A cluster of architectural and sculptural elements lead to the formation of a single sculpture. Indian sculptures, too, have several such elements that are employed to carve out amazing pieces of art. These architectural and sculptural elements have been assembled from different schools of Indian art and architecture. While some of the sculptural elements are widely found engraved on the walls of places of worship others have been utilized to decorate the palaces and forts.
Architectural attributes like
garbhagrihas,
mandapas and gopurams represent the key features of a particular style. For instance the aforementioned elements will take one back to the South Indian temples. Sculptural attributes like the
kirtimukhas helped to decorate the outer walls of these temples alongwith the animal and plant motifs. Such architectural and sculptural elements are parts of ancient India. With changing times several other kingdoms cropped up. Invaders became rulers and with them they brought new architectural and sculptural elements. One of the most prominent features is the dome. This was introduced by the Delhi sultanate and is considered a Persian influence.
Alongside the architectural and sculptural elements original methods of in lay works also evolved. Pietra Dure is one such method. From times immemorial several alien styles of art and architecture have influenced Indian art. Hence there are certain attributes which are not native yet they have been consistently used in the Indian monuments. Arabesque, jharokhas, chhatris and others belong to Islamic art and architecture.
Besides these the other architectural and sculptural elements of Indian art are as follows:
| Vestibules |
Minarets |
Charbagh |
| Tombs |
Domes |
Reliefs |
| Haveli |
Miniature towers |
Friezes |
| Stepwell |
Calligraphy |
Eaves |
| Vimana |
Jaali |
Pradakshinapatha |
| Shikhara |
Chhajja |
Cenotaphs |
