Britannica AI Icon

Quick Summary

Indian architecture encompasses a vast history, with early structures primarily built from wood and brick. Surviving examples before the Islamic period are mostly religious, including Buddhist shrines (stūpas) and temples. Stone architecture gained prominence later, with significant developments during the Maurya Empire (c. 321–185 BCE) and the Gupta dynasty (4th–5th centuries CE).12

Key styles include the South Indian drāviḍa style, characterized by pyramidal superstructures and gopuras (entrance buildings), and regional variations found in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala. European influences also became significant from the 18th century onwards, leading to hybrid styles and modern architectural movements.134

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.