INDIAN SUB-CONTINENT - Around 5,300 BCE (earliest) but more

recently established around 2,600 BCE

- Birthplace of Buddhism founded by
Siddhartha Gautama. BUDDHISM
- “Awakened One”
- Siddharth Gautama founded Buddhism.
- Buddha was a young India prince who was
- Buddha means the “Awakened One”
saw so much suffering and wanted to end it.
He left all his worldly possession in search -Three Branches of Buddhism
for the truth. This is known to Buddhists as
the “Great Renunciation” 1. Theravada - conservative, orthodox.
- In 528, Buddha sat under the tree and Monastic branch of Buddhism. You alone Stupa – is a mound like structure containing Buddhist
experienced enlightenment can attain Nirvana. relics. It was originally a burial mound. Also known as
2. Mahayana – Nirvana is universally the supreme sacred monument of Buddhism
Mohenjo-Daro Settlement acceptable to anyone. - It is also the symbol of Buddha himself.
3. Vajrayana – Enlightenment in a single Symbol of the final release from the cycle of
- Established in 2.600 BCE birth and rebirth (wheel of life) to
lifetime. You can attain Nirvana through
- One of the largest and earliest settlements Parinirvana or the final death
assistance of Bodhisattvas
in the Indus Valley - Built around the 3rd century BCE and later
- Currently located in Sindh Province in -Buddhism has spread from South Asia, East enlarged
Pakistan Asia to South East Asia - Commissioned by Ashoka the Great
- It existed at the same time during the (Buddhist Indian Emperor of the Maurya
Ancient Egyptian, Mesopotamian and -The Four Noble Truths
Dynasty)
Minoan period - It is the most elaborate and well known
1. Dukkha – suffering, incapable of satisfying,
- Abandoned around 1,500 BCE among the 50 other monuments on Sanchi
painful (innate characteristic of existence with
- Discovered in 1922 by Rakhaldas hilltop
each rebirth)
Bandyopadyay - Designated as Stupa No. 1
- Streets laid out in grid form 2. Samudaya – origin, cause (of one’s suffering - 36m diameter and 16.46m high
- Widest street run north-south, straight is the craving, desire or attachment) Elements of a stupa
down through - It has a hemispherical dome (Anda) topped
- Secondary street run east-west sometimes 3. Nirodha – cessation, ending (of one’s
suffering is eliminating craving, desires and by a triple parasol called Chatra or Chatri
staggered direction - The parasol represents the triantha (three
- Advanced sanitary/plumbing system for attachment
jewels) namely:
waste and wells for water supply 4. Magga – path noble eight fold path (the o Buddha – enlightenment (yellow)
- Houses had several rooms facing to a path to end suffering, metal and moral self o Dharma – teachings of
central courtyard and sometimes 2 or 3 purification) Buddha(blue)
stories high
o Sangha- spiritual community (red).
- Houses had bathrooms and evidence of -The main goal of Buddhist is to achieve
also represent bodhi tree
vertical plumbing Nirvana. Free from suffering and individual
- It is placed on a square platform railing
- The Great Public Bath existence, also known as the state of
called Harmika or Harmiruka
- Probably for religious purpose enlightenment
- The axial mast that holds the parasol is
- At the background is the Stupa
The Great Stupa of Sanchi called a Yashti
Harappa Settlement - The mast symbolizes the axis of the world
Madhaya Pradesh, India passing through the center of anda, symbol
 of the heavenly dome. Connection between - One of the finest example of ancient Indian - Locally known as Verul Leni
the heans and humanity rock hewn/cut temples ----------------------------------------------------------
- The dome or mound rests on a platform - Chaitya – buddhist shrine in india, usually - Carpenters Caves was built around 700 CE
(Medhi) that is aligned to all four cardinal rock-hewn elongated hall with stupa at the
points. It is enclosed by a fenced railing apsidal end
(Vedika) meant for ritual circumambulation. - In modern texts in Indian architecture, the
- The path arounf the dome is called term Chaitya-Griha is often used to denote
Parikrama or Pradakshina patha assembly or prayer hall that houses a stupa
- The cardinal points of the mound has - The Chaitya Hall is designated as Cave No. 8
gateways calle Torana. The volutes of the - Use of horse shoe shaped windows
torana represents the scrolls (clearstory) to light interiors
- Each gate represents the four great life - Façade has a pillar adorned with lions at its
events of Buddha. East (birth), South capital (Ashokan Pillar – Stambha). The
(enlightenment), West (first sermon), North other pillar was removed. It is 15m high
(Nirvana) - End of the hall is the stupa - Designated as Cave No. 10
- Two stairways (Sopana) leading to the - Around the colonnade is a passage way or - Also known as Vishvakarma (Vishwakarma)
platform (Medhi) aisle that serves like an ambulatory or Sutar Jhopadi
- Stone balusters constructed in wood - It has carvings of Buddhas life and work - It is the only chaitya-griha among the
technique - Some images of Buddha were later added Buddhist caves in Ellora
- Access is at a right angle, bent entrance - Rib ceilings are made of wooden timbers, - Large bodhi tree is carved behind the stupa
- Direction of the opening is at a counter modeled after earlier wooden and bamboo ----------------------------------------------------------
clockwise direction temples - Ajanta Caves in Maharashtra
- The cross axis of the cardinal directions, - Also called as Chaitya Arch or Chandrashala
coupled with the directional openings, form - Produces good acoustic sound for prayer
a space-time cosmological diagram, or chants
mandala, in the form of a svastika (to be --------------------------------------------------------
good or auspicious) - Ellora Caves in Maharashtra were built
- The directions represent space and bent between 5th to 10 CE
entrance, replicating the movement of the
stars, represent time.

