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South Asia is a vast and diverse region both geographically and ethnically. India was a key player throughout this timeline just by virtue of its size, diversity, and centralized location. Many influential powers moved in and out as they competed for dominance in the region with several establishing long term occupations there. As a result, there are so many "indigenous" sources of inspiration for the art and architecture that developed there. Religion continued to be a core presence in the cultures even as Buddhism lost popularity in its birthplace. It was eventually replaced by other religions like Islam, Hinduism and Jainism though it still flourished in more remote regions of Southeast Asia like Myanmar, Thailand, and Burma. As we get into the modern period, the region is quickly and forcibly internationalized through occupation by Western settlements and imperial powers. The history of diversity and cross cultural exchange in this region have led to rich and robust art and architectural forms that are distinct and unique to the world.

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Quwwat ul-Islam Mosque, Mehrauli Archaeological Park, Delhi. 1211–1236. Note the massive minaret, a tower that is traditionally used to call Muslims to prayer. 

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Islam Takes Root in India/Sultanates (c. 1200)

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Islam Takes Root in India/Sultanates (c. 1200)

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In the 13th Century, Turkic and Afghan dynasties (also known as sultanates) from Central Asia had established rule in regions throughout Northern India. This is also when Buddhism was already losing popularity to Jainism and Hinduism throughout the Indian subcontinent.

These sultanates influenced South Asian architecture through the construction of "forts, mausoleums, monuments, and mosques (Art History, 786)." An easily distinguished feature of mosques, for example, are the tall and pointy structures called minarets.

Although they retained features and inspirations from Hindu and Jain religious structures, Islamic expression through construction became strong symbols of political power and authority as well.

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Massive Gopura - Madurai, India, Nayak Dynasty. Mostly 13th to mid 17th Century. A gopura is an entrance gateway to a temple. Often larger than temple itself. 

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Hinduism and its Temples (c. 1200-1600s)

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Hinduism and its Temples (c. 1200-1600s)

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The Hindu faith was particularly popular in southern India. The rapidly growing presence of Hinduism led to the development of monumental temples that were incredibly complex and ornamented.

Some temples became the centerpieces that cities were developed around. When a temple city expands, new enclosing walls and gateways must be constructed as well. Gopuras, entrance gateways, were structures that became increasingly ornamented and grand: "The exterior is embellished with thousands of sculpted figures, evoking a teeming world of gods and goddesses. Inside, stairs lead to the top for an extraordinary view (Art History, 789)."

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Vietnamese Ceramics From the Hoi An Hoard - Porcelain with Underglaze Blue Decoration, Barbed-Rim Dishes. Late 15th to Early 16th Century. 

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The "Ming Gap" was a period during the Ming Dynasty when most international trade was increasingly limited (Art History, 797). China was the primary producer and supplier of trade ceramics and the sudden decline in supply presented an opportunity for other merchants and artists to step up and fill the need and demand.

Kingdoms of Thailand and Burma were well-known for their stoneware-inspired ceramics; however, Vietnam was the major producer that ended up as the top supplier of porcelain ceramics. There is evidence of Vietnamese porcelain throughout Southeast Asia and as far as Netherlands and England.

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The Mughals also originated in Central Asia before making their way to India. Mughal architects built upon an already rich history of Islamic architecture in India since the 13th century. They continued to build Islamic mosques and tombs  while incorporating India, Persian, and Central Asian elements.

One of the wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal, was constructed during this period. It was a tomb for Emperor Shah Jahan's wife, but also includes a mosque and a large hall.

Even more famous was the ascension of Mughal painting beginning with Emperor Akbar. Its hallmark was a hybrid of Indian and Persian styles into a more naturalistic and vigorous style. The introduction of painting on paper also occurred at this time, which forced the evolution of techniques, colors, pigments, etc. Emperor Akbar's successor, Jahangir, championed paintings of portraits and court scenes.

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George Wittet Gateway of India, Mumbai. 1924. European triumphal arch with South Asian embellishing features. Example of Indo-Saracenic style, a hybrid style. 

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In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, Britain began establishing a foothold in India. First by powerful international trade through the British East India Company and second by direct government control by the nineteenth century.

Throughout the nineteenth century, major trade settlements were established to serve the British Empire. These cities were injected with revivalist architectural styles like those in England, taking little inspiration from the native styles.

Over time, the British came to appreciate indigenous styles and incorporated them into their architectural works as well. This hybrid style became known as an Indo-Saracenic style and included South Asian features like Hindu and Muslim stone screens, ornate brackets, pointed arches, and floral decorations (Art History, 802). This hybrid style became the preferred architectural form for government buildings and private estates even back in England itself.

It was not until 1947 when India won its independence from British rule.

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Maqbool Fida Husain Vedic - From "Theorama" Series, 1994. Limited-Edition Color Print. This work addresses nine of the world's major religions. 

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Upon achieving independence from the British Empire in 1947, the domain was partitioned to form the nations of India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh (Art History, 804).

A modern and internationalist perspective of art and architecture took root in these new countries that were still figuring out an identity. Famous works embraced modern abstraction, but paid homage to South Asian themes like religion, literature, historical events, and the natural world.

One of the foremost modern Indian artists was Maqbool Fida Husain, who created a whole series of paintings that addressed nine of the world's major religions (Art History, 804). He embraced the modern style and also the diversity of the world for inspiration.

Similarly, the more internationally oriented world also produced international partnerships and phenomenal architectural developments. A relatively recent addition being the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The structure was designed by an Argentinian architect and Filipino-Malaysian engineer. It was inspired by traditional Malaysian Islamic forms.