Editing Architecture of India (section)

=== Maratha Architecture ===
[[File:Shaniwarwada gate.JPG|thumb|[[Shaniwarwada]] palace fort in [[Pune]]]]
The [[Maratha Confederacy|Maratha Rule]] from 17th to 19th Centuries, emerged after the Maratha's victory over the [[Mughal Empire]] in the [[Mughal–Maratha Wars|Maratha-Mughal Wars]], Prominent buildings such as the [[Shaniwar Wada]] and [[Lal Mahal]] in [[Pune]] are examples. The decorative features of the mansions were “pointed arches, heavy carved stone brackets, narrow balconies projecting on rows of such brackets, domical shallow ceilings resting on a variety of squinches, the chief being the interwoven type”.

Many [[Jyotirlinga|jyotirlinga temples]] were rebuilt by the Marathas after being destroyed by invading Islamic forces. Some examples are the [[Kashi Vishwanath Temple|Kashi Vishwanath]], [[Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga|Mahakaleshwar]], [[Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple|Trimbakeshwar]], [[Grishneshwar Temple|Grishneshwar]] temples. The [[Ghats in Varanasi|ghats of Varanasi]] were also rebuilt under Maratha patronage, including the [[Dashashwamedh Ghat]] and [[Scindia Ghat]].

The Maratha structures used both the local architectural style and the Maratha's own distinct corinthian columns style. Because of the constant turmoil and protracted wars with Mughals, [[Nawab]]s, [[Afghans in India|Afghans]], and other forces, very little documentation of these efforts remain. Nevertheless, studies of these structures show that the main architectural elements were made from brick, wood, mortar and stone. Wood was most used element as it is easily and cheaply available in [[Maharashtra]] and [[Karnataka]]. The Historian [[Khafi Khan]] wrote about enchanting beauty of [[16th Century]] wooden [[Palaces]], [[temples]] and [[Forts]] However very few of these survived due to wars with [[Mughals|Mughal Empire]] and comparatively short life of wooden structures than stone and marble structures. Forts were the main focus of Maratha architecture, decorated with [[Deccan]]-style pointed arches and elaborate woodwork.

Herman Goetz writes about their architectural style in his work ‘Five Thousand Years of Indian Art’: “The [[Maratha]] temples generally provided with a huge lampstand (deepmala), The wood work they used to decorate their palaces and other civil buildings was intricate and minute. Maratha art could have developed and attained a distinctive character but it was not possible because of the turbulent times of [[Medieval India]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.preservearticles.com/notes/short-notes-on-architecture-of-marathas/14139|title=Short notes on Architecture of Marathas|date=29 October 2011|accessdate=4 April 2023}}</ref>