Architecture of uttar pradesh
Uttar Pradesh is blessed with the flow of the waters of the holiest of India’s rivers-The Ganges. The region also witnessed the flourishing of the ancient Indo-Aryan civilization, from which rose a stream of powerful kingdoms and empires – Koshala, Kashi, Malla, Vatsa, Panchala and Chedi Mahajanpadas. In Medieval Periods it saw emergence of Sharqi Dynasty and Mughal influence in modern periods Europeans – whose influences coursed deeply through the outpourings of their cultural developments. Uttar Pradesh’s architectural heritage showcases this fabulous wealth of structures inspired by the confluence of Buddhist, Hindu, Indo-Islamic and Indo-European cultures, which offer the visitor an invaluable education in the evolution of its architecture. Architecture of Uttar Pradesh could be categorised according to periods.
The ancient architectural wonders in Uttar Pradesh include Buddhist stupas and viharas, ancient monasteries, townships, forts, palaces , and temples. Some prominent are Dhamekh Stupa of Sarnath , Pillar Inscription of Kaushambi by Samudragupta, many ancient temples in Kanpur and Varanasi. These are almost simple but strong and fine buildings or pillars that do not have elaborate decoration but finely jewels of their time.
Medieval Architecture Medieval period saw Muslim rulers from Sultanate to Mughal. Mosques, mausoleums, memorials and other community structures are marvels of this period. It saw influence of Persian and Indo-Islamic Architectural Styles. Christian Pope have written “India has proposed and Persia disposed, but what India gave she received back in a new form that enabled her to pass to fresh architectural triumphs.”
Main features of style of this time are inherent decoration, geometrical sculptural styles and exquisite inlay work, mehrab or arch, dome, minar, and design of Kalash in Hindu temples with elaborate ornamental styles and scriptures written on walls of buildings. Some fine examples are Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri, Agra Fort, Jami Masjid and Attala Masjid of Jaunpur. These magnificent structures have been built in and around seats of learning, pilgrimage and power like Agra, Varanasi, Allahabad, Lucknow, Jhansi, Mathura, Kanpur, Meerut and Mirzapur besides other places.
Some important examples of historical architecture in uttar pradesh are as follows:
Dhamekh Stupa of Sarnath
While there are several kinds of stupas, round and tall, big and small, these have certain common features. Generally, there is a small box placed at the center or heart of stupa,which may contain relics (teeth, bones or ashes) of Buddha or some enlightened Buddhist Monks, or the things they used as well as precious stones or coins.
The stupa is said to date 500 CE and was later renovated by Emperor Ashoka in the year 249 BCE. Along with this stupa many other Buddhist monuments and relics were commissioned by the emperor at Sarnath. It is believed to be the most religious place for Buddhists and sees many devotees flocking here all the year around.
According to an inscription dated 1026 A.D, the original name of the stupa was Dharma Chakra Stupa. An excavation expedition led by Alexander Cunningham found a slab here that read ‘Ye Dharma Hetu Prabhava Hetu’ in the Brahmi script that is believed to be the reason for the original name of the temple. There are many more relics that were found here and is now displayed for the people to observe. Not much is known when the stupa got its present name, but it is perceived that it was given its new name by a Buddhist monk who was held in high regard by Emperor Ashoka.
Bhitargaon Temple Kanpur
Bhitargaon temple has a structure that portrays ancient Indian art on its walls and forms. It is a magnificent example of the brilliance of artists India nurtured during the ancient times. This temple is visited by tourists for religious and historical purposes.
Dashavatara Temple,Deogarh
Vishnu Temple (often termed Dashavatara Temple) is located at Deogarh in uttar pradesh built in c. 500 AD. The temple is one of the earliest Hindu stone temples to still survive today. Built in the Gupta Period (320 to c. 600 AD), Vishnu Temple shows the ornate and beauty seen in Gupta style architecture- . This temple is also a good resource for examining Gupta style sculpturesand art.
The temple at Deogarh is dedicated to the Vishnu.These temples made in the early part of the 6th century of the Gupta Period housed images and symbols of Hindu gods.These temples allowed people to make contact with the gods they were worshiping.The Temple was built out of stone and brick consisting of a single cubical sanctum that sheltered the images within.
Fatehpur sikri architecture
Fatehpur Sikri is surrounded by wall on three sides and a lake on the fourth side. The architecture of the buildings was based on Mughal and Indian architecture. The Indian architecture included the Hindu and Jain architecture.
