THE CONCEPTS AND PHILOSOPHY OF INDIAN ARCHITECTURE

International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology (IJCIET) Volume 10, Issue 1, January 2019, pp.364–371, Article ID: IJCIET_10_01_034 Available online at http://iaeme.com/Home/issue/IJCIET?Volume=10&Issue=1 ISSN Print: 0976-6308 and ISSN Online: 0976-6316 ©IAEME Publication Scopus Indexed THE CONCEPTS AND PHILOSOPHY OF INDIAN ARCHITECTURE A. B. Ahmad General Studies Department, Malaysian Institute of Chemical Engineering Technology, University Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Wan Kamal Mujani Faculty of Islamic Studies, National University of Malaysia, Malaysia M. Salleh & R. Othman General Studies Department, Malaysian Institute of Chemical Engineering Technology, University Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia ABSTRACT Generally, architecture can be termed as a field of art in building, a structure designed by human beings. Therefore, the grandeur and the height of a civilization is measured by the buildings it left behind which include religious buildings. This can be seen through Indian architecture that appeared as a result of the emergence of Buddhism and Hinduism. Between the main objectives of this study is to discuss the concept, goals and philosophy found in the architecture of India. In addition, the study also discusses the characteristics and elements of Indian architecture made up of Buddhist and Hindu architecture that has influenced some of the architecture of other buildings in the world. In this writing, the authors used qualitative methodology focusing on research on the analysis of documents and observations. The finding shows that the concept and philosophy of Indian architecture has been largely influenced by nation and world civilization. The study also identified the characters and elements. system along the western coast of India. Key words: Architecture, Building, Buddhism, Character, Concept, Elements; Hinduism, Indian, and Philosophy. Cite this Article: A. B. Ahmad, Wan Kamal Mujani, M. Salleh and R. Othman, The Concepts and Philosophy of Indian Architecture, International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology (IJCIET), 10 (1), 2019, pp. 364–371. http://iaeme.com/Home/issue/IJCIET?Volume=10&Issue=1 http://www.iaeme.com/IJMET/index.asp 364 [email protected] The Concepts and Philosophy of Indian Architecture 1. INTRODUCTION Indian architecture has its own uniqueness which gives a huge impact on the development of the architecture of religious buildings. It has its own goals, concepts and philosophy in the context of interaction between religion and humans. In this writing, the authors also debated the theory and the characteristics of the architecture of India, which forms the basis for the construction of a building especially buildings for worship or temples in the Indian community. It includes elements like Vedika, Torana, Stambhas and etc. described in this writing, including, the symbols and carvings that decorate buildings that added to the uniqueness and greatness of engravers of the time. 2. OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY Among the objectives of this study were: a. To explain the concept of Indian architecture and philosophy of religious buildings. b. To identify the characteristics and elements of Indian architecture that influenced the architecture in the world civilization. 3. THE REVIEW OF METHODOLOGY In this study, the qualitative method was used to that focus on methods of data collection and data analysis. Both the formulation are more suitable to be used as a review of the materials examined by using the data. The authors used data collection in setting up research and observations followed by the method of content analysis. Methods of observations help the writers to see a religious building by using methods of photography. The use of this method helps the authors to make a clarification and study in depth. 4. ARCHITECTURAL TERMINOLOGY The architecture has a very wide meaning based on the concept, characteristics and goals as highlighted by academicians, architects and professionals. However, the architecture of many are associated with the administration in a country that makes the architecture as a model or a landmark in a national administration. Definition of architecture can be categorized to the meaning of art and construction. Art is originally a Latin word that is focused to the hands or carving. This very broad definition used in medieval specifically concerned to hands or technical activities and carving [1]. BoukwkundigeEncyclopedia describes that art is to erect buildings with taking into account the aesthetic that represent aspects that cannot be separated. Therefore, a building is generally influenced by aspects of beauty as a whole. The meaning of architecture is defined in the Oxford Dictionary as anarchitecture is one of arts in design in a building including the appearance of a building style [2]. David Leatherbarrow and Mohsen Mostafavi said that an architecture comprised of traditional architecture, history or modern architecture that is related to factors of typology by using mechanical methods. The architecture based on material used primarily affecting the concept of space [3]. 5. HISTORY OF INDIAN ARCHITECTURE India is a country that a famous for its Indus River Valley civilization and human history. Apart from the famous Indus and Gangga River, the nation is renamed for its Hinduism ritual and practices. Hence, a lot of its building are constