Ancient Indian Architecture

This course is aimed to introduce the students on several important
aspects of Ancient Indian Architecture, try to evaluate and critically analyse its
context, content and understand them in the perspectives of Universal Cultural
Heritage.

The Course consists of the following modules:
1. Introduction
2. Concepts and Architectural Typologies
3. Beginnings of Architectural Forms
4. Rock-cut Architectural Forms
5. Structural Temples of the past
6. Indo-Islamic Architectural Forms
7. Role of Architectural Heritage in Establishing Universal Cultural
Values

The following modules will be covered along with the tentative list of
topics (subject to modification; however the broad topics will be
covered).
Module 1 : Introduction (Weeks 1-2)
1. Introduction to the course
2. Introducing concepts in archaeology, time periods
3. Tracing the architectural activities from the prehistoric times and
Harappan Civilization
Module 2: Concepts and Architectural Typologies (Weeks 2-3)
4. Literary Texts and Architecture and Structural Forms, Planning
5. Broad characteristics of northern and southern temple styles (nagara,
dravida and vesara); Bhumija, Kalinga and Varata
6. Principles of composition, alignments and axes in Temple Forms
Module 3: Beginnings of Architectural Forms (Weeks 3-4)

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7. Evidences of architecture from the historical period and early
elements and forms
8. Early architectural features like rock-cut, brick-built, wooden and other
structural forms
9. Features of Monasteries, Chaityas and Stupas
Module 4: Rock-cut architectural forms (Weeks 4-7)
10. Tracing the beginnings of rock-cut architecture of Buddhist, Hindu and
Jaina faiths
11. Rock-cut architecture in western Maharashtra: early phase
12. Evolution of rock-cut architecture during early medieval period
13. Spread of rock-cut architectural forms in various parts of India,
influences and regional styles
14. Critical Analysis of rock-cut architecture: Ajanta Caves
15. Critical Analysis of rock-cut architecture: Ellora Caves
16. Critical Analysis of rock-cut architecture: Mamallapuram
17. Critical Analysis of rock-cut architecture: Badami Caves
18. Critical Analysis of rock-cut architecture: Elephanta Caves
19. Role of monasteries, royal patronage and ordinary worshippers in
shaping the establishments
Module 5: Structural Temples of the Past (Weeks 8-11)
20. Evidences of earliest religious structures
21. Evolution of different architectural styles and tracing its elements in
the rock-cut architecture
22. The role of masons, sculptors and royal patronage in temple
architecture
23. Architecture of the Chandela temples
24. Architecture of the Gupta period temples
25. Architecture of the Odishan temples
26. Architecture of the Chola period temples
27. Architecture of the Chalukyan period temples
28. Architecture of the Hoysala period temples
29. Influence of architectural styles in India and Abroad
Module 6: Indo-Islamic Architectural forms (Weeks 11-13)
30. Introduction of new architectural forms involving domes and arches
31. Architecture of tombs and mosques
32. Architecture of the Lodhis
33. Architecture of the Mughals
34. Glimpses of regional styles: Jaunpur, Sharqi, Decccan and Qutb
Shahi styles
Module 7: Role of Architectural Heritage in establishing Universal
Cultural Values (Weeks 14-15)

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35. Whose Heritage? Need for Conservation and Preservation of Cultural
Heritage
36. UNESCO and World Heritage Convention 1972
37. Nomination process for inscription of World Heritage Property
38. Review of important conventions and recommendations of UNESCO

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Learning Outcomes
The course is designed to enable the students understand the myriad
forms of ancient Indian architecture, and the process behind the evolution of
such diverse architectural styles. One can understand the various mediums of
architectural styles, regional manifestations and their role in the contemporary
society. One of the important outcome is to enable the students to appreciate
the rich cultural heritage of India and can understand better whenever they visit
them. In a typical offline mode, field visits will enable the analysis of styles in a
better manner and to understand the role of stakeholders in the management
issues related cultural heritage.

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