Introduction to Indian Architecture (Periplus Asian Architecture Series) [Hardcover]

Bindia Thapar (Author), Surat Kumar Manto (Author), Suparna Bhalla (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 15, 2005 | Series: Periplus Asian Architecture Series

Take a journey through Indian architecture from the dawn of civilization to the present with this colorful, attractive survey. Styles examined here include Hindu, Jain, Mughal (Islamic) and colonial (British) architecture, culminating in landmarks still existent today. Themes such as water architecture and the architecture of science also figure prominently, giving many westerners their first glimpse of these styles.

The informative text, complemented by 400 photographs, watercolors, maps and plans, provide compelling evidence of India's influence on building design throughout history.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Bindia Thapar has worked in the field of design for several years. She is a visiting lecturer at the School of Architecture and Planning in New Delhi, and has illustrated several children's' books.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: Periplus Editions; Hardcover with Jacket edition (March 15, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0794600115
• ISBN-13: 978-0794600112
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 9.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #358,441 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ideal for non-specialist general readers with an interest in Indian culture and history, July 4, 2005

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Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Introduction to Indian Architecture (Periplus Asian Architecture Series) (Hardcover)

The architectural heritage of the Indian subcontinent spans thousands of years and layers of diverse civilizations, beginning with the Indus Valley settlements and the early Vedic traditions. Impressively illustrated by Suparna Bhalla and Surat Kumar Manto, Introduction To Indian Architecture by architect Bindia Thapar (currently a visiting lecturer at the School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi) surveys the Hindu, Jain, Mughal (Islamic) and colonial (British), and post independence architectural styles. Showcased are monuments and/or buildings which represent the various individual schools of architecture singled out. Enhanced with maps, site plans , and other visual materials, Introduction To Indian Architecture is ideal for non-specialist general readers with an interest in Indian culture and history, students of multicultural architecture, as well as an essential addition to both academic and community library Architectural History reference collections.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Superb Overview, July 19, 2006

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B. Evans (Chicagoland) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Introduction to Indian Architecture (Periplus Asian Architecture Series) (Hardcover)

Though I can't improve upon the Midwest Book Review's overview of this book, I hope it helps prospective buyers to know that two sources think INTRODUCTION TO INDIAN ARCHITECTURE is terrific. Especially pleasing are (by my count) the 216 colored photographs, which include a number of close-ups of details of buildings. Also excellent are the many line drawings that are included to show structural detail. For those who want an in-depth exploration of a particular period or type of Indian architecture, there are other (far more expensive) books to choose from. For one who is interested in ALL Indian architecture, however, this is the book to buy.

1/2/11 Update: Having just returned from India, I'm even more impressed with this book. It even has a section on the fascinating stepwells.