Midterms

Nagara Style

Characterized by its intricate structural and sculptural elements, exemplified by temples like Lingaraj and Kandarya Mahadeva.

Mandapa

A pillared outdoor hall or pavilion in Hindu temples.

Sikhara

The curvilinear tower above the garbha griha in a Nagara shrine.

Ratha

A Hindu temple carved out of solid rock to resemble a chariot.

Gupta

The dynasty that governed a significant empire in ancient India, founded by Chandragupta.

Chariot

A vehicle used by Hindu gods to journey from their realm to earth.

Pagoda

A tiered tower with multiple eaves, used to house relics and dedicated to Buddha.

Chumon

The middle/central gate of a temple guarded by two significant deities, known as Kongo Rikishi.

Kondo

The main hall or Golden Hall in certain Japanese temple architecture.

GOJU-NO-TO

A five-storey pagoda typically featuring intricate design.

Mosaic

Art involving tile or glass pieces creating elaborate images or patterns, often with religious themes.

Apse

A semicircular or polygonal projection of a building, serving as a sanctuary in a church.

Nave

The central part of a church extending from the entrance to the altar.

Narthex

The vestibule or entrance hall of a church.

Sanctuary

The sacred area of a church, typically where the altar is located.

Altar

The table where the Eucharist is celebrated in a Christian church.

Atrium

The forecourt of an early Christian church flanked by porticoes.

Tribune

The bishop's throne situated in a recessed area of the church.

Aisle

Longitudinal divisions of a church, separated by rows of columns.

Bema

The transverse space separating the nave from the apse in early Christian churches.

Baldachin

An ornamental canopy placed over the altar in a church.

Domus

A house church inspired by domestic architecture.

Martyrium

A circular building dedicated to a martyr.

Justinian

The Byzantine emperor under whom the Church of Holy Wisdom was built.

Masjid

A place for prostration, referring to a mosque.

Qibla

The direction Muslims face when praying, towards Mecca.

Mihrab

A niche in a mosque indicating the qibla.

Minbar

A pulpit from which sermons are delivered in a mosque.

Minaret

A tall slender tower used to call Muslims for prayer.

Sahn

The central courtyard of a mosque.

Ablution Fountain

A place for Muslims to wash and purify before prayer.

AL Rahman

The mosque initiated by the emir of Cordoba, Al Rahman.

Arabesque

An ornamental style featuring intricate patterns of interlaced lines and floral motifs.

Shah Jahan

The emperor who commissioned the Taj Mahal in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal.

Ustad Ahmad Lahauri & Ustad Isa

The principal architects responsible for the design of the Taj Mahal.

Anthemius & Isidorius

Architects of the Church of Holy Wisdom built under Emperor Justinian.

Dravida style

Architectural style associated with the southern parts of India.

Garbhagriha

A sacred chamber of a Hindu temple, meaning 'womb chamber'.