One of the most enduring achievements of Indian civilization is undoubtedly its architecture, which extends to a great deal more than the Taj Mahal or the temple complexes of Khajuraho and Vijayanagara. The beginnings of Indian architecture are more properly to be dated to the start of Buddhism in India, in the reign of Ashoka and the construction of Buddhist monasteries and stupas. Buddhist architecture was predominant for several centuries, and there are few remains of Hindu temples from even late antiquity. Some of the best Buddhist arts and architecture are the Great Stupa at Sanchi and the rock-cut caves at Ajanta. The Great stupa is dome shapes topped by a triple parasol set within a square railing. Ajanta’s caves where carved
The Vijayanagara style is a combination of the Chalukya, Hoysala, Pandya and Chola styles which evolved earlier in the centuries when these empires ruled and is characterised by a return to the simplistic and serene art of the past.
Chinese architecture took shape in Asia over the centuries. The structural principles of Chinese architecture have remained unchanged, the main changes being only the decorative details. Since the Tang Dynasty. The most important is the emphasis on the horizontal axis, in particular the construction of a heavy platform and a large roof that floats over this base, with the vertical walls not as well emphasized. This contrasts Western architecture, which tends to grow in height and depth. Chinese architecture stresses the visual impact of the width of the buildings. Like the halls and palaces in the Forbidden City, they have low ceilings when compared to buildings in the West, but their outside appearances look like imperial China. These ideas made their way into modern Western architecture. Another important feature is its emphasis on articulation and bilateral symmetry, which signifies balance. Bilateral symmetry and the articulation of buildings are found everywhere in Chinese architecture, from palace complexes to farmhouses. When possible, plans for renovation and extension of a house will often try to maintain this symmetry pas long as there is