Indian Rock-Cut Architecture

- The Karle (Karla) Caves in Maharashtra
were built around 50 to 70 CE
- Another example of Indian Rock Cut/Hewn
architecture
- Composed of 31 caves along the river
- Chaitya-Grihas and the rest are monasteries
or Viharas
- Caves belong to Buddhist
- Finest examples of Indian Rock Cut/Hewn - Vihara in Sanskrit means house or dwelling
Architecture - A Buddhist Indian monastery often
- Composed of 34 caves from Buddhist, Hindu rockhewn, with a pillared quadrangle
and Jain temples and monasteries
 chamber, flanked by a row of small cells and - Stupa is framed by two sikharas built by Doing the right thing according to ones
pillared veranda in front Pratapa Malla in 16441 to 1674 duties and abilities to enable social order
- Cells are fitted with rock-cut platforms for - The curled nose is a symbol of unity (to and right conduct
bed and pillows reach enlightenment) 2. Artha (prosperity)
- Later became centers of learning - The third eye represents the all seeing One must have financial stability to ensure
- Originally temporary shelters for wandering wisdom of Buddha (peace, harmony, happiness, security and health
Buddhist Monks conscience) 3. Kama (desire and enjoyment)
Attaining ones desire, passion, longing,
BUDDHISM IN NEPAL HINDUISM affection, aesthetic or physical pleasure
- Located in the Himalayas - Third largest religion with over a billion 4. Moksha (enlightenment)
- Borders China in the North and India in the followers (80% in India and Nepal) the ultimate goal of any Hindu. Release of
South - Hinduism is based upon the religion of the ones soul from the cycle of birth and death
- Kathmandu is the capital original Aryan settlers with diverse (reincarnation). Soul uniting with Brahman
- Home to eight of the ten highest mountains traditions and philosophies
in the world (Mt. Everest) - No single founder, no single scripture and Hindu Trinity (Trimutry for male )
- Hinduism is widely practiced in Nepal no commonly agreed set of teaching
followed by Buddhism (Vedas)
- Birthplace of Gautama Buddha in Lumbini - Closely associated conceptually and
historically with Jainism, Buddhism and
Swayambhunath, Sikhism
Kathmandu Hill - Hinduism is often referred to as a “Way of
Life” rather than a single religion
- Belief that the soul reincarnate
(transmigration) to another body. what
body you inhabit next depends on you
karma
- belief in Karma. Ones action have
unavoidable and automatic effect on ones
fortunes in life and condition of rebirth in
the next. (cause and effect)
- yoga is the traditional physical and mental
discipline originating from India 1. Brahman (creator)
- follow a caste system -multi-faced and is standing on a white lotus
- Originally built in 460 CE Mand rebuilt in
- placement of Bindi (women) or Tilaka (both 2. Vishnu (preserver/balance)
1372 CE
sexes) on the forehead used for religious or -holding a scepter and the head surrounded
- Commissioned by King Manadeva as a
spiritual aspect, honor a person, event or with serpents
monastery
victory. 3. Shiva (destroyer/transformer)
- AKA the Monkey Temple
-holding a trident
- Swayambu means self created
- Access to stupa is through a long stairway Four purposes or goals in human life
(Purusartha) Hindi Trinity (Tridevi for female)
- A buddhist site but also revered by Hindus
1. Saraswati (cultural fulfillment)
- Myth says that the entire valley was an
1. Dharma (fulfill ones purpose) -holding a musical instrument and is the
enormous lake. Out grew a lotus and the
consort of Brahman
lotus transformed into a hill.
2. Lakshmi (wealth/fertility)
 -holding coins and is the consort of Vishnu o Garbagriha – Shrine-cell, or sanctum or It marks the vertical axis of the cosmic
3. Parvati (power/love/spiritual fulfillment) sanctorum. It is the womb chamber mountain (Mt. Meru)
-holding a trident and a consort of Shiva (Garbha - womb, Griha – house) where o Kalash (Kalasham) – means a pitcher or
the Murti or image is located. Usually pot, sacred brass receptacle at the
unadorned. Considered as the center of peak. It symbolizes abundance and the
the cosmos source of life
o Antrala – Pillared hall immediately
infront of the Garbagriha. Vestibule to
Garbagriha
o Mandapa – open or closed pillared hall.
Where pilgrim would gather or rest.
Space for public rituals

