![]() In Jammu and Kashmir there is blend of several cultures which have had an impact on its architecture. During the 3rd century BC when Emperor Ashokareigned over India, Kashmir came under his rule and Buddhist culture flourished. During the 4th century, BC, Alexander brought along the Hellenic culture. Perhaps Hellenic culture also influenced the architecture of the era, but no buildings of that period remain. A glimpse of it can be seen in temples built during the Hindu era, especially in the corridors surrounding the Hindu temples of Buniyar and Martand. Hindu architecture of Jammu and Kashmir was marked by the stone structures. During the fourteenth century, Islam spread and mosques were being built all over. The mosques were made of wood with a steeple covering them, instead of a dome. This wooded mosque is an exclusive architecture of Jammu and Kashmir and only few are found in Kerala. This is because Muslims adopted the traditional architectural style used for Hindu temples even though they changed the building material. Another characteristic feature of that era is the gardens, built in 1586, by Emperor Akbar when he ruled over Kashmir and visited it every summer. ![]() Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir, on the other hand, is noteworthy for its monasteries. Buddhism had a strong influence in this region. The Lamayuru monastery stands on bleak, rocky mountain cape, very typical of Ladakh. The multi storied structure with various spaces like temples, assembly halls and cells for the monks, is precariously perched on the steep slope. The fairly light buildings are built with a wooden framework, earthen walls and willow for floors. The Rizong monastery and the Themisgang monastery are the other Buddhist architecture. Cave temples are also a principal architecture of Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir. In Leh there are some monasteries and palaces which enhance the architectural richness of Jammu and Kashmir. Architecture in Jammu and Kashmir is thus an amalgamation of Hindu, Islamic and Buddhist style of architecture. The Hindu temples, the Buddhist monasteries and the Mughal gardens make Jammu and Kashmir one of the most coveted destination on the world map. |