Architecture of Nepal PDF

ARCHITECTURE OF Nepal Pokhara Lakeside NEPAL  ARCHITECTURE OF Nepal Nepali or Nepalese Architecture, due to its location,...

ARCHITECTURE OF Nepal Pokhara Lakeside NEPAL  ARCHITECTURE OF Nepal Nepali or Nepalese Architecture, due to its location, is an architecture influenced by Indian and Chinese cultures which is characterized by chortens (stupas), multi-tiered temples and other building types with intricately lattice-screened wooden windows, and elaborately detailed wood carvings on pillars, lintel and beam. A snippet of skyline of Kathmandu, capital city of Nepal  ARCHITECTURE OF Nepal Newar architecture, as it is called, which coined after the indigenous inhabitants of Kathmandu Valley. The typical formal feature of which is the monumental pillar supporting a metal superstructure adorned with mystical symbols, group of divinities and portrait statuary of royalties. The street facades of houses, are usually planned with interior courtyards which are elaborately treated Durbar square is a generic name used to describe plazas opposite old royal palaces in Nepal A snippet of skyline of Kathmandu, capital city of Nepal  ARCHITECTURE OF Nepal Buildings are of 3 storey in which the ground floor serves as a shop, recessed beneath an overhanging first floor which is overhung by the upper level Trabeated system of construction is used in Nepalese buildings. Wooden posts, beams and struts used in the houses are clear intermingling of the structure and ornamentation. Each floor is supported by brackets and struts, ornately curved and sometimes painted The street facades of houses, are usually planned with interior courtyards which are elaborately treated Durbar square is a generic name used to describe plazas opposite old royal palaces in Nepal A snippet of skyline of Kathmandu, capital city of Nepal ARCHITECTURE OF Nepal Typical traditional Newa house (left and top photos) and a courtyard (photo below)  ARCHITECTURE OF Nepal Roofs are the nost striking architectural feature of a Nepalese building. It can be double pitched with the ridge on the line of the central spine wall, hovering roof form with bracket support overhanging precautiously on building walls with bracket support and it can set one over the other in a pagoda form The roofs are covered with special clay tiles (jhingati) with metal gutters A snippet of skyline of Kathmandu, capital city of Nepal  ARCHITECTURE OF Bhutan The main materials used to build a Nepali structure are: TIMBER Used for all the structural parts of the buildings such as the roof frames, floor, columns, beams, lintels, doors and windows. The most common timber was from Sal trees found only in subtropical countries, including Nepal. BRICK AND CLAY MORTAR Except for some stone buildings, it is the only building material used for the construction of superstructures and plinths. Sun dried or firebricks were used. Special types of oil-glazed bricks, called Telia Inta, were often used for the façade work. Square flat types of these bricks are used for paving plinths and inner courtyards. A snippet of skyline of Kathmandu, capital city of Nepal  ARCHITECTURE OF Nepal The main materials used to build a Nepali structure are: STONE Used to make special features in all of the temples, as well as sculptures of the deities and guardians that are kept on the sides of the doors and steps. Sometimes used for lintels, plinths, stairs, and foundation. METAL Iron, brass, and copper were the common types of metal used for the construction. Mainly used to make bells, pinnacles, and other ornamentation to the building rather than for structural purpose. In some temples, metal sheets are used for roof coverings and to highlight doorways. A snippet of skyline of Kathmandu, capital city of Nepal  ARCHITECTURE OF CATEGORIES OF NEPALESE ARCHITECTURE Nepal Pagoda Style Stupa (Chaitya) Style Summit (Sikhara Style)  ARCHITECTURE OF CATEGORIES OF NEPALESE ARCHITECTURE Nepal ❖ Pagoda Style Introduced in Nepal in the beginning of the 13th century, was believed to be taken to China by Arukino (Arkino) and his colleagues of Nepal, and from there spread to other Asian countries. The roofs are also generally topped off by triangular spires enclosing an inverted bell of stucco or burnished gold. Changu Narayan Temple Wooden struts (tundals) are an important feature of a Nepalese pagoda and are wooden structures carved with different deities for whom the temple is dedicated to. Doors of the temples and palaces are either of carved wood or embossed metal ones. They are about 4.5 feet to 5 feet. The wooden windows are always placed on odd numbers (1,3,5…) depending upon the size of the wall. Nyatapola Temple, tallest pagoda-style temple in Nepal Taleju Temple  ARCHITECTURE OF CATEGORIES OF NEPALESE ARCHITECTURE Nepal ❖ Stupa (Chaitya) Style Supposed to have been introduced in Nepal by the Indian King