o Amalaka – fluted disk like, bulbous or

Hindu Temple
melonlike ornament terminating at the
end of the Sikhara. Finial of the Sikhara.
- Early Hindu temples were inspired by
o Gopuram – is a monumental tower,
Buddhist temples
- It tries to create a link between worshippers usually ornate, at the entrance of any
and the Gods temple, especially in Southern India.
o Maha Mandapa – an extended and
- Using specific forms, sacred geometry,
orientation and axial alignment to recreate bigger hall. Pillared hall immediately in
the Hindu cosmos (harmony with the front of the Ardha-Mandapa or Antrala,
cosmos) closed or open, in cave-temples
- Temples are usually oriented East (Rising o Ardha Mandapa -front proch or a
Sun) to West (Setting Sun) and depending smaller room which leads to a
on the Temple God Mahamandapa
- No congregational worship, therefore o Jagati (Pitha) – any molded base or
smaller enclosed spaces. pedestal for the tmple. Temple
- Ceremonies are performed to welcome, platform
entertaining and honor the Gods. (music, o Pradakshina Patha (Parikrama) –
food, dance and recital and scared Vedas) circulatory path around the Garbagriha.
- Use of trabeation and corbel construction Ambulatory passageway for
circumambulation
Elements of a Hindu Temple (Nagara and o Sikhara (Nagara) / Vimana (Dravida) –
Dravida) means the mountain peak, rising tower
above the sanctum of a Hindu Temple. o Stambha – in Hindu architecture, it is a
cosmic column which functions as a
 bond, which joins heaven and earth. In Vastu Shastra gives the directive principles regarding
Buddhist, it is a freestanding memorial construction of buildings so as not to displease the
pillar bearing carved inscriptions. Vastu Purusha. These principles are explained with
Possible Persian influence. the help of the diagram with the help of the diagram
called the Vatu Purusha Mandala.

