HOA3: Indian Subcontinent Architecture Part 2

Lotus

This Indian symbol represents spiritual growth, divinity. Where Brahma is seated

Wheel

This indian symbol symbolizes the 3rd great event in the historical Buddha's life, in which he "turned the wheel of dharma" by preaching his first sermon.

Wheel

It symbolizes cycle of life, death and rebirth, teaching of Buddha

Lion

This symbol is associated with regality, strength and power as he was a former prince. Symbol of the sons of Buddha who are spiritually developed.

Sakyamuni Buddha

It is known as the Lion of the Sakya Clan

Grey Elephant

This symbol symbolizes the uncontrolled mind and causes destruction

White Elephant

This symbolizes the tamed and controlled who follows the path of dharma. They guard the temple and Buddha

Bodhi Tree

It represents enlightenment

Mandala

This symbol represents the cosmos, balance, and circumambulation

Square

Circle

2 Elements of Mandala

Square

This element of Mandala represents the Earth

Circle

This element of Mandala represents the Heaven

Aryans

They brought the Vedic Religion

Maurya Dynasty

It is the first Indian Empire founded and headed by Chandragupta

Chandragupta

- He is known to the Greeks as Sandrocottos

- He seized control of Magadha and most of the subcontinent in 321 BC.

- Set his empire at Pataliputra

Pataliputra

This is probably the largest and most sophisticated city and center of culture in the world.

Emperor Ashoka

He is the greatest Mauryan King. He is the grandson of Chandragupta. He was converted to Buddhism and spent the rest of his life spreading it.

Stupa

It is a dome-shaped mound similar to the funerary mounds used to mark the graves of great kings. It contain holy relics to indicate the sacred character of the place or commemorate an important event associated with Buddha

Stu

It means to worship or to praise

Stupa

It is Sanskrit for heap

Great Stupa

It is the oldest stone structure in India

Square (Earth)

Round (Water)

Cone (Fire)

Canopy (Air)

Volume (Space)

The 5 Elements of Stupas

Chatra

Anda

Harmika

Medhi

Vedika

Sopana

Torana

Stambha

Parts of a Stupa

Anda

This part of a stupa is a hemispheric cupola/ mound or solid dome, known also as egg, womb or the fertile earth. Symbolized the infinite space of the sky.

Harmika

This parts refers to the square pedestal on top of the hemisphere said to be the "dwelling place of the Gods"

Medhi

This part of a stupa is the upper passageway (terrace type)

Vedika

This part of a stupa is the wooden or stone railing enclosure

Sopana

This part of a stupa refers to the staircases going to the terrace or Medhi

Torana

This part of a stupa is the ceremonial gateways positioned at each cardinal direction.

Chatras

These refer to umbrella or sign of royalty made of wood or stone

Stambhas or Lats

These are monumental free standing pillars of circular, octagonal or square shafts.

Persepolitan Type

Circular or octagonal with bell shape capital supporting an animal sculpture. Shaft is polished with vase-shaped base

Graeco-Roman Type

Rectangular with shallow flutes. Tall and slender with a capital usually with a fluted vase motif.

Ashoka Pillar

It consists of a shaft and a crown of four lions.

Stupa

It is the principal symbol of worship

Emperor Ashoka

He initiated the first rock cut technique

Barabar

Nagarjuni

These caves were hewn out of granite rock

Chaityas

These refer to assembly halls to accommodate those who congregate to pay homage

Ornamental Facade

Central Vaulted Hall

Rock Cut Stupa

Chaitya Hall consists of:

Horseshoe

The facade of a Chaitya Hall is a massive _______ shaped bay entrance

Pradakshina Patha

Term referring to circumambulation

Viharas

These refer to monasteries or residence of Buddhist priests and meant for their congregational prayer, with a shrine

Barabar Hill Caves

It is the oldest surviving rock-cut caves

Barabar

It consists of 4 caves with inscriptions in the name of "King Piyadasi"

Nagarjuni

It consists of 3 caves with inscriptions in the name "Devanampiya Desaratha"

Chandrashala

It refers to the ogee shaped chaitya arch

Ajanta Caves

These caves include paintings and sculptures described by the government Archaeological Survey of India as "the finest surviving examples of Indian art, particularly painting." Has 29 rock-cut buddhist cave monuments

Ellora Caves

It consists of 34 caves: 12 Buddhist caves, 17 Hindu caves, and 5 Jain caves

Ellora Caves

This multi-religious rock cut cave complex have inscriptions dating from the period 6th century CE onwards

Artha (prosperity, wealth)

Kama (pleasure, sex)

Dharma (virtues, ethical life)

Moksha (release, self-knowledge)

Four Principles of Human Life (Hindu)

Temple

It is meant to encourage reflection, facilitate purification of one‟s mind, and trigger the process of inner realization.

Shilpa Shastras

Science of Arts and Crafts

Vastu Shatra

Science of Architecture

Sthapatis

These are temple architects are commissioned to design and construct the temple according to the sacred architecture found in the Agamic scriptures.

Axis Mundi

It is a Hindu Symbol representing the center of the universe