Ashoka in the 1st century BC. A hemispherical dome that keeps pinnacle with Buddha’s eyes painted on the harmika (four-sided that symbolizes the energy radiating out. The umbrella-like disc round the single central pillar represents nirvana. Boudhanath Stupa Roofs originally made of gold, bronze, or brass, getting narrower towards the top with a golden pinnacle (gajur). This was believed to facilitate the god’s flight to heaven. Extending from the central pillar are the festooned prayer flags and prayer wheels lying all around the basal circumference. They are believed to contain the relic of a saint or ashes of Buddha. Swayambunath Stupa  ARCHITECTURE OF CATEGORIES OF NEPALESE ARCHITECTURE Nepal ❖ Summit (Shikhara) Style Krishna Mandir, Patan Became popular in Nepal during the 17th and 18th century. A shikhara is a tall, curvilinear or pyramidial tower whose surface is broken up vertically into five or nine sections. The final section consists of a bell-shaped part at the top. Some are roofless with several towering and tapering tops with golden pinnacles. Stone is the original construction material. Doors are carved in stone , while bricks are used for walls. Verandah supported by carved stone pillars. Mahabuddha Temple, Patan  ARCHITECTURE OF Tibet Tibetan landscape  ARCHITECTURE OF Tibet Tibetan Architecture, despite of the acquired influences of Chinese and Indian culture, has made its features unique brough about by its adaptation to the cold, generally arid, high- altitude climate of the Tibetan plateau. Its architecture is characterized by buildings embellished with Tibetan Buddhisms, masonry battered walls, and flat roof and ceiling Potala Palace at night using locally sourced materials LHASA, TIBET BUILDING MATERIALS ARCHITECTURE OF LOCAL STONE Tibet Slate forms the little roofs over doors and windows, while granites is preferably used for walls. TIMBER Softer woods (poplar) are used for carvings, while harder woods (firs, nut trees) are used for structural support. EARTH Mudbricks are commonly used for the top floor of a house, while stone bricks are used for all floors in a wealthier house. Aga soil, a special kind of material blended with rubbles and earth, is used for the building and sealing of roofs or floors of traditional Tibetan architecture,  ARCHITECTURE OF Tibet BATTERED WALLS Gives Tibetan buildings a distinctive silhouette. Created by the reduction in thickness from the ground floor to the top floor wall, with the interior wall remaining vertical. Usually built on from stone on shallow stone foundations, the walls on the ground floor are extremely thick, often more than a meter. The wall core is filled with stone rubble between the meticulously-made outer and somewhat simpler inner faces, then rammed with mud, straw, and other insulating materials. Usually sloped inwards at 10 degrees as a precaution against or due to frequent earthquakes. Ensures maximum insulation against the harsh temperature changes in the Tibetan climate.  ARCHITECTURE OF Tibet FLAT ROOF AND CEILING Flat roofs are used to conserve energy and heat. Easier to remove frequent snows. Sealed either by stamped and oiled-clay (arga) or water-absorbing sand known as tikse. The ceilings, supported by a pillar-post construction, are built by placing wooden rafters between the central beams and the walls. The rafters support layers of pebbles and mud. Ensures maximum insulation against the harsh temperature changes in the Tibetan climate.  ARCHITECTURE OF MASONRY Tibet A technique, called galletted rubble, done by courses of large rectangular stones laying between layers of small flat stones, gives the walls a greater flexibility in case of tremors and therefore adds to the stability of a house. The top of a wall is sealed against rain by a cornice made from slate and wood, crowned by a mound of clay.  ARCHITECTURE OF BUILDING TYPES: ANCIENT TOMBS Tibet TIMBER Softer woods (poplar) are used for carvings, while harder woods (firs, nut trees) are used for structural support. EARTH Mudbricks are commonly used for the top floor of a house, while stone bricks are used for all floors in a wealthier house. Aga soil, a special kind of material blended with rubbles and earth, is used for the building and sealing of roofs or floors of traditional Tibetan architecture,  ARCHITECTURE OF BUILDING TYPES: Tibet TEMPLES ANCIENT TOMB PAGODA STUPA MONASTERY  ARCHITECTURE OF BUILDING TYPES: ANCIENT TOMB Tibet To date among the Tibetan ancient architecture sites, the tombs are the most on the part of quality and distribution. The occurrence of the Tibetan tomb architectures was closely related with the changes in the types of funeral and burial customs since Drigum Tsanpo. All the successive tsanpos were given inhumation when passed away and special architectures were built on the tombs for people to mourn for them. Tomb of Songsten Gampo Most of