Page:A history of architecture on the comparative method for the student, craftsman, and amateur.djvu/668

 6lO COMPARATIVE ARCHITECTURE. Sir W. Hunter's " Brief History of the Indian Peoples " forms an excellent resume, which should be studied by all who recjuire an insight of Indian art and life. vi. Historical. — Alexander's conquests in North-West India (B.C. 327) {cf. page 48), brought that country in touch with European and Western Asiatic art, thus Greek, Assyrian and Persian influences are apparent on the architectural detail in that region. From the time of Alexander to the time of Vasco da Gama (a.d. 1498) Europe had little direct influence on the East. The proximity of the Greek Bactrian Kingdom (b.c. 323-130), which, along with India, fell to Seleukos Nikator, one of Alex- ander's generals and founder of the Syrian monarchy, exercised considerable classical influence over Northern India. The Mahometan invasion in the thirteenth century led to Saracenic features being adopted in India, producing an Indian version of that style. The Sanskrit grammar of Panini, compiled about B.C. 350, is still the foundation of the study of the Aryan language. The epic poems known as the " Mahabbarata," or chronicles of the Delhi Kings up to b.c 1200, and the " Ramayana," or story of the Aryan advance into Southern India about b.c iooo, are works by the Brahmans that may be compared to Homer's " Iliad" and Virgil's "iEneid." The Tartar or Scythic inroads, from b.c 126 to the fifth century a.d., succeeded those of the Greeks. During a.d. 1746-1858 the foundation of British rule in India was progressing, and from the latter year the annexation to the British crown, effected by Royal proclamation, has caused an intermingling of European and native art. 2. ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER. The various Indian styles are divided with approximate dates and localities, the periods, however, frequently overlapping, as follows : — (i.) The Buddhist style (b.c 250-A.D. 750). India (North of the Dekkan) and Ceylon. (2.) The Jaina style (a.d. 1000-1300), with later revivals. The whole of India from the Himalayas to Cape Comorin. (3.) The Hindu (or Brahman) style, which may be subdivided into (a.) The Northern Hindu or Brahman style (or North Indian) (a.d. 600 to the present time). (b.) The Chalukyan style (or Central Indian) (a.d. 1000-1300). (r.) The Dravidian style (or South Indian) (a.d. 1350-1750). (i.) Buddhist Architecture. — As only rock-cut examples are existent, the appearance of the structural temples is only to