Indus Valley Civilization

Indus Valley Civilization is known for giving several new things to the world. It spread over a large area of the Indus and Ghaggar river valleys in northwest India bordering Pakistan, and in Kutch and Saurashtra in Gujarat. The area it covered was bigger than any of its contemporary civilizations. Surkotda, Kalibangan, Rakhigari, Dholavira etc were some of the prominent Indus cities. Indus Valley Civilization has been credited with some wonderful new things that include cultured economy, splendid planning and creation of new towns.

This civilization was basically agriculture based. The economy of Indus valley civilization was also well versed in the business of marine life for subsistence. Craft of ceramics, bead making and shell were also the prominent feature of this era. The design and planning used in the town construction was the prime feature of Indus valley. It still baffles experts how the planners of that era managed to make such well regulated streets and houses of comfortable and proper sizes. The town planners had also constructed the city in two parts of lower town and citadel. Fortifications were done separately for both parts of the town. Indus valley civilization has earned its fame on basis of its domestic as well as foreign trade. The other outstanding features comprise of established religious beliefs, weight and measure system and literary skills as amply demonstrated in written scripts. By the end of 1700 B.C, Indus valley civilization has started to decline and many new settlements came out of the fragmentation of this era.

Indian Architecture

Indian architecture has managed to garner fame and applause world over. The fascinating saga of Indian architecture reflects lasting achievements of Indian civilization. Indian architecture did not evolve in a single day but it’s a culmination of centuries of socio-economic and geological conditions. It shows fascinating facets of India’s truly rich culture through various expressions. The force of Indian history gave rise to mesmerizing expressions of unique Indian architecture. The best feature of this saga is the vast range and elements of history in architectural specimens.

One look at several specimens of architecture and one can find mix of different periods of history manifested in astonishing designs. The concept of town planning can be traced back to Indus Valley civilization. The structural designs of that period bear the stamp of rich knowledge and efforts on part of designers. But real magic occurred since the onset of Buddhism. Numerous breathtaking buildings were erected during that period. The foremost names of that era which have managed to stand the test of time are; rock-cut caves at Ajanta and the Great Stupa at Sanchi.

South India did not lag behind in terms of architectural beauty. South Indian rulers always emphasized on beautiful designs and temples of Kanchipuram and Rock cut temples of Mahabalipuram are proof of that historical era. Temples at places like Belur, Halebid and Thanjavur reflect structural excellence of south India. Coming to North India, Nagara style of architecture was very popular whereas in central India eternal temple complex at Khajuraho stand as proof of India’s all round architectural brilliance. Islamic rulers brought a complete new style of architecture with them. The Indo-Islamic architecture was a beautiful combination of best of Indian styles and aesthetic designs of Islam. British rule further enriched Indian architectural world through modern class buildings. Reference interior designer