the Tibetan royal tombs were backed by mountains. The tombs are generally in cube, with each plane being in square or trapezoid. The material used usually are earth, stone, grass, logs, etc. The mixture of earth, stone and grass was rammed to form the building. Between each ramming of 7 to 10 cm thick there laid a row of logs to reinforce the tombs. Tomb of Trisong Detran  ARCHITECTURE OF BUILDING TYPES: TIBETAN MONASTERY Tibet A large-sized building complex consisting of temples and halls, residence quarters of monks, stupas, and several colleges. Divided into three categories: temples, cave temples, and stupa temples built surrounding the main hall. The main hall is composed of several units: the central Buddha Hall, sutra hall, circumambulation passage, inner circumambulation Samye Monastery passage, side halls, circumambulation passage outside the hall, circular corridors, and so on. The layout of the buildings around the main hall is according to the layout of four continents and eight subcontinents in the Buddhist world. The entire complex plan is a representation of the mandala of the Buddhist world. Sera Monastery  ARCHITECTURE OF BUILDING TYPES: TIBETAN TEMPLE Tibet According to Reuters, there are about than 1,700 temples and monasteries in Tibet. Tibetan temples have flat roofs and contain ashes of the reincarnations of local lamas. In the old days, they were illuminated only with yak-butter lamps. Jokhang Temple, Lhasa The halls of many temples today still used these lamps as well as electric lamps. They have a square or rectangular plan and are composed of three main parts: an assembly hall, ambulatory, and cells. On the roof of almost every temple in Tibet is a symbol comprised a religious wheel between two deer. Ramoche Temple, Lhasa  ARCHITECTURE OF BUILDING TYPES: PAGODA Tibet It became the center of the monastery architectures, being different from the pagoda affiliated to the monastery complex. Prevalent in the Tsang region in the 14th and 15th centuries. Around the lower (the ‘inverted bowl’) and upper (the ‘bottle’) bodies, Kumbum (Palcho Monastery) there are many chambers enshrining Buddhas, about 108 chamber doors and 76 chambers in each pagoda. Outside the pagoda in each storey, there is a fencing with stone wall and clay packing as well as an eave. The cross section of the lower body of the dagoba is in square shape, while that of the upper part is in round shape. Interior of the pagoda  ARCHITECTURE OF BUILDING TYPES: TIBETAN STUPA Tibet Usually contain a sacred object such as a body part from an influential deceased monk, etc. The first stupas were built in India after the Buddha’s death to house cremated relics associated with Buddha. Later, they also serve as reliquaries for lamas and holy men. A chorten typically has a dome that rests on a five-tiered base. The five levels may represent elements of the world and eternal space, with the: Square base – earth Dome – water Chorten, Ganza, Tibet Spire – fire Upper lotus parasol and crescent moon – air Sun and the dissolving point – space  ARCHITECTURE OF BUILDING TYPES: Kinds of Tibetan Stupa Tibet Each kind refers to major events in Buddha’s life.  ARCHITECTURE OF POTALA PALACE Considered the most important example of Tibetan architecture. Tibet Has the honor of being the highest ancient palace in the world, with its highest point reaching 3,750 meters (12,300) above sea level. Built as the center of Tibetan government by the fifth Dalai Lama in 1645. A 13-storey high palace, it has over 1,000 rooms and covers over 13 hectares (32 acres). The stone walls measure 3 meters (10 feet) think on average. Stood for centuries as a testament to the Tibetan people and their beliefs. Potala Palace by day LHASA, TIBET MAIN PARTS OF THE POTALA PALACE THE RED PALACE Used as a house of prayer by the Dalai Lama, this part of the Potala Palace was dedicated to the study of Buddhism and the advancement of the religion. It houses several mausoleums of previous Dalai Lama. Made up of several chapels. The mausoleum of the fifth Dalai Lama ( the Potala’s patron), located in the west of the palace stands five stories high, is overlaid with gold, diamonds, pearls, and many other previous gems. MAUSOLEUMS OF THE DALAI LAMAS MAIN PARTS OF THE POTALA PALACE THE WHITE PALACE Home to ten successive Dalai Lamas and their courts. Also located are the offices of the Tibetan Government, governmental assembly halls, and other official offices. The original White Palace was built as a present from King Songtsan Gampo to his bride-to-be in 637, but destroyed during the ninth century. The current one was built by the fifth Dalai Lama on its site, thus the structure pays homage to him. After Norbulingka was built in 1755, it became the summer residence of the Dalai Lama, and the White Palace became the winter estate of this saint of Buddhism. MAIN PARTS OF THE POTALA PALACE