The difference between Indian and Islamic Style Architecture is explained here in detail. This topic is important from the perspective of Indian Art, Culture, and Architecture Syllabus. Architectural entities that showcased multiple styles are known as Indo-Saracenic or Indo-Islamic architecture. The difference between Indian Style and Islamic Style Architecture given here can help the UPSC Civil Service exam aspirants to understand the basics better and know their comparisons thoroughly.
Aspirants would find this article very helpful while preparing for the IAS Exam.
Difference between Indian and Islamic Style – UPSC Notes:- Download PDF Here
The major differences between the Indian and Islamic Style of Architecture are:
| Indian Style of Architecture | Islamic Style of Architecture |
| Indian Style of Architecture evolved in different parts of India at different ages. | Islamic style of architecture evolved after the advent of Islam. It was influenced by Persian, Byzantine, and other architectures. |
| Indian Style of Architecture is popularly known as the ‘Trabeate Style’. | Islamic Style of Architecture is also known as Mehrab Style. |
| Temples, Forts, Rock Cut caves, and Palaces come under the Indian Style of Architecture. | Tombs, Forts, and Mosques were influenced by the Islamic Style of Architecture. |
| In the Indian style of architecture, the temples have a central tower that is shaped like a Pyramid (Vimana) in South India, and in North, India temples have a beehive-shaped curvilinear tower. (Shikhara). | In the Islamic Style of architecture, there was more focus on geometric design, courtyard, and the interior decoration |
| In Indian Style architecture, Temples were constructed using 3 distinctive styles, namely Visara Style, Dravidian Style, and Nagara style. | Islamic architecture had 3 different styles – Indian style, Eastern Tradition – it was a blend of Persian and Mesopotamian styles and the Greco-Roman Tradition. |
| Indian Style of architecture focused on the swastika, chakra, Padam, auspicious art, and human beings. | Islamic Style focused on Calligraphy and Geometrical designs. |
After learning about Indian vs Islamic Style Architecture, it is better to know the details of Nagara, Dravidian Style Architecture, and Indo-Islamic Architecture thoroughly. Visit the below-given links to learn about Nagara style architecture, Dravidian Style architecture, Indo-Islamic Architecture, Gandhara and Mathura School of Art, Buddhist and Jain Architecture in detail along with other information.
These are the main differences between Indian vs Islamic Style Architecture. The differences given in the above table can help the UPSC Civil Service Exam aspirants to answer any related questions easily in the exams.
- Nagara Style Architecture in India
- Dravidian Style Architecture in India
- Indo-Islamic Style Architecture – Minars, Decorative Forms
- Indo-Islamic Style Architecture – Taj Mahal, Gol Gumbaz
- Buddhist and Jain Architecture – Facts and Details
- Gandhara and Mathura school of Art – Differences
- Differences between Nagara and Dravidian Style of Temple Architecture
- Complete List of Difference between Articles – History, Polity, Economics, Geography and more
UPSC Civil Service Exam aspirants should diligently study the NCERT Art, Culture, and Architecture Notes, as it is an extremely important component of the UPSC Civil Service Exam Syllabus.
Frequently Asked Questions on Indian and Islamic Architecture Styles
Q 1. What are the main features of Indian and Islamic Architecture styles?
Q 2. What is the Indo-Islamic style of architecture?
Related Links
| UPSC 2023 | UPSC Calendar 2023 |
| IAS Salary | Static GK |
| BPSC | Sarfaesi Act |
| PIB | Indian Administrative Service |
| Today in History India | Government Exams |
Comments