fort.	Some famous examples are Taj Mahal, Humayun’s Tomb, Red Fort, Jama Masjid of Delhi, Moti Masjid, and Shalimar Gardens

Background on Indian and Islamic Style Architecture

Indian Style of Architecture

Indian architecture is influenced by its history, culture, and religion. It has a long and rich heritage of architecture that dates back thousands of years. It incorporates the architectural customs of the Indian subcontinent, which today include Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India.

The Numerous Types of Hindu Temple Architecture, Forts Architecture, and Cave Architecture of India are only a few of the well-known architectural styles. The earliest remains are from the numerous Buddhist but also Hindu and Jain rock-cut building sites. The Dravidian style of the south and the Nagara style of the north, along with various regional styles, make up the majority of Hindu temple buildings.

Islamic Style of Architecture

The beginning of Muslim authority in India at the end of the 12th century brought together two significant architectural traditions, namely Indian architecture, and Muslim Architecture, giving rise to Indo-Islamic Architecture or Islamic Architecture. The Trabeate style of architecture was replaced by the Arcuate style with the addition of arches and domes.

Islamic kings surrounded mosques and mausoleums with minars and the mortar served as a cementing agent during construction. Contrary to earlier constructions, which made use of sculptures, now calligraphy gained popularity. Space, size, and width were added by Islamic architecture. In architecture, geometry was used as a decorative theme.

Islamic architecture- Humayun Tomb

Indian architecture – Temple

Difference between Indian and Islamic Style Architecture

 Conclusion

In India, the art of architecture was in heritage. From Indus valley civilization to Buddhism and temple construction, architecture was prominent. In the Medieval Era with the entrance of the Muslims, a number of new architectural features and techniques were introduced in India. The blend of both is known as Indo-Islamic architecture. Indian and Islamic Style Architecture has many similarities and differences but both are dependent on each other and blend into each other.

Also read: Difference Between Gandhara and Mathura School of Art for UPSC Art and Culture.

UPSC Previous Year Questions

1. Consider the following statements regarding Islamic Style Architecture

1. A) Islamic architecture is divided into three styles: Greco-Roman style; Indian style and Eastern style.
2. B) It is commonly referred to as “trabeate Style.
3. C) Most notable architectural styles are the Mosque, Tomb, Palace, and Fort

D)Calligraphy and geometrical patterns served as the foundation for Islamic architecture.( 2019)

1. A and B
2. B only
3. A, C, and D
4. A and D only

We hope that all your doubts regarding the difference between Indian and Islamic Style Architecture will be cleared after going through this article. You can download the Testbook App now to check out various other topics relevant to the UPSC IAS Exam

भारतीय और इस्लामी शैली की वास्तुकला में अंतर हिंदी में भी जानें!