INTERIORS INTERIORS  ARCHITECTURE OF Sikkim Sikkim is a landlocked Indian state located in the Himalayan mountains. The state is bounded by Nepal to the west, Tibet to the north ansd east, and Bhutan to the east, and the Indian state of West Bengal to the south Sikkim landscape  ARCHITECTURE OF Sikkim Sikkimese architecture is the architecture developed for a period of 400 years and has a strong elements of its neighbors Tibet, India, Nepal, Bhutan, and China, and dictated by the extremity of the climate and its elevation. The architecture is showcased by a wide array of vernacular, and religious spaces Sikkim landscape  ARCHITECTURE OF Types of Community: Sikkim Lepcha – the original inhabitants of Limbu /Limpoo – or Yaktung are Kirati Bhutia – community of people of Sikkim. They are also called Rongkup people indigenous and native to the Tibetan ancestry (children of God and the Rong) Himalayan Limbuwan region (modern day Eastern Nepal, Northern Sikkim Kalimpong India and Western Bhutan  ARCHITECTURE OF Lepcha – the original inhabitants of Sikkim. They are also called Rongkup (children of God and Sikkim the Rong) Dukenculee – dwelling houses of Lepchas which has generally a rectangular ground plan with a circular roof of straw ( Siru – thatch grass). A few huts with a rectangular of bamboo mat are also constructed for their livestock. The floor of th house is generally made with anto (wooden planks) and the walls with bamboo matting plastered with a thin layer of clay. The roof is supported by a number of good-sized undressed timbers (dampu) which is inserted in the ground. They do not use nails or screws. The big wooden beams meant for supporting the roof are generally inserted through one another in a criss-cross way. The wooden floor of the house is generally constructed 3’ – 4’ above the ground, keeping a space beneath it which is used for keeping domesticated animals. Their LEPCHA dwelling generally consists of 2-bedrooms, 1 kitchen-cum-store room and in each of these rooms at least one window can be found.The houses are quite well ventilated having sufficient light. Both in front and back portion of the housethere are small verandahs, which can be used as sitting or drawing rooms ARCHITECTURE OF Sikkim Lepcha ttraditional house  ARCHITECTURE OF Limpu – or Yaktung are Kirati people indigenous and native to the Himalayan Limbuwan region (modern day Eastern Nepal, Northern Sikkim Kalimpong India Sikkim and Western Bhutan Limpu/Limboo House – The traditional house is made of stone and mud. The house roof are generally 4-sided and made of thatch grass. However, the corrugated metal sheets have replaced the thatch grasses now. The upper parts of the house are plastered with red or black color mud. In the middle of the house inside is a little raised or sunken fireplace for cooking food. Just above the fireplace (sumhatlung), a little raised bench-like area is used for keeping cooked foods. Above the fireplace hang a mat-like bamboo work used for drying the meat and other items. The ground floor is rectangular and there is a worship place known as mangdhan at one corner. On the four wall of the house are the windows. The doors are locked with wooden agloo from inner side and an iron chain (sangli) from outside. In the front of the house is a sitting LIMPU/LIMBOO space known as sikuwa. A few huts with a rectangular roof of bamboo mat are also constructed for their livestock  ARCHITECTURE OF Sikkim Design and layout of a Limboo/Limpu is governed by their usage and social status. The house of common Limboo peasant is generally subtle, rectangular single story raised about six feet off the ground so that the lower portion can be used as a space for sheltering their cattle from rain and cold, The space is also used for the storage of wood and other household oitems. The wooden members form the structural framework and the load bearing walls with in-fill panels of woven bamboo called ikra rendered with a paste ,made of cow dung, local red soil, straw and pieces of wood. The dwelling units are laid along the slope usually detached from the neighboring house LIMPU/LIMBOO The house of a slightly richer Limboo/Limpu peasant where the storage space and cattle shed is separate from the residential area is either single or double stored with kitchen and living space at the ground floor. These are individual detached dwelling units with load bearing stone masonry walls rendered with mud plaster ARCHITECTURE OF Sikkim Limboo/Limpu traditional house  ARCHITECTURE OF Sikkim Bhutia – community of people of Tibetan ancestry A traditional Bhutia house is called a khim and is usually rectangular. The Bhutias have a stone structure outside the house which is used for burning incense (sangbum) as offering to the deities/ BHUTIA ARCHITECTURE OF Sikkim Khim Bhutia’s traditional house  Igra-Ghar or Tse-Khim – These are houses made of