In the medieval era, Delhi was ruled by the Tomara dynasty and Chauhan from 736 to 1193. During the Vedic period, Delhi was the site of Indraprastha or Indrapat, an Indo-Aryan city in the Khandava Forest which served as a capital of the Kuru Kingdom, the first recorded state-level society in the Indian subcontinent. It is considered to be a city built, destroyed and rebuilt several times, as outsiders who successfully invaded the Indian Subcontinent would ransack the existing capital city in Delhi, and those who came to conquer and stay would be so impressed by the city's strategic location as to make it their capital and rebuild it in their own way. Since then, Delhi has been the centre of a succession of mighty empires and powerful kingdoms, making Delhi one of the longest-serving capitals and one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. Earliest coverage of Delhi's history is in the onset of the Tomar's kingdom in the 8th century. The Art and Architecture of the Town of Shahjahanabad(Old Delhi) Delhi has a long history, and has been an important political centre of India as the capital of several empires. Thus Indian architecture is a synthesis of indigenous styles and external influences which has lent it a unique characteristic of its own. Thereafter the colonial period brought the influence of Western architectural forms to India. In the post Harappan period architectural styles have been classified as Hindu, Buddhist and Jain, The medieval period saw the synthesis of Persian and indigenous styles of architecture. The earliest and most remarkable evidence of Indian architecture is found in the cities of the Harappan Civilization which boast of a unique town planning. Many distinctive features that we find in the architecture today developed throughout the long period of Indian history. This is because art and architecture forms an important part of Indian culture. Many generations have been a part of this architecture which stands mighty and lofty reminding us of that glorious past which has been ours. Many of them had their foundation before Christ and many after the coming of Christ. Some are monuments, palaces, temples, churches, mosques and memorials. Going through the cities of Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Mumbai and Calcutta etc. Be it the Bhimbetka's pre historic rock art at one end or the innumerable palaces, mosques, temples, gurudwaras, churches or tombs and sprawling cities and solemn stupas. Is this not a tangible proof of the creative genius and industry of this ancient land, people, and also of the gifts bestowed on it by nature. Imagine UNESCO has listed 830 World Heritage Sites, out of which 26 are in India. A t times it becomes very important to be reminded that we are that civilization which has spanned atleast 4,500 years and which has left its impact on nearly everything in our lives and society.
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