Architecture
Introduction
The word ‘Vastu’ (वास्तु) is derived from the root ‘Vas’ (वस्), which means to reside in one place. It is formed by combining the suffix ‘Tumun’ (तुमुन्), meaning ‘the building in which a man or god resides.’
Architectural layouts, buildings, stupas, Caves, temples, etc., have been described in Indian literature. There is a provision in the Rigveda to worship ‘Vastospati Devta’ during the construction of a building. According to Sayan, Vastu means a house and its guardian deity ‘Vastospati.’ In Arthashastra, this word means house, bridge, area, etc.
Similarly, the word ‘Sthapatya’ (स्थापत्य) is derived from ‘Sthapati,’ which means craft or creation. Basically, both the words ‘Vastu’ and ‘Sthapatya’ refer to the construction of buildings. In art, both have been used in the same sense.
However, from a technical perspective, there is some difference between the two. Not all Sthaptaya can be called Vastu. Only that architecture, which involves artwork or construction, is worthy of being called Vastu. Considering this viewpoint, we cannot label Indus Vastu as Sthapatya.
Ancient Period
The oldest architectural remains in the state date back to the Maurya period, constructed from the sandstone of Chunar (Mirzapur). The primary remnants from this era include stone pillars and stupas, with the Lion Pillar of Sarnath serving as the finest example of Maurya period art. Large statues of Yakshas and Yakshanis have been discovered in Parkham, Borada, and other locations in Mathura, belonging to the Ashoka period.
The Mathura art style reached its peak during the Kushan period, with numerous statues of Jain Tirthankaras, Lord Buddha, and various Hindu Gods and Goddesses still preserved in museums in Lucknow, Varanasi, Prayagraj, and Mathura.
Temple construction flourished during the Gupta period. Notable temples from this time include the stone-built temples of Devgarh (Jhansi) and the brick-built temples of Bhitargaon (Kanpur) and Bhitari (Ghazipur).
Both the Mathura style of art and the Sarnath style thrived during the Gupta period. Excellent examples of artistic sculptures crafted from clay during this period have been unearthed from locations like Rajghat (Varanasi), Sahet-Mahet (Shravasti), Bhitargaon (Kanpur), and Ahichchhatra (Bareilly), among others.
Medieval Period
At the onset of the medieval period, the ‘Sharqi style’ of architecture flourished under the patronage of the Sharqi rulers of Jaunpur. The main constructions in this style are the Atala Masjid, Khalis-Mukhlis, Jhanjhari, and Lal Darwaza.
Originally, the Atala Masjid was a temple dedicated to ‘Atala Devi’, built by the Gadhwal king Vijaychandra of Kannauj. In 1408 AD, Ibrahim Sharqi demolished the temple and converted it into a mosque, incorporating all the features of Sharqi architecture.
In Sambhal, Babar commissioned the construction of a mosque, and his commander Mir Baqi replaced the Ram temple in Ayodhya with a mosque.
During the reigns of Akbar and Shahjahan, architecture saw unique developments. The principal constructions attributed to them encompass the city of Fatehpur Sikri, Agra Fort and its encompassing edifices, Akbar’s Mausoleum in Sikandra, the fort in Prayagraj, and the Taj Mahal in Agra.
Mughal architecture is characterized by the use of red sandstone and marble, exquisite inlay work, and vibrant, smooth floors. Although Akbar initially used red sandstone, Shahjahan later replaced many structures with marble, notably the Diwan-e-Aam and Diwan-e-Khas. The Taj Mahal, built by Shahjahan, is entirely made from Makrana marble and stands as a unique exemplar of architecture.
Modern Period
In the modern era, numerous constructions were undertaken in the state by the Nawabs of Awadh and the British.
The Nawabs of Awadh commissioned many constructions in Faizabad and Lucknow. The main buildings of Lucknow include Asaf-ud-Daulah’s Imambara, the tomb in Kesarbagh, Lal Baradari, Residency, Rumi Darwaza, Shahnajaf, Hussainabad’s Imambara, Chattar Manzil, Moti Mahal, Palace in Kesarbagh, Dilkusha Garden, and Sikandarbagh.
The features of the buildings in Lucknow include Makara-shaped gates, domes with golden umbrellas, large arched rooms, Baradari, basements, and labyrinths. The arched hall of the Bada Imambara, built by Asaf-ud-Daulah, is a prime example of Lucknow art. It is believed to be the largest hall of its kind in the world.
During the British period, most schools, colleges, offices, bridges, and other useful buildings were constructed in the state. These were not built solely for artistic purposes but also for strength and utility. There is a blend of Mughal and British architecture evident in these structures.
Significance
The architecture of Uttar Pradesh is renowned for its diversity, rich history, and grandeur. It encompasses a blend of ancient to modern styles, catering to both ruling classes and the common people, and incorporates secular and religious influences. This quality renders it one of India’s most significant architectural traditions.
- Historical Importance: Uttar Pradesh’s architecture offers insights into history from ancient civilisations to the modern era.
- Cultural Significance: It embodies various religions, arts, and crafts.