Vashnu Purusha Mandala

Vastu – dwelling
Purusha – universal principle
Mandala – Circle

Shilpa Shastra

Deals with sculptures, murals, icons and other similar

fields

Vastu Purusha

Vastu Shastra (Vastu Veda) According to Hindu Mythology, in the beginning,

Brahma, the creator of the universe, experimented
Literally means science/doctrine of construction. It is with the creation of a new creature. He created a
a traditional Hindi system of design based on large cosmic man, who grew rapidly as he began to
directional alignments. It is primarily applied in devour everything in his path to satisfy his insatiable Vastu – dwelling
Hindu Temples, although it covers other hunger. When he became so big that his shadow fell Purusha – universal principle
applications, including poetry, dance, sculpture, etc. on the Earth creating a permanent eclipse, the gods Mandala – Circle
Shiva and Vishnu begged Brahma to do something
A person can improve their conditions by properly before everything was destroyed by this creature. The diagram shown known as Vastu Purusha
designing their buildings by understanding the Mandala, is a metaphysical square plan that
effectiveness of these five natural forces Brahma realized his mistake and called the Astha illustrates how the Vastu Purusha was pinned down
Dikapalakas, the Gods of the eighth cardinal by Brahma and 44 Gods – face down, with his head
directions. Together, they overpowered the monster to the North-East and his feet towards the South-
and held it flat against the Earth. Then Brahma West
jumped in the middle and held the monster down.
Then the monster cried “You created me like this. So
why am I being punished?” Brahma offered him a HINDU TEMPLES
compromise and made the Monster immortal with
the boon that he would be worshipped by any Nagara (Nagar)
mortal that builds a structure on earth. He was - Appeared in Northern India from the
named Vastu Purusha. Himalaya to Vinhaya
 - Originated during the Gupta Period (320 to - Dedicated to Vishnu - Dedicated to Shive
650 CE) - Part of the Khajuraho Group of monuments - Thanjavur was the capital of the Chola
- Curvilinear towers or Sikhara. Multiple recognized by UNESCO Empire
towers - Entire complex is raised on a platform - Thanjavur means the navel of the univers
- Walls or boundaries less emphasized. - Most decorated, covered almost completely - Palace complex and settlement is
Gateway (Gopuram) is modest or absent with images of over 600 deities surrounded by moat including the temple
- Elevated pedestal or platform - Main temple shrine faces east and is flanked complex
by 4 standing subsidiary shrines
- No mortar. Stand stones put together using
mortise and tenon method

Dravida

- Hindu deities were also considered as Kings.

Temples considered like palaces
- Organized in a rectangular space
- Strong linear axis from the entrance
Lakshmana Temple,
towards the Garbagriha
Khajuraho
- Divided into two squares
- Garbagriha is square representing the male
- Appeared in Southern India
gender
- Developed around 7th CE
- Has a pyramidal shaped tower or Vimana,
consisting of progressively smaller storey of
small pavilions. Single tower.
- Temple is enclosed with an elaborate wall
or boundary.

Brihadisvara Temple,
Thanjavur, Tamil Hindu
- Commissioned by Raja Raja Chola I
- Built around 930 to 950 CE - Simply means “Big Shiva Temple”
- Commissioned by King Yasovarman of the - AKA Pervudaiyar Koyil or Rajarajeswaram
Linga
Chandella Kingdom (Divine Kings Temple)
 - Contains both elements of Nagara and - Commissioned bu Krishna I in the
Dravida Rashtrakutas Dynasty
- It is sometimes referred to as Decan - Dedicated to the God Shiva
Architecture/Style - Temple symbolizes Mot Kailash or Mt. Meru
- Tower have similar features with Nagara in Buddhist text
but shorter - One of the worlds largest monolithic
structure. Carved from one solid piece of
Chennakesava Temple rock
Somanathapura - AKA Kailashnath, KAILASA (cave 16) or
Kailasanatha Temple
- noted for its vertical excavation. carvers
started from top to bottom.
- exhibits typical Dravidan architectural
Symbolism of Shiva feature

