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Questions and Answers
What was the main religion of India that has roots from indigenous Dravidians and Aryan invaders?
Which king established the Mauryan Empire in 300 BC?
What is the primary purpose of a stupa in Buddhist architecture?
Which principle does Buddhism emphasize for achieving enlightenment?
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What unique architectural feature is common in viharas?
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What significant transition did Gautama Siddhartha undergo to search for wisdom?
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Which civilization is known for the cities of Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa?
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What does the caste system in Hinduism primarily categorize?
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What effect did the different climatic zones have on the architectural materials used in Sri Lanka?
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Which feature is characteristic of the architectural evolution during the Anuradhapura period?
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What material was NOT commonly used in the construction of buildings in Sri Lanka?
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Which architectural style is reflected in the early rock chamber structures found in Sri Lanka?
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In which geographical location does the predominant dry hot zone of Sri Lanka exist?
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What primarily triggered the evolution of constructing durable buildings in Sri Lanka?
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Which characteristic is NOT associated with the architectural features of the Anuradhapura Period?
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What role did geographical factors play in reshaping architectural practices in Sri Lanka?
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Which of the following is a significant structural feature of early Buddhist rock temples in Sri Lanka?
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Study Notes
Indian Architecture History
- Emerged as the third great civilization in a fertile river valley, primarily along the Indus River.
- Indus Valley civilization dates back to 2500 BC, located in present-day Pakistan and Northwest India.
- Major cities include Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa, ruled by priest-kings with citadels.
- This civilization lasted approximately 800 years, ending around 1500 BC.
- Aryans migrated from the north around 1500 BC, establishing 16 separate kingdoms throughout India.
- The most powerful kingdom, Magadha, eventually conquered others and founded the Mauryan Empire in 300 BC under King Ashoka.
Religion
Hinduism
- Main religion in India, recognized as one of the oldest surviving religions alongside Judaism.
- Rooted in indigenous Dravidian beliefs combined with those of Aryan invaders.
- Key deities include Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
- Central belief involves reincarnation, where the soul returns in a different body.
- The caste system categorizes society into priests, warriors and nobles, farmers and traders, laborers and servants, and untouchables.
Buddhism
- Emerged in response to dissatisfaction with the Hindu caste system.
- Founded by Gautama Siddhartha (563–483 BC), who renounced princely life to seek wisdom.
- Achieved enlightenment through meditation after six years of searching.
- Advocates overcoming human weaknesses, such as greed and anger, to attain salvation or nirvana.
Buddhist Structures
Stambha or Laths
- Pillars commemorating Buddhist teachings and figures, often prominently displayed.
Stupas
- Memorial mounds built to enshrine relics of Buddha or mark sacred events.
- Represent symbols of the universe and are based on prehistoric funerary mounds.
- Constructed as domical mounds on a platform, featuring processional paths, railings, gateways, and a crowning umbrella (chattri).
Viharas
- Buddhist monasteries typically carved from solid rock.
- Include a central pillared chamber or quadrangle, surrounded by a verandah with small sleeping cells.
- The front often contains a courtyard with a stupa.
Chaitya
- Prayer halls or gathering spaces in viharas, often featuring a stupa as the central focus.
Wat
- Refers to Buddhist monasteries or temples in Thailand and Cambodia.
- Notable example: Angkor Wat, a temple complex in Cambodia, covering an area of 162.6 hectares.
Gompa
- Refers to monasteries in Tibetan Buddhism, exemplified by structures like the Dechen Choekhor Mahavihara Monastery.
Architectural Traditions in Thailand
- Early Influences: Development mirrored building traditions of the Mons and Talaings in Southern Burma; introduced stone construction, replacing traditional brick and vegetable glue.
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Thai Period (13th-17th century): Three styles emerged:
- Sukhotai Style
- Ayudhya Style
- Chiengmai Style of the North
- Bangkok Style (18th-19th century): The new capital designed to reflect the destroyed city of Ayudhya; incorporated traditional forms with Chinese-influenced ornamentation from refugees.
- Materials and Finishes: Religious buildings often featured porcelain tile finishes.
Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)
- Significance: Regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand, located within the Grand Palace, Bangkok.
- Features: Houses the Emerald Buddha statue, revered as the country's palladium; recognized by Guinness World Records as the largest religious structure globally.
- Historical Background: Originally a Hindu temple for the Khmer Empire dedicated to Vishnu, constructed by King Suryavarman II in the 12th century, transformed into a Buddhist temple by the century's end.
Architectural Landscape of Thailand
- Geographic Context: Bordered by Burma to the North and West, Laos and Cambodia to the North-East and East; rich in durable decorative timber like teak and ebony.
- Building Materials: Brick and stone are primary materials; stone is used minimally with brick predominant in construction. Tropical climate characterized by monsoons affects building practices.
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Architectural Phases:
- Dvararati Period (6th-10th century): Central Thailand; influenced by Burman Buddhist forms, used brick and stone with granite bases.
- Mon-Khmer Period (10th-13th century): Featured Angkor-style architecture in Central and Eastern Thailand.
Architectural Traditions in Sri Lanka
- Geographical Overview: Sri Lanka, located 32 km off the southern tip of the Indian Peninsula, is a pivotal international trade center due to its strategic location.
- Geological Resources: Abundant use of granite, limestone, sandstone, and clay for bricks; hardwoods like teak and satin are common in dry areas.
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Climatic Zones: Consists of three climatic areas:
- Dry hot zone in the north/east
- Central wet region
- Hot low-lying zone in the south/southwest.
Historical Overview of Sri Lankan Architecture
- Buddhism's Influence: Architectural history began in the 3rd century B.C. with Buddhism's introduction from India, marking a shift from perishable wood to durable materials like brick and stone.
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Anuradhapura Period (4th century B.C. to 10th century A.D.):
- Earliest remains include natural rock chambers for hermits featuring drip-ledges for rainwater.
- Evolvement into enclosed rock temples with pillars, significant to peristyle architecture.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the rich history of Indian architecture, focusing on the Indus Valley Civilization and the subsequent rise of the Mauryan Empire. Explore key cities like Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa, and learn about the influential priest-kings. This quiz covers significant periods and developments in early Indian history.