timber. ARCHITECTURE OF Sikkim Timber is less expensive than dressed stones, The structure is made of wood and in-filled with ikras or timber panels. TYPOLOGY OF Dow-Khim or Taley-Ghar – This is a combination of wood and dressed stone masonry. These houses belong to the HOUSES: landlords (kothi) or the monks (thashas). Garo-Ghar– The houses are constructed in a combination of rubble earth structural walls and timber members as structural members, laid in mud mortar Chirta Ko Ghar – This is a combination of bamboo framework with wattle walls. They are mostly found in medium and lower altitudes; commoner’s house, TERMS TO REMEMBER: Bhutanese Architecture Choesum – a chapel in the upper floors of a Bhutan residence that houses paintings, statues ARCHITECTURE OF the Himalayas and religious literature Chorten – a receptacle of worship akin to stupas. Bhutanese chortens sre hewn of stone Driglam Namzha – a code of the traditional rules for the construction of dzongs as well as ordinary buildings Dzong - a defensive fortress frequently built on a hilltop or mountain spur, or adjacent to important streams. It has an allocation for administrative and religious functions Gonpa, goenpa - a Bhutanese Buddhist monastery which follows 2 architectural traditions: cluster and dzong Lakhang - a Bhutanese Buddhist temple which is often relatively simple single- storey structure surrounding a courtyard Nepalese Architecture Tibetan Architecture Pagoda – a tiered tower with multiple eaves Chorten – stupa Dhunge dharas – or hiti; a traditional stone drinking fountain with an intricate carvings Gompa – temple found in Nepal which serves as a water well that fills out a jahru. Dharamshala – a type of building in Nepal which serves as a public resthouse or shelter. This built for religious travellers at pilgrimage sites. It has 3 types: pati or palcha (simplest of the 3 types, one side is open), sattal (has 1 or more extra, usually closed storeys on top of a pati like structure, open on 3 sides), and mandapa (free standing building but open on all sides) Stupa – a mound-like or hemispherical structure containing relics that is used as a place or meditation Chaityas – a Buddhsit shrine, sanctuary, temple or prayer Jahru – or tutedhara is a traditional drinking fountain in Nepal.. It is a water reservoir built out of stine with a tap that can be opened or closed The Himalayas  The Himalayas The great mountain system of Asia forming a barrier between the Tibetan Plateau to the north and the alluvial plains of the Indian subcontinent to the south. The Himalayas The Himalayas include the highest mountains in the world. One of those peaks is Mount Everest, the world’s highest mountain with an elevation of 29,035 feet (8,850 meters).  Himalayan Countries Bhutan Nepal Sikkim Tibet  The Himalayas Aside from India, Nepal, and Bhutan, China and Pakistan also occupy parts of the Himalayas Tibet is part of China. Political map of Himalayas  The Himalayas PHYSICAL FEATURES Shilla Peak, northeastern Himachal Pradesh State INDIA  The Himalayas PHYSICAL FEATURES Soaring heights, steep-sided jagged peaks Valley and alpine glaciers often of stupendous size Topography deeply cut by erosion Seemingly unfathomable gorges Complex geologic structure Series of elevational belts or zones that display different ecological associations of flora, fauna and climate  The Himalayas PHYSICAL FEATURES 4 Parallel Longitudinal Belts of the Himalayas Outer or Sub-Himalayas (Siwalik Range) – stretches from south to north Lesser or Lower Himalayas Great Himalaya Range (Great Himalayas) Tethys or Tibetan Himalaya Trans-Himalayas – Tibet Propoer The Himalayas Longitudinal Belts Outer or Sub-Himalayas (Siwalik Range) The Himalayas Longitudinal Belts Lesser or Lower Himalayas The Himalayas Longitudinal Belts Great Himalaya Range (Great Himalayas) The Himalayas Longitudinal Belts Tethys or Tibetan Himalaya The Himalayas Longitudinal Belts Trans -Himalaya  The Himalayas Longitudinal Belts Lesser or Lower Himalayas Great Himalaya Range (Great Himalayas) Tethys or Tibetan Himalayas Trans-Himalayas – Tibet Proper The Himalayas HISTORY, PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGION  The Himalayas HISTORY, PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGION When Buddhism was introduced in Tibet, it was also able to influence other nearby kingdoms. In Nepal, Buddhism interacted with both India and Tibet. Evidence suggests that the Buddha was born in the southern part of the area that is now Nepal—at Lumbini, about 15 miles (24 km) from Kapilavatthu (Kapilavastu).  The Himalayas HISTORY, PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGION Buddhism actively propagated under King Asoka. By the 8th century Nepal had fallen into the cultural orbit of Tibet.  