Indian civilization spans around 4500 years in time and hence, it has left its mark on almost all aspects of society and lives of people. Such rich is the art and cultural heritage of the nation that admirers of art and history are lured towards this nation.

Even students from abroad come to India to learn and research on its rich art architecture. Out of the 830 world heritage sites listed by UNESCO, 26 are part of the Indian heritage. There were various schools of art that developed in this civilization and with time as various other cultures interacted with the core Indian culture, new art and architectural forms flourished on the lands of this nation.

Evolution of Art and Architecture

With the advent of Buddhism in the reign of king Ashoka, art and architecture became significantly recognized in the mainland. The Sanchi Stupa, sculpture of Buddha at Bodhi Gaya and the monuments of Sanchi are prominent architectural achievements of that era, which ranges between 304 and 232 BC.

It is also a fact that the ruins of the ancient Indus valley civilization excavated at Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa are depiction of the art and architectural style of the ancient people. The well-planned towns pertaining to the ancient Indus Valley sites are commendable example of the skill and workmanship of that era.

Moving forward in time it was by the eighth century when there was rapid consolidation of the Hindu kingdoms as a result of which the southern Hindu school of art started to flourish. The architecture and carvings on the walls of ancient archaeological monuments of Mahabalipuram are an embodiment of the Hindu School of Art of southern India. Some exclusive and exquisite evidences of the art and architecture of India can also be seen in the construction of Meenakshi temple and the Ajanta Ellora cave temples.