- Architectural Significance: It demonstrates the evolution of various techniques and styles.
- Tourism Appeal: It draws tourists and fosters interaction among people from different regions.
- Economic Contribution: It plays a pivotal role not only in the local economy but also in the district, state, and national development.
- Multidimensional Impact: Architecture holds multidimensional importance, as evidenced by the recent consecration of the Shri Ram Temple on February 22, 2024, leading to Ayodhya’s multidimensional development, cultural enrichment, infrastructure improvement, and increased pilgrimage.
Examples:
- Sarnath’s Ashoka period remnants
- Gupta period architectural remains
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple
- Shri Ram Temple under construction in Ayodhya
- Sharqi architecture of Jaunpur
- Mughal architecture, exemplified by Fatehpur Sikri and Agra constructions.
Maintenance
Government Initiatives: The government implements numerous schemes and programs for conservation and maintenance.
Public Awareness: Raising awareness among the populace about the significance of historical monuments and their role in preservation is crucial.
Private Involvement: Engaging the private sector in conservation efforts can also be beneficial.
Conclusion
Uttar Pradesh’s architecture is a precious heritage that warrants preservation and enhancement. It not only embodies our rich culture and history but also holds importance for tourism and economic development.
Museum
There are numerous state museums in the state under the ‘State Culture Directorate,’ aimed at protecting and preserving the archaeological, artistic, historical, literary, and other special heritages in the state. Since 31 August 2002, all these museums have fallen under the newly formed Uttar Pradesh Museum Directorate. The oldest museum in the state is the State Museum Lucknow (1863).
State Museum
The State Museum, Lucknow
The State Museum, Lucknow, established in 1863, is the largest multipurpose museum in the state. Situated in the zoological garden of Banarasi Bagh, this museum is recognized as a research centre by Kanpur University. The oldest book written in the Devanagari script, ‘Padmavat,’ by the famous poet Malik Mohammad Jayasi, is housed in this museum in Lucknow.
The State Museum, Mathura
The State Museum, Mathura, was established in 1874. It has gained international fame for being the only museum showcasing Kushan and Gupta era culture in Mathura. The museum houses a unique and amazing collection of Indian art from the early period to the 12th century. Additionally, urns containing the ashes of Nehru ji and Shastri ji are also preserved here.
The State Museum, Jhansi
The State Museum was established in Jhansi in 1978 by the Culture Department of Uttar Pradesh for the purposes of acquisition, preservation, documentation, display, publication, and research.
The State Buddhist Museum, Gorakhpur
Gorakhpur holds international significance as a tourism destination due to its association with the memories of Lord Buddha. The State Buddhist Museum was established in 1987-88 under the Ramgarh Project in Gorakhpur. Its objective is to raise awareness among the general public about the area’s rich history by collecting, documenting, researching, and exhibiting the scattered art heritage and artefacts from this area and other parts of the country. Noteworthy artefacts stored in this museum include stone statues, clay statues, architectural remains, metal statues, miniatures, and coins related to Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu religions. Five galleries in the museum are open for general public viewing.
The International Ramkatha Museum and Art Gallery, Ayodhya
The International Ramkatha Museum and Art Gallery, Ayodhya, was established in 1988 at Tulsi Smarak Bhawan. Its objective is to collect and preserve paintings related to Ramkatha, illustrated manuscripts, sculptures, materials related to Ramlila and other performing arts, antiquities from the Ayodhya area, rare cultural artefacts, replicas, and photographs.
Folk Art Museum, Lucknow
The Folk Art Museum, Lucknow, was established in February 1989 in Kaisarbagh, Lucknow, for the collection, preservation, and display of folk arts. It houses a collection of many excellent and rare artefacts, many of which are either almost extinct or have undergone changes in their original form. The collection includes approximately 1600 exhibits featuring folk dances, folk instruments, folk sketches, folk jewellery, masks, terracotta, utensils, toys, costumes, wood, stone, and iron. Additionally, a vast collection of folk paintings related to floor and wall decoration is available. For the separate display of this collection, five separate galleries representing the five major regions of the state—Braj, Bhojpur, Awadh, Bundelkhand, and Rohilkhand—were constructed.
District Museum, Sultanpur
The cultural heritage of this district is scattered across many important sites such as Shanichara Kund Bhaanti, Somna Bhar, Kalupathak Ka Purwa, Ahiran Palia, Sohgauli, Mahmoodpur, etc. Additionally, heritage from the past continues to emerge from the earth in the surrounding districts. Therefore, this museum was established in 1989 to collect and preserve the scattered cultural heritage.
The State Buddhist Museum, Kushinagar
The State Buddhist Museum in Kushinagar was established in 1995 by the Department of Culture, Uttar Pradesh. It houses remains recovered from Buddhist sites such as Vanarasia Kala, Kopia, and Devdah, as well as a Jain site called Pava. The museum comprises three galleries: the Art Gallery, the Buddha Gallery featuring Shadow Pictures, and the gallery showcasing Buddha statues in various postures.