There are many structures like mosques, palaces, tombs, etc. which the tourists can view. The name of some of them are −
- Buland Darwaza
- Jama Masjid
- Ibadat Khana
- Jamat Khana
- Tomb of Salim Chishti
- Diwan-i-Aam
- Diwan-i-Khas
- Jodha Bai Palace
- Panch Mahal
- Birbal’s House
- Anup Talao
- Hujra-i-Anup Talao
- Naubat Khana
- Pachisi Court
- Hiran Minar
Agra Fort
The Red Fort is situated on the banks of Yamuna River in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. It is known as Red Fort because it is built of a kind of red sandstone. Within this Fort there lies some of the most superb architecture of the Mughal period; like the Moti Masjid, Pearl Mosque, Diwan-e-Am, Diwan-e-Khas (public and private audience halls) and Jahangir’s Palace. In 1565 Agra fort was specially designed and built by the great Mughal Emperor Akbar. Initially it was built as a military establishment but later on his successors made many additions to the main structure. Several Mahals, which were built afterwards, converted half of the structure into a magnificent palace. The fort is semi-circular shaped, flattened on the east with a long, nearly straight wall facing the river. During the rule of Shah Jahan’s, the red sandstone fort was transformed into a palace and widely repaired with marble and pietradura inlay.
Taj mahal
Under the reign of Shah Jahan the symbolic content of Mughal architecture reached its peak. Inspired by a verse by Bibadal Khan, the imperial goldsmith and poet, and in common with most Mughal funerial architecture, the Taj Mahal complex was conceived as a replica on earth of the house of Mumtaz in paradise. This theme permeates the entire complex and informs the design and appearance of all its elements. A number of secondary principles were also used, of which hiearachy is the mostdominant. A deliberate interplay was established between the building’s elements, its surface decoration, materials, geometric planning and its acoustics. This interplay extends from what can be seen with the senses, into religious, intellectual, mathematical and poetic ideas.
In the Taj Mahal, the hierarchical use of red sandstone and white marble contributes manifold symbollic significance. The Mughals were elaborating on a concept which traced its roots to earlier Hindu practices, set out in the Vishnudharmottara Purana, which recommended white stone for buildings for the Brahmins (priestly caste) and red stone for members of the Kshatriyas (warrior caste). By building structures that employed such colour coding, the Mughals identified themselves with the two leading classes of Indian social structure and thus defined themselves as rulers in Indian terms. Red sandstone also had significance in the Persian origins of the Mughal Empire, where red was the exclusive colour of imperial tents.
Its symbolism is multifaceted, on the one hand evoking a more perfect, stylised and permanent garden of paradise than could be found growing in the earthly garden; on the other, an instrument of propaganda for Jahan’s chroniclers who portrayed him as an ‘erect cypress of the garden of the caliphate’ and frequently used plant metaphors to praise his good governance, person, family and court. Plant metaphors also find a commonality with Hindu traditions where such symbols as the ‘vase of plenty’ (purna-ghata) can be found and were borrowed by the Mughal architects.
Allahabad Public Library
Allahabad Public Library also known as Thornhill Mayne Memorial is a public library situated at Alfred Park in Prayagraj, Established in 1864, it is the biggest library in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The building designed by Richard Roskell Bayne is a remarkable example of Scottish Baronial architecture.The monument has served as the house of legislative assembly in British era when Allahabad was the capital of United Provinces. In 1879, the Public library was shifted to the present premises at Alfred Park.
The building known as Thornhill Mayne Memorial is situated at Alfred Park and was designed by Richard Roskell Bayne in Scottish Baronial architecture with sharp pillars and turrets of granite and sandstone. It represents structural polychromy with lofty towers and arcaded cloisters. When completed in 1870, the building cost approx. INR 94,222. It was funded by Commissioner of Allahabad, Mr. Mayne and was opened as a memorial to Cuthbert Bensley Thornhill.
All Saints Cathedral, Allahabad
All Saints Cathedral in Allahabad was built in the late 19th century and today stands remarkably as colonial structure. All Saints Cathedral Church was designed by Sir William Emerson in the year 1870. The intricate work and designs on the marble altar and the stained glass panel makes the building more attractive. The Gothic style of architecture of the All Saints Cathedral Church, Allahabad in Uttar Pradesh in India has been a major Tourist Attraction in Allahabad. All Saints Cathedral Church is also referred to as “Patthar Girja”. This church is often All Saints Cathedral Church is situated in Canning Town which lies opposite to the Junction Railway Station.
Kanpur Memorial Church
Also known as All Souls’ Cathedral, the Kanpur Memorial Church was built way back in 1875. The church was built to honour those British lives that were lost during the Siege of Kanpur way back in 1857. Located on Albert Lane, this is right at the centre of the Cantonment, and is an architectural marvel. Built in Lombardic Gothic style, its red bricks speaks volumes of an era that is now lost forever. Here you will also find a Memorial Garden located towards the east, where there is a gothic screen that was carved by one Henry Yule. There is also a figure of an angel that was crafted by Carlo Marochetti, and is something to behold. A place where you can really get lost and go into a sort of contemplation, this is the historical saga of Kanpur that is yet to vanish, and perhaps will forever remind Indians of the struggle for independence.
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