The Himalayas HISTORY, PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGION Jainism, Hinduism, and Buddhism share many key concepts derived from the Sanskrit language and dialects that have enabled them to hone their religious debates. All three traditions share a notion of karma as the actions of individuals that determine their future births, yet each has attached unique connotations to the concept. This is also true with terms such as dharma (often translated “duty,” “righteousness,” or “religious path”), yoga (“ascetic discipline”), and yajna (“sacrifice,” or “worship”). This Sanskritic discourse has shaped the religious and philosophical speculations, as well as the polemics, of each of these traditions.  ARCHITECTURE OF The Himalayas Paro Takstang BHUTAN  ARCHITECTURE OF Bhutan Paro Takstang BHUTAN  ARCHITECTURE OF Bhutan Bhutanese Architecture are characterized by dzongs, lavish use of wood, sloped whitewashed walls; window size increasing with the stories; the trefoil shaped windows; The characteristics of Bhutanese architecture are generally: and the pitched roof covered with shingles and weighed down with stones Dzongs or Bhutanese fortresses originated in 12th century and their main purpose was to fend off enemy’s attacks and be the seat of central authority. Thus, they were mostly built strategically on a mountaintop, overlooking a valley or confluence of two Trongsa Dzong rivers, from where the enemy can enter. BHUTAN  ARCHITECTURE OF Bhutan Whenever there was an attack, the people from the entire valley could be accommodated safely within the fortified walls of these dzongs. Dzongs have always served both as the centers of administration and also as centers of religion and culture. Most dzongs have monasteries that serve as residence for monks and give them religious training. However, administrative section of a dzong and the monastic section are clearly separated  ARCHITECTURE OF Bhutan There is generally no planning and designing done on paper before a structure is built. The chief carpenter is the master of work and he has the size, layout and structure in his mind. He uses parts of his body for measurement and proportions of the different features of the building. He supervises other carpenters, stone-cutters and village workers. No nails are used and the wood pieces are assembled by the dovetail technique.  ARCHITECTURE OF Bhutan Dovetail technique is a technique in woodworking where two sides are fitted together with interlocking pieces.  ARCHITECTURE OF Bhutan Once the building is completed, artists often embellish it by painting different auspicious motifs. The selection of the site for any building, as well as the different steps of the construction, are guided by the astrologer's calculations and always followed by rituals. For religious buildings, the configuration of the site and good omens are considered very important.  ARCHITECTURE OF Bhutan The main materials used have been: stones/rocks - mostly used for dzongs and religious buildings compressed earth (mud) – plus stones are for village houses wood and bamboo - wooden shingles are commonly used for roofing. In some parts of eastern Bhutan bamboo mats are also used for roofing. Wood is used especially for windows, balconies of dzong buildings and temples. Windows have a distinctive trefoil shape and elaborate lintels painted with geometrical and floral motifs.  The architecture of the Indian subcontinent, from the Indus valley culture of the Harappa to the Mauryan era, and later periods of foreign domination and indigenous rule, characterized especially by Hindu and Buddhist monuments. Sometimes sharing the same site, and rhythmic, stratified multiplication of motifs and profuse carved ornamentation, often combining the religious and the sensuous  SIKHARA – the extravagantly decorated peaks of the towers rising from the core of the Hindu temples  SYMBOLIC LAYERS o The tower specifically of Hindu temples tell stories as they rise upwards o Each has its own distinctive “handwriting” and depicts the concerns of local cults as well as universal theme.  ANIMAL STATUARY o To Hindus, all life is sacred and deserving of representation o Most temples show fine sculpture and carving of animals  FIGURATIVE DECORATIONS o To Hindus, the carving of sacred images and figurines was an art form in itself, requiring years of disciplined training  Mandira Stupa Chaitya Vihara Stepwell Stambha/Lat Public Baths Palace  Stupa – hemispherical mound for worship/memory Stupa III, Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh, India Parts of a Stupa Torana – also called vandanamalikas; a free-standing ornamental or arched gateway for ceremonial purposes seen in the Hindu, Buddhist and Jain Architecture Anda – dome Vedika – a railing around the stuppa Medhi – A circular terrace, enclosed by a railing, surrounding the dome Harmika – a small platform with a railing located at the very top of a stupa Yashti – a central pillar symbolizing the cosmic axis