Sacred Indian Structures

Name a historian

Micheal Fazio

Who is the Buddha in Hinduism?

A form of Vishnu

Explain the elaborate style of Hindu spires

Conplexity in the multi-layered architecture is to reflect the complex and multifaceted identities and forms of deiries in hindu culture

Two symbolic structural notes

Both use Chatra

Both use circumambulation

Example of Early Hindu Temple?

Original temples carved out of rock faces, cave temples - inspired by Buddhism

With the walls having hindu deities carved into them

Cabe temples of Elephants in Maharashtra, 6th C

Name an author who discusses hindu temple and caste

Gary Micheal Tartakov,

the hindu temple as promoting problematic ideas of caste system and social class

Name two similarities between Buddhist and Hindu beliefs

-Both believe in the cycle of life and death

-the importance of a connection with religion

Similarity in sacred buildings in India

Built out of durable materials

Received funding from wealthy patrons

What were the main historical influences on Indian beliefs

The ancient city of Mohenjo-Daro trading with Arabia and Mesopotamia

No shrines or temples, spiritual beliefs surrounding nature and animals

Migration of Aryans and the creation of caste system

What is the name of the ancient Indus Valley city?

Mohenjo-Daro, 2700BCE

Name six key beliefs of Hinduism

-Male and female coming together = universe being united the Linga and Yoni

-Devotion to multiple gods, Shiva as the main

-Brahmins which maintain relationship of God and people

-Caste system, four classes of society

-Worship of gods, eliminating passions, accumulating good action through past lives

-Gods attracted to mountains and caves

Name four beliefs of Buddhists

-Bodhi tree where Siddhartha Gautama was enlightened

-Achieving enlightenment through rejecting materialism and life is suffering and constant change

-The four truths

-Eightfold way

What are the Four Truths in Buddhism?

The foundation of what the Buddha taught, explaining the nature of suffering and how to overcome it.

What is the Eightfold path?

It is guidance on principles of wisdom, ethics and discipline for everyday life.

What is the name of the Buddha?

Siddhartha Gautama

What are the origins of a Stupa?

The stupa was originally a mound of rubble place upon one of the ten cites that the Buddhas remains were buried after his death.

Developed by Asoka into larger and more standardised temple forms

Which Emperor took to Buddhism? What were his connections?

The Emperor Asoka who had ties to Persia and Hellenistic influences.

What is at the apex of a Stupa?

The Chatra which is symbolic of the Bodhi tree and a symbol of royalty and protection.

Name three spiritual functions of the stupa

-The processional path around the dome, designated by a gate which permits circumambulation

-The dome represents a cycle and embodies the earth through its original materials of wood and mud.

-The Chatra at the top represents the ultimate goal of enlightenment as it represents the Bodhi tree.

Which temple is significant in Hindu architecture and why?

The Kandariya Mahadeva temple as it is the largest and most ornate, dedicated to the main God Shiva.

What are 4 architectural elements of Kandariya Mahadeva?

-Raised on a platform

-Tall Shikhara which represent mountain peaks and encase the inner cave or sanctuary

-Covered in ornate, carved depictions of courtly life

-In line with the cardinal points

What do the figures on the Khajuraho collection represent?

The tantric principles and the unity of human and divine

Describe the geometric relevance in Sacred architecture in India

Hindu temples based on the mandala to create proportion

Buddhist temples using circles to represent the cyclical nature of life and rebirth.