Indian architecture is a diverse and culturally rich domain that has undergone significant evolution over millennia. It intricately intertwines cultural, religious, and historical influences, rendering it a captivating field of study.

Antiquity: The roots of Indian architecture can be traced back to ancient times. Among its earliest manifestations are the stupas, dome-shaped structures employed for Buddhist religious purposes. These stupas served as commemorative edifices, embodying the legacy of the era.

In north India, there developed a new a different style of architecture. This was called the Nagara-style architecture. In central India, the Chandela rulers built a magnificent temple complex at Khajuraho. With the coming of the Muslim rulers, there developed a new architectural style in India- Indo-Islamic architecture. The Indo-Islamic style was neither strictly Islamic nor strictly Hindu. The architecture of the medieval period can be divided into two main categories. They are the Delhi or the Imperial Style and the Mughal Architecture.

It was followed by a new style of architecture that developed as a result of the colonization of India. This style of architecture came to be called as Indo-Saracenic. The Indo-Saracenic architecture combined the features of Hindu, Islamic, and Western elements. Colonial architecture exhibited itself through institutional, civic, and utilitarian buildings such as post offices, railway stations, rest houses, and government buildings.

Colonial Architecture

Like all other aspects, the colonization of India also had an impact on architectural style. With colonization, a new chapter in Indian architecture began. The Dutch, Portuguese, and French made their presence felt through their buildings but it was the English who had a lasting impact on architecture.

Indo Islamic Architecture

The medieval period saw great developments in the field of architecture. With the coming of Muslims to India, many new features came to be introduced in buildings. The development of the Muslim Style of Architecture of this period can be called Indo-Islamic Architecture or Indian Architecture influenced by Islamic Art. The Indo-Islamic style was neither strictly Islamic nor strictly Hindu.

Ancient Architecture

Indian architecture is as old as the history of the civilization. The earliest remains of recognizable building activity in India date back to the Indus Valley cities. Among India's ancient architectural remains, the most characteristic are the temples, Chaityas, Viharas, Stupas, and other religious structures.

Cave Architecture

The cave architecture in India is believed to have begun in the third century BC. These caves were used by Buddhist and Jain monks as places of worship and residence. Initially, the caves were excavated in the western India. Some examples of this type of cave structure are the Chaityas and Viharas of Buddhists.

Rock Cut

The Rock-cut structures present the most spectacular piece of ancient Indian art specimen. Most of the rock-cut structures were related to various religious communities. In the beginning, remarkable Buddhist and Jain monuments were produced in areas such as Bihar in the east and Maharashtra in the west.

Temple Architecture

In ancient India, temple architecture of high standard developed in almost all regions. The distinct architectural style of temple construction in different parts was a result of geographical, climatic, ethnic, racial, historical, and linguistic diversities. Ancient Indian temples are classified into three broad types. This classification is based on different architectural styles, employed in the construction of the temples.