Sikh architecture

Sikh architecture is a style of architecture that was developed under Sikh Empire during 18th and 19th century in the Punjab region. Due to its progressive style, it is constantly evolving into many newly developing branches with new contemporary styles. Although Sikh architecture was initially developed within Sikhism its style has been used in many non-religious buildings due to its beauty. 300 years ago, Sikh architecture was distinguished for its many curves and straight lines; Shri Keshgarh Sahib and the Sri Harmandir Sahib ( Golden Temple) are prime examples.

Sikh Architecture is heavily influenced by Mughal and Islamic styles. The onion dome, frescoes, in-lay work, and multi-foil arches, are Mughal influences, more specially from Shah Jahan's period, whereas '' chattris'', oriel windows, bracket supported eaves at the string-course, and ornamented friezes are derived from elements of Rajput architecture.

Apart from religious buildings, Sikh architecture includes secular forts, ''bungas'' (residential places), palaces, and colleges. The religious structure is called ''gurdwara'' (a place where the Guru dwells). The word ''gurdwara'' is a compound of ''guru'' (guide or master) and ''dwara'' (gateway or seat). So, it has an architectural connotation. Sikh ''gurdwaras'' are generally commemorative buildings connected with the ten gurus in some way, or with places and events of historical significance. Some examples are Gurdwara Dera Sahib (halting place), in Batala in Gurdaspur district. It was erected in memory of the brief stay of Guru Nanak along with his companions on the occasion of his marriage. Gurdwara Shahid Ganj (Martyr's Memorial) in Muktsar in Faridkot district commemorates the cremation spot of Sikhs who were killed in a battle between Guru Gobind Singh and the Mughals in 1705. Gurdwara Shish Mahal (hall of mirrors) in Kiratpur in Ropar district was made where Guru Har Kisan was born.

There are over 500 historical ''gurdwaras''.

Gallery

File:Gurdwara Dera Sahib and Samadhi of Ranjit Singh.jpg, Golden dome of Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore
File:The Entrance of Janam Asthan-2.jpg, The Gurdwara Janam Asthan in Nankana Sahib, Pakistan, commemorates the site where Guru Nanak is believed to have been born. It was rebuilt by the Pakistani Government
File:Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur 04.jpg, Darbar Sahib, gurdwara commemorating Guru Nanak, in Kartarpur, Pakistan
File:Hazur Sahib, Nanded, Maharashtra, September 2012.jpg, Shri Hazoor Sahib is a gurdwara in Nanded, Maharashtra, India; is one of the five .
File:Front view of Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Delhi.jpg, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is one of the most prominent Sikh gurdwara in Delhi, India and known for its association with the eighth Sikh Guru, Guru Har Krishan, as well as the pool inside its complex, known as the "Sarovar."

References

*Arshi, Pardeep Singh, ''Sikh Architecture in the Punjab'', Intellectual Pub. House, 1986.
*Brown, Percy, Indian Architecture (Islamic Period), Fifth Edition, 1965, Bombay.
*Brown, Percy, Indian Architecture (Hindu and Buddhist Period), Fifth Edition, 1965, Bombay.
*Singh, Mehar, ''Sikh Shrines In India'', Publications Division, Government of India, 1974, New Delhi.
*Singh, Darshan, ''The Sikh art and architecture'', Dept. of Guru Nanak Sikh Studies, Panjab University, 1987.
*Marg, Volume XXX, Number 3, June 1977, Bombay.

Further reading

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External links

Article on Sikh Architecture
{{Architecture of India

Architectural styles
Indian architectural history
Pakistani architectural history