Architecture in Asia: India

• The notes presented are for Architecture in Asia

Overview: Key Regions and Influences

• Asia is divided into distinct regions: the Islamic World, Middle and Hermit Kingdoms, Indian Sub-Continent, and areas of Buddhist Expansion
• Buddhist Expansion includes Tibet, Burma, Siam, Cambodia, Laos, and Indonesia

Architecture of India: Influences and Key Concepts

• Location of India is bounded by Pakistan and the Arabian Sea to the West, China, Nepal, and Bhutan to the North East, Bangladesh, Burma, and the Bay of Bengal to the East, and Sri Lanka to the South
• India is diamond-shaped and once included Pakistan and Bangladesh
• Geographical regions include the Himalayas, the Indo-Gangetic Plain, and the Deccan Plateau
• Key geological resources include red and cream sandstone in Agra, white marble in Rajasthan, granite and volcanic potstone in Central and South India, and teakwood in Burma
• Climatic conditions vary from seasonal temperatures and cool winters in Northern India to hot and dry temperatures in Southern India
• June to September marks the monsoon season with severe storms and rain
• Vedism and Brahmanism are important religious influences, emphasizing concepts like Brahman, Om, and Devatas
• Key concepts include Yajna, Maitri, Karuna, Ahimsa, Satya and Brahmacarya
• Hinduism emphasizes escaping from material life and extinguishing desire, with the concept of reincarnation
• Principal gods and goddesses include Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva
• Jainism, established by Vardhamana, is based on asceticism and ahimsa (non-violence)
• The central concept is not without a belief in a God, though there are other forms of idol worships
• Buddhism, founded by Siddhartha Gautama in the 5th Century BCE, emphasizes charity, equality, and moderation, without gods or caste system
• Caste system's antiquity in India includes Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Shudras, and Untouchables/Dalits

Indian Architectural Styles: Socio-Political Aspects and Historical Context

• The Harappan civilization emerged in the Indus River Valley, with principal cities like Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro
• The Vedic Period involved the Northwestern Aryan invasion
• There was Greek expansion where Alexander the Great led an expedition across the Hindu Kush
• Maurya Dynasty was the first Indian Empire, with Ashoka converting to and promoting Buddhism
• The Kushan Dynasty adopted and promoted Buddhism with Greek influences
• Gupta Dynasty marked an imperial revival of the Mauryan Model, with Hinduism becoming more coherent and codified
• The Mughal Empire stabilized and centralized government, its most notable figure builder of the Taj Mahal
• Key factors involve architecture being monolith, monumental, and free-standing
• Architectural styles are laid down by Brahmanism, with Buddhist styles possessing artistic character
• Buddhist architecture is internal, imitating timber originals, with ornament on interior columns and roof
• Jain architecture presents a light and graceful character, exhibiting rich sculptures and picturesque temples
• Hindu architecture shows grander due to excessive carving/sculpture, impression of majestic beauty
• Key factors related to temple plans, walls and openings
• Main forms for columns, roofs and openings
• Various building styles covered in text

Architecture of Sri Lanka: Influences and Key Concepts

• Sri Lanka is bounded by the Indian Ocean and is located at the southern tip of India
• Key concepts involve the island being Buddhist
• Wet areas offer stones like granite, limestone, and laterite while dry areas features teak and satin
• Buildings are solid-walled with wide projecting eaves and steep pitched roofs due to monsoons
• Buddhism, known as Dharma-Dipa, introduced by Mahinda Thera in the reign of Devanampiyatissa
• Socio-political details are the Sinhalese are believed to be the earliest colonizers

Sri Lanka's Architectural Periods: Anuradhapura to Kandy

• Anuradhapura Period: First capital with strategic ports; significant Hindu legend as the capital of Asura King Ravana
• Polonnouruwa Period: Cholan invasion leads to capital city built by King Vijayabahu I
• Kandyan Period: Divided into kingdoms with Kandy as capital; Colonial powers influenced architecture until independence in 1947
• Natural beauty, rock-cut elements, a Buddhist influence form a significant role in architectural structure

Sri Lankan Architectural Styles: Plan, Walls, Roofs, and Ornaments

• Anuradhapura plans emphasize the relationship between building and nature
• Walls features Brickwork, white plaster, and lime plaster
• Roof features drip ledges developed with walls to form enclosure
• Ornaments have entrances for stupas and statues of Buddha

Architecture of Nepal: Influences and Key Concepts

• Nepal is bound by India and China, deeply influenced by both cultures
• Key Cities include Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Patan
• Climate subtropical in the low lands and Arctic in higher altitudes
• 85% Hinduism, with Tibetan Tantric Buddhism
• Houses are designed with courtyards, with the ground floor used for shop
• Lintels over openings of timber
• Double pitched roofs, and use of timber

Cambodia: Influences and Key Concepts

• Climate tropical
• Town Plan: Walled Rectangle, gates each side to reflect cardinal directions
• Walls made of stone, lined by trees.