- Arddhanarishvara – the Lord who is Half MUGHAL ARCHITECTURE

woman. Is a composite androgynous form
of Hindu deities Shiva and Parvati (the latter - Mughal or Mogul Empire began in 1526 to
being known as Devi, Shakti and Uma in this 1858
Icon). Ardhanarishvara is depicted as a half- - Founded by Babur or Zahir ud-Din
male and half-female, equally split down - Built in 1268 CE Muhammad, a descendant of the Timurids
the middle. The right half is usually the male - Commissioned by Soma under King (Great great grandson of Timur) located in
Shiva, illustrating his traditional attributes Narasimha III of the Hoysala Empire present Uzbekhistan
- Nandi Statue (sacred bull) facing main - Designed and sculpted by Ruvari Malithama - India-Islamic Imperial power that rules most
shrine. It stands guard in all Shiva temples - Temple is known for its symmetry of the Indian Sucontinent
- Shrines have 16 pointed stellate design - Mughal is derived from the original
Vesara - Temple is raised on a platform homelands of the Timurid in Moghulistan or
“Land of the Mongols” (Gengis Khan)
INDIAN HINDU ROCK-CUT ARCHITECTURE
- Kailash temple in Ellora Caves was built in Humayun’s Tomb (Mausoleum)
773 CE Delhi

- Located in Central India

 - Commissioned by Hamida Banu Begum, - Agra became the capital of the Mughal Taj Mahal
consort of Humayun Empire Agra
- Humayun is the 2nd emperor of the Mughal
Empire - It is a palace complex
- Designed by Mirak Mirza Ghiyath (Persian - Walls of the fort are red sandstone cladding
Architect) and completed by Sayyid and inlaid with white marble
Muhammad
- Earliest example of Persian influence in
Indian Architecture and the first Tomb-
Garden Style
- Modeled after Guri Emir Mausoleum and
became the precursor to the Taj Mahal
- The area has 100 graves earning it the name
as the Dormitory of the Mughals
- Use of red sandstones and white marble
- The tomb sits at the center of a plinth/base
about 7m high - Jihangiri Mahal (Zenana or Women’s Palace) - built in 1632 to 1653
- Tomb clad in red sandstone with white - commissioned by Shah Jahan
marble ornamentation - designed by Ustad Ahmad Lahauri (part of
- Large Iwan, a high arch, punctuates the the boards of Architect)
center of each façade - means “Palace of the Crown”
- Use of the Hindu Chattris (domed pavilions), - Mausoleum tomb for Mumtas Mahal, the
surrounding the central dome 3rd wife of Shah Jahan
- Use of Persian style garden layout called - It has become a symbol of eternal love
Charbagh - Use of marble (translucent) and semi-
- Charbagh (four gardens) – is a quadrilateral precious stones
garden divided by walkways or flowing - Diwan-i-am (hall of public audience) - Structure on a square plinth/base with an
water into 4 smaller parts Iwan on each side of the façade
- Number 4 has significance in Islam (4 books, - Chattris at the corners od the main dome
4 archangels) (Onion Dome)
- It is the earthly representation of the - Integration of Persian and Hindu
gardens of paradise (eternity) as mentions Architecture
in the Qur’an - Top of the dome has inverted lotus
- Four rivers in heaven flows with water, milk, - Brass finial but originally gold
wine and honey - It has a moon crescent
- Oriented to the direction of the four - Placement of the crescent looks like a
cardinal points trident, a symbol of Shiva
- Use of Pietra Dura/Pietre Dure – inlaid
Agra Fort Complex - Diwan-i-khas (hall of private audience) polished stone to create images (mosaic)
Agra - A Erupean decorative style
- Built around 1565 to 1573 - Double dome. Allowing the dome to stand
- AKA Lal Qila, Fort Rouge and Red Fort of out visually compared to Humayuns Tomb
Agra - Double cenatoph
- Commissioned by Akbar
- Shah Jahan was buried at the western side
of Mumtaz Mahal
- Has 3 possible centers