The State Archaeological Museum, Kannauj
The historical city of “Kanyakubja” (present Kannauj) was one of the important cities of North India from the latter half of the sixth century AD to the end of the twelfth century AD. It served as the centre point of North India for about 600 years. Therefore, to protect and preserve the heritage of this region, an archaeological museum was established at the local level in 1975. It was later designated as the State Archaeological Museum in 1996. This museum houses prehistoric bone tools, greyish brown painted utensils from the Mahabharata period, northern black polished pottery, statues, lotus seals, coins, clay statues, ivory artefacts, beads, stone statues, etc. The museum is world-famous for its artefacts from the Pratihara period.
The State Buddhist Museum, Piprahwa (Siddharthanagar)
Piprahwa is world-famous as a Buddhist religious site because it is the birthplace of Lord Buddha. An urn filled with the remains of Gautam Buddha’s bones has been discovered here. This urn bears an inscription in Brahmi script (483 BC), confirming its antiquity. Recognising the significance of this place, a State Buddhist Museum was established here in 1997.
Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Museum and Library, Rampur
The Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Museum and Library in Rampur was established on August 21, 2004. This museum has been constructed with modern arrangements and other facilities in mind. Important events of Dr. Ambedkar’s life are displayed chronologically at the main entrance of the museum. There is provision for free museum tours for visitors. The museum is divided into two galleries. In the first gallery, replicas obtained from various places during the period related to Buddhism are displayed on pedestals chronologically. In the second gallery, pictures depicting major events related to Dr. Ambedkar’s life are displayed.
The State Jain Museum, Mathura
The State Jain Museum in Mathura is a unique museum showcasing Jain artefacts and relics. It exhibits 64 rare statues of Jain Tirthankaras and deities dating back to the Kushan, Gupta, and medieval periods.
Other Important Museum
The Motilal Nehru Bal Sangrahalaya, Lucknow
The Motilal Nehru Bal Sangrahalaya in Lucknow was opened in 1957 by the Motilal Nehru Memorial Trust. It features rooms dedicated to knowledge, science, and culture aimed at children’s development.
The Provincial Hygiene Institute, Lucknow
It was established in 1928. It houses numerous exhibits related to physics, chemistry, physiology, preventive diseases, water supply, sewers, drains, and nutrition.
Sarnath Museum
It was established in 1904. It houses many ancient objects from the 3rd century BC to the 12th century AD, including the emblem adopted by the Government of India.
Bharat Kala Bhavan
Established in BHU in 1920 through the efforts of Shri Rai Krishnadas, Bharat Kala Bhavan is a museum that houses Indian paintings, textiles, precious stones, coins, terracotta, and manuscripts, among other artefacts.
The Prayagraj Museum
The Prayagraj Museum, established by the municipality in 1931 AD, houses objects of archaeology, art, and handicrafts.
Rahul Sankrityayan Institute, Gorakhpur
It has a collection of seals, pottery, beads, coins, stones, statues and manuscripts.
Bundelkhand Chhatrasal Museum (Banda)
It houses rare objects from the Bundelkhand region.
Archive
The Uttar Pradesh State Archives was established in 1949 in Prayagraj as the Central Record Office.
Its main objective is to transfer records of historical and administrative importance from various departments of the Uttar Pradesh Government, divisional and district level offices, and semi-government institutions. It involves the classification, packing, labelling, and systematic storage of these transferred records in carton boxes after proper scientific preservation. The Archives also provides facilities to research scholars, offers necessary information to the government, facilitates microfilming and photocopying of records, and acquires rare manuscripts and documents from private collections.
From time to time, archive exhibitions, seminars, etc., are organised at various places in the state to raise awareness among the general public and students about archival heritage, which is an important part of the state’s rich cultural heritage.
Under this archive, three regional archives are located in Prayagraj, Varanasi, and Agra respectively, and one manuscript library is located in Prayagraj.
Archaeology
The Department of Archaeology was established in 1951 with the objective of conserving archaeological materials and sites/monuments of the state, excavating archaeological sites, publishing works on archaeology, and fostering public interest in archaeology and archaeological sites.
Currently, it has a total of 5 regional units established in Jhansi, Agra, Gorakhpur, Varanasi, and Prayagraj.
To further enhance archaeological activities, its name was changed to the ‘Uttar Pradesh State Archaeology Department’ on August 27, 1996.
Presently, archaeological surveys are being conducted by the department in Jhansi, Banda, and Sant Kabir Nagar districts of the state. To gather information about lesser-known aspects of the state’s history, the department has conducted archaeological excavations at sites such as Manwadih (Sitapur), Jajmau (Kanpur), Hulaskheda and Dadupur (Lucknow), Shanichara (Sultanpur), Moosanagar (Kanpur), Raja Nal ka Tila (Raja Nal’s Mound), Nai Deeh, and Bhagwas (Sonbhadra), Malhar (Chandauli), and the ancient mound of Lahuradeva.
Ancient Cities of Uttar Pradesh
उत्तर प्रदेश की वास्तुकला, उसकी महत्ता, एवं रख-रखाव, संग्रहालय, अभिलेखागार एवं पुरातत्त्व