Unit 3: Architecture
Art Appreciation notes · PTU syllabus (BSTD 404-20)
On this page
Unit summary
Architecture expresses belief and power, and its forms inspire textile motifs. This unit covers the evolution of temple architecture and important Islamic architecture, with students developing an end product from this research through a design process.
After this unit you can
- Describe the evolution of Hindu temple architecture
- Compare Nagara, Dravida and Vesara styles
- Describe major Indo-Islamic monuments
- Translate architectural motifs into a design
PTU syllabus topics
- Evolution of temple architecture
- important Islamic architecture
- with students developing an end product through research and design process based on the theory covered
Tower
Curved shikhara
Stepped pyramidal vimana
Gateway
Simpler
Large gopurams
Examples
Khajuraho, Konark
Brihadeeswarar, Meenakshi
Topic 1
Evolution of temple architecture
- 1Rock-cut caves
Ajanta, Ellora, Elephanta
- 2Early Gupta temples
Flat-roofed shrine (Sanchi temple 17, Deogarh)
- 3Monolithic temples
Rathas of Mahabalipuram; Kailasa at Ellora
- 4Mature structural temples
Khajuraho, Konark, Brihadeshwara, Hampi
- Garbhagriha
- Sanctum housing the deity
- Mandapa
- Pillared hall
- Shikhara or vimana
- Tower above the sanctum
- Antarala
- Vestibule
- Gopuram
- Monumental gateway (south)
- Pradakshina path
- Circumambulation path
Tower
Curvilinear shikhara with amalaka
Pyramidal vimana in storeys
Gateway
Modest
Huge gopurams
Examples
Khajuraho, Konark Sun Temple, Lingaraj
Brihadeshwara (Thanjavur), Meenakshi (Madurai)
- Vesara (Deccan) style blends both — Hoysala temples at Belur and Halebidu with star-shaped plans and intricate carving.
Topic 2
Important Islamic architecture
Qutub Minar and Quwwat-ul-Islam (Delhi)
Delhi Sultanate
Arches, calligraphy bands
Gol Gumbaz (Bijapur)
Deccan sultanate
Huge dome, whispering gallery
Humayun's Tomb (Delhi)
Mughal
Charbagh garden, double dome, red sandstone and marble
Fatehpur Sikri
Akbar
Buland Darwaza, Panch Mahal
Taj Mahal (Agra)
Shah Jahan
White marble, pietra dura inlay, symmetry
Jama Masjid and Red Fort (Delhi)
Shah Jahan
Bulbous domes, jaali screens
- Arch and dome
- True arches and domes
- Minarets
- Towers
- Jaali
- Pierced stone screens
- Pietra dura
- Stone inlay of flowers
- Charbagh
- Four-part garden
- Calligraphy
- Quranic inscriptions
Topic 3
From research to design
- 1
Research a monument — history, plan, motifs
- 2
Sketch details — jaali, arches, inlay flowers, temple carvings
- 3
Simplify into motifs and repeats
- 4
Develop colour palettes from the monument
- 5
Apply to a product — print, weave, embroidery, home furnishing
- 6
Present a mood board and final sample
Example
Jaali patterns from Fatehpur Sikri become a laser-cut or block-printed geometric repeat; Taj Mahal pietra dura flowers inspire an embroidered border.
Key terms
- Garbhagriha
- Inner sanctum of a temple
- Shikhara
- Tower of a north Indian temple
- Gopuram
- Gateway tower of a south Indian temple
- Jaali
- Perforated stone screen
- Pietra dura
- Inlay of coloured stones in marble
Quick revision
- Caves → monolithic → structural temples; temple parts.
- Nagara, Dravida, Vesara styles with examples.
- Sultanate, Deccan and Mughal monuments; arch, dome, jaali, pietra dura, charbagh.
- Design process from architectural research.
Important exam questions
Practice questions written to the PTU exam pattern for this unit's syllabus: short answers (Section A style) and long answers (Sections B and C style).
Short-answer questions
- Q1.Name the parts of a Hindu temple.
- Q2.Distinguish Nagara and Dravida temples.
- Q3.Where are Hoysala temples?
- Q4.What is a jaali?
- Q5.What is pietra dura?
- Q6.Give one example of using architecture in textile design.
Long-answer questions
- Q1.Describe the evolution of temple architecture in India.
- Q2.Describe important Indo-Islamic architecture.
- Q3.Explain how architectural research can be developed into a textile design.
Stuck on this unit?
Message SBS on WhatsApp for help with Art Appreciation, or to ask about studying B.Sc Textile at Synetic.