and support Chattra – A triple umbrella structure supported by a yashti. Parts of a Stupa  Chaitya – place of worship Ajanta Chaitya Parts of a Chaitya 1. Stupa 2. Nave 3. Aisles 4. Entry  Chaitya Arch A motif characterized by repetitive, elaborate frame, spreading rather wide, around a circular or semi-circular medallion, which may contain a sculpture of a figure or head. GAVAKSHA or CHANDRASHALA The motif center on an ogee, circular or horseshoe arch that decorates many examples of Indian rock-cut architecture and later Indian structural temples and other buildings. Chaitya Arch  Vihara – monastery Mulagandhakuti Vihara Temple, Sarnath, India  Vihara – In early Sanskrit and Pali texts, it meant any arrangement of space or facilities for pleasure and entertainment Plan of a Vihara  Stepwell – a subterranean edifice which serves as a water reservoir during periods of drought, /Rani Ki/Ranki Vav, Patan, Gujarat, India  Stepwell is also known as baudi, bawdi, bawri, baoli, bavadi, and bavdi (Hindi); vav, vaav (Gujarati); kaiyani, pushkarani (Kannada) and barav (Marathi)  Plan and Elevation of Ranki Vav Parts of a Stepwell: E E E E E A – Torana C D C B D B B D B D B D B A B – Flight of stairs E C – Well-shaft E E E E D – Passageway E - Chamber Plan Elevation  Kirti Stambha, Building Typologies Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, India Stambha – or stamba; a freestanding memorial pillar in Indian Architecture, bearing carved inscriptions, religious emblems, or a statue. It is believed to be a cosmis columns which bonds heaven (Svarga) and earth ( Prithvi) Lat – a monolithic stamba, as distinguished from one built up of stone courses. Building Typologies Different Stambhas (according to purpose): Dhvasjastambha – flagstaffs that are placed opposite the main shrine, on an axis with the main deity Kirtistambha – erected to commemorate victories Ashokastambha – Pillars of Ashoka; erected during the reign of Ashika which bear different royal edicts Adi Purana – a huge manastambha (“column of honor” in front of Jain temples) which stands in front of the samavasarana of the tirthankaras (an individual who has conquered samsara and made path for others to follow) which causes someone entering a samavasarana (divine teaching hall of the tirthankara)nto shed their pride  Mandira is a Hindu temple Rath - or ratha - is a Hindu temple cut out of solid rock to resemble a chariot Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, Mahdya Pradesh, India Hindu Temple Architectural Styles Nagara (North India Temples) Developed around 5th century is characterized by a beehive shaped tower (sikhara) Square plan despite of its tower being circular Dravida (South India Temples) Developed around 7th century has a pyramidal tower consisting of progressively smaller storeys of small pavilions, a narrow throat, and a dome on the top The repeated storeys give a horizontal thrust to the southern style Vesara (some North and Central Indian Temples) Hybrid style (Top Left) A Nagara-style temple (Top Right) A Vesara-style temple (Bottom) A Dravida-style temple Plan of a Mandira Elevation of a Mandira Elevation of a Mandira Circumambulation – the act of moving around a sacred object or idol. It is an integral part of Hindu and Buddhist devotional practice. Types: Parikrama – the art of circumambulating or walking around a stupa which is the focus of devotion, was an important ritual and devotional practice Pradakhshina – A ritual circumambulation either immediately around the stupa or around the passage behind the columns of a temple Section of a Mandira Islam “The religious faith of Muslims…”  “…based on the teachings of the prophet Muhammad, the central themes of which are belief in the one God, Allah, the existence of Heaven and Hell, and the universal Judgment Day to come…”  “… Also, the civilization built on Islamic faith…” “… Also called Muhammadanism.” Muhammad or Mohammed or Mohammad or Muhammad or Muhammed The Arab prophet and founder of Islam, AD 570 – 632.  Muslims The followers of Islam.  Five Shahada: to declare one’s faith in God and belief in Muhammad Pillars of Salat: to pray five times a day (at dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset, and evening) Islam Zakat: to give to those in need Sawm: to fast during Ramadan Hajj: to make a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once during a person’s lifetime if the person is able Denominations of Muslim 1. Sunnis – they accept that the first 4 caliphs were the true successors of Muhammad 2. Shiite – they believe that the only caliph Ali and his descendants are the real successors to Muhammad. Therefore, they deny the legitimacy of the first three caliphs Wahabbi – This Sunni sect was founded in the 18th century. Followers observe an extremely strict interpretation of Islam that was taught by Muhammad bin Abd al-Wahhab Alawite – The Shiite form of Islam prevalent in Syria. Followers hold similar beliefs about the caliph Ali but also observe some Christian and Zoroastrian holidays. Nation of Islam - This mostly African-American, Sunni sect was founded in the 1930s in Detroit, Michigan. Kharijites – This sect broke from the Shiites after disagreeing over how to select a new leader. They are known for radical fundamentalism, and today are called Ibadis.  Sharia Law It is Islam’s legal system which is faith- based code of conduct directing Muslims on how they should live in nearly every aspect of their lives. Islamic Architecture Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi, UAE The architecture of the Muslim peoples from the 7th century on, developing in the wake of Muhammadan conquests of diverse territories from Spain in the west to India in the East and absorbing elements of art and architecture from each region. Architectural Character: Warrior like Sultan Ahmed Mosque or Blue Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey Masculine Demanding submission Reflects missionary and militaristic devotion to god Others expressed subtle and tranquil structure Mosque near Midoun, Tunisia Architectural Elements: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi, UAE Adaptation of the styles of the Byzantines, Sassanians, etc. Development of the mosque as a distinct building type Masonry domes and tunnel vaults, round and horseshoe arches Rich surface decorations incorporating calligraphy and floral motifs in a geometric framework because of the ban on human and animal representations (aniconism). Adaptation of the styles of the Byzantines, Sassanians, etc. Hagia Sofia, Istanbul, Turkey Adaptation of the styles of the Byzantines, Sassanians, etc. Kharagan Twin Towers, Qazvin Province, Iran Development of the mosque as a distinct building type Jama Masjid, Delhi, India Development of the mosque as a distinct building type Al Aqsa Mosque, Jerusalem, Israel Masonry domes and tunnel vaults, round and horseshoe arches Sultan Ahmed Mosque or Blue Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey The masonry dome of the Blue Mosque Masonry domes and tunnel vaults, round and horseshoe arches Tunnel (barrel) vaults of Qasr Kharana, Amman, Jordan Masonry domes and tunnel vaults, round and horseshoe arches Round arch Horseshoe arch Masonry domes and tunnel vaults, round and horseshoe arches Multi-foil arch trefoil arch Islamic arches Rich surface decorations incorporating calligraphy and floral motifs in a geometric framework  Building Typology Mosque Madrassah Palace Hammam  Building Typology Mausoleum  Building Typology Caravanserai/Caravansary Kasbah Building Typology Mosque Caravanserai A Muslim building or place of An inn in the Near East for public worship. Also called the overnight masjid or musjid accommodation of caravans, usually having a large Madrassah courtyard enclosed by a A Muslim theological school solid wall and entered arranged around a courtyard throughan imposing or attached to a mosque. gateway Also called, madrasa. Kasbah Hammam A place for the local leader to A communal bathhouse, live and a defense when a usually with separate baths city was under attack. for men and women. A kasbah has high walls, usually without windows. Building Mosque Typology Building Typology Mosque Common Plan Types: Hypostyle Mosque 4-Iwan Mosque Centrally Planned Mosque Building Typology Mosque: Parts and Features Color – an important part of decoration Sahn – courtyard Fawwara – ablution fountain located at the center of sahn for ritual washing and spiritual purification before prayer (wudu) Minaret – a ofty, slender tower attached to a mosque, having stairs leading up to one or more projecting balconies from which the muezzin calls the Muslim people to prayer. Building Typology Mosque: Parts and Features  Muqarna – stalactite work; a system of decoration in Islamic architecture, formed by intricate corbeling of brackets, squinches, and inverted pyramid; sometimes wrought in stone but more often in plaster.  Maqsurah – an enclosure, a box or wooden screen near the mihrab or the center of the qibla wall, which was originally designed to shield a worshipping ruler from assassins.  Dikka – a tribune raised upon columns from which the Quran is recited and prayers are intoned by the imam of a mosque Building Typology Palace: Parts and Features Complexity is traced from Muslim ritual and belief Buildings were meant to represent paradise on earth for the privileged and the powerful Magnificent water gardens (a reference to oasis) Like a small townships More joyous design, some daylight, more daylight, gardens in a play of water feature Building Typology Palace: Parts and Features Separation of sexes are required living quarters for men and women; Harem – room for wives, concubines and female servants Dar – men’s apartment Selamuk – men’s guest quarter