Page 2 - apr-Jun 2020

DID YOU KNOW?

AMAZING ARCHITECTS In early Buddhism, no Buddha images
were allowed, so Sanchi Stupa shows
Architecture is believed to be the best refl ection of human evolution. It the Buddha using symbols like a slab in
refl ects the socio-political-economic trends of the time. Over the years, mid-air, empty throne etc. This is called
these styles have gradually evolved. Aniconism.

HARAPPAN HARMONY

The Indus Valley Civilization was a
civilization that excelled in its town
planning and architecture. Lothal, for
instance, was a rectangular settlement
VEDIC WISDOM with a dockyard. Lothal and Kalibangan
had fortifi cations, citadels, and a Lower MAURYAN MARVELS
Nothing remains of the Vedic
Town.
structures today. In this period, Buddhism developed,
Houses: Houses were mostly two storied
Houses (Visualised): According and architecture was an important
and made of mud and standardised
to textual sources, in the Aryan baked bricks. part of this culture – be it in the form
community, families had of stupas, chaityas, viharas, or caves.
Streets: There were rectilinear street
independent houses, centred on Stupas: Commemorative mounds
a courtyard, with a cowshed and plans. that were constructed over Buddha’s
granary within the compound. Public Buildings: Public buildings relics.
These houses were around a included granaries, halls, the Great Bath, Edicts: More than 30 inscriptions
mandap – a hall for communal etc. were made on pillars under Emperor
assembly. Taqiya T. Thaseen, VIII A, Revoor Padmanabha Ashoka.
Chetty's Matric Hr. Sec. School, Kaladipet, Chennai
Viharas: Residences for monks and a
centre for Buddhist learning.
Chaityas: Prayer halls usually in the
Illustation by:
Tej, VII, Swami stupa complexes.
Vivekanand Public
School, Jagadhri, Examples: Sanchi Stupa, Dhamek
Yamunanagar Stupa, Barabar Hill Caves

ACTIVITY: ANCIENT TEXTS

The Vaastu Shastra is a collection of texts on architecture. It
describes the principles of design, geometry, measurement,
etc. Even elements like sculptures, carvings, and paintings
are considered to be architecture! Another important text
for architecture is the Shilpa Shastra.
Can you give fi ve important principles that are applied
while designing a house?
ANCIENT FORTS
ACTIVITY: KAUTILYA’S WISDOM According to the Dhanurveda, a treatise on the art

In the Mauryan period, there was a growth in of warfare, forts were classifi ed into –
fortifi ed structures. According to Kautilya, Dhanvadurga (desert fort)
these should be positioned in a manner so that Mahidurga (mud fort)
they are not easily accessible. Jaladurga (water fort)
Vanadurga (forest fort)
Using your imagination, draw a fort with Baladurga (fort protected by warriors)
strategic self-defense capabilities.
Giridurga (mountain fort)

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