IKS Series : Book-5
Ancient Indian Architecture
Chapter-1: Introduction to Ancient Indian Architecture in IKS
Overview: Overview of architecture as part of Indian Knowledge Systems, its evolution from ancient civilizations, integration with philosophy, spirituality, and environment for harmonious living.
Chapter-2: Indus Valley Civilisation: Urban Planning and Architectural Features
Overview: Explores advanced town planning in Indus Valley sites like Dholavira, including grid layouts, drainage systems, granaries, Great Bath, and evidence of sophisticated civic architecture.
Chapter-3: Elementary Concepts of Hindu Temple Architecture: Nagara Style
Overview: Introduces Nagara style characteristics – curvilinear shikhara, square sanctum, regional variations in North India, emphasizing vertical emphasis and symbolic cosmic mountain form.
Chapter-4: Elementary Concepts of Hindu Temple Architecture: Dravida Style
Overview: Covers Dravida style features – pyramidal vimana, gopurams, pillared halls, prominent in South India, with stepped towers and focus on elaborate gateways.
Chapter-5: Elementary Concepts of Hindu Temple Architecture: Vesara Style
Overview: Discusses Vesara as hybrid style blending Nagara and Dravida elements, seen in Deccan regions, with star-shaped plans, ornate carvings, and balanced superstructures.
Chapter-6: Buddhist and Jain Temples: Key Ancient Structures
Overview: Elementary knowledge of Buddhist and Jain sites like Udayagiri, Sanchi, Sarnath, Nalanda – stupas, chaityas, viharas, rock-cut caves, and their architectural significance.
Chapter-7: Rock-Cut and Cave Temples of Ancient India
Overview: Focuses on rock-cut architecture in Elephanta, Jogeshwari, Ajanta, and Ellora caves – Buddhist, Hindu, Jain influences, intricate carvings, and monolithic excavations.
Chapter-8: Himalayan Temples: Architectural Traditions
Overview: Highlights Himalayan temple examples like Kedarnatha, Tungnath, Jageshvara, Baleshvara – stone construction, sloping roofs, wooden elements adapted to seismic and climatic conditions.
Chapter-9: Ancient and Medieval Temples: Early Examples
Overview: Covers Mundeshwari Devi, Dashavatara Vishnu at Deogarh – early structural temples, flat roofs to shikhara evolution, period, style, and primary deities. (27 words)
Chapter-10: Temples of Khajuraho and Lingaraja
Overview: Examines Khajuraho group (Chandela) and Lingaraja (Bhubaneswar) – Nagara style peaks, intricate erotic sculptures, Nagara shikhara, and Shiva/Vishnu worship focus.
Chapter-11: Terracotta Temples and Chalukyan Temples
Overview: Discusses terracotta temples of Bishnupur and Chalukyan sites like Badami, Aihole – early experiments, cave influences, structural innovations in Deccan architecture.
Chapter-12: Pallava and Chola Temples of South India
Overview: Features Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram (Pallava), Brihadeeswara etc. (Chola) – Dravida style mastery, rock-cut to structural, towering vimanas, and grand scales.
Chapter-13: Sun Temples of Ancient and Medieval India
Overview: Elementary overview of Konark, Modhera, Katarmal (Almora), Martanda (Anantnag) – solar deity worship, chariot-shaped plans, architectural grandeur, and regional variations.
Chapter-14: Ancient and Medieval Indian Water Storage and Harvesting Systems
Overview: Explores traditional water architecture – Kallanai dam (ancient engineering), Adalaj stepwell (stepped access), Rajasthan taanka, Bihar ahara-pyne systems for sustainability.
Chapter-15: Fundamentals of Vastu Shastra: Elementary Concepts
Overview: Introduces basic Vastu principles – directional orientation, site selection, proportions, cosmic harmony, energy flow (prana), and application in buildings and temples.
Chapter-16: Significance of Indian Architecture in Cultural and Knowledge Heritage
Overview: Summarizes integration of architecture with IKS – spiritual symbolism, environmental adaptation, engineering ingenuity, and enduring legacy in temples, water systems, and urban planning.
Professional Note
Authors may submit chapters other than those listed above, provided the proposed chapter aligns with the overall theme and objectives of the book.