Architecture in South India comprises the architectural creations in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
In Karnataka, during the middle Ages, temple building has shown its originality, in the architecture of the Hoysala period. Bijapur in Karnataka is renowned for its Muslim architecture.
The heart of Andhra Pradesh is the former feudal kingdom of Hyderabad.
The Mughals did not extend their empire so far south.
The temples here are built in the Dravidian style of architecture.
History of Architecture in South IndiaThe origins of the Dravidians style can be observed in the Gupta period. In South India more than the architecture, it is the Hindu temples linked to history and Hindu mythology that are famous and are major pilgrim centres even today. The history of South India reveals the several significant rulers and dynasties which have ruled over it, such as, the Cheras, Cholas, Pallavas, Chalukyas, Pandyas and the western Ganga dynasty.
Features of Architecture in South India
Hindu religious architecture comprises a major segment of the architecture of south India. Vimana is known as the shape of the major temple tower.The temples of Pattadakal and Aihole in Karnataka depict the origin of the south Indian architecture.
The temples, Hampi reflect some of the best Hindu architectural pattern. Badami in Karnataka is one of the fascinating places in the South.
The Bhutanatha groups of temples reflect the Chalukya style of architecture.
Hyderabad, the capital of Andhra Pradesh has Charminar which is an Islamic memorial tower. Golconda was a prominent Islamic capital in the 16th and 17th centuries.
The three cities of Gulbarga, Bijapur and Bidar in the north of Karnataka have many structures reflecting south Indian Islamic architecture.
It is designed in the Indo-Saracen style with a blend of European, Islamic and Hindu architecture.
The Napier museum in Trivandrum in Kerala is built on the colonial style of architecture.
Read more : Architecture in South India, Indian Monuments
