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 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 |
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Recently Updated Articles in Indian Sculpture
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| • | Temple Sculpture of Khajuraho
Temple Sculpture of Khajuraho is composed of finely grained stone; this temple pragmatically endorses the eroticism. Khajuraho Temple is located in Central India in the state of Madhya Pradesh.
| | | • | Sculpture of Konark Temple
The temple is designed to achieve the shape of a colossal chariot with seven horses and twelve wheels of the Sun God. The temple of the Sun at Konark is magnificent in its construction and if often referred to as the “Black Pagoda”.
| | | • | Saptamatrika Sculptures of South India
The Saptamatrika is a South Indian sculpture that is said to contain energies of the deities of the Hindu pantheon. Saptamatrika Sculptures of South India dates back to 3rd century B.C. In most of the ancient temples of South India, the sculptures of the Saptamatrikas are found.
| | | • | Khajuraho Erotic Figures
Khajuraho Erotic sculptures are an integral feature of the Khajuraho Temple. However, the erotic carvings have been done only outside the temple. These temples are one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
| | | • | Lion Capital at Sarnath
Lion Capital at Sarnath was set up by Emperor Ashoka of Maurayan era. It has four lions sitting back to back and is said to represent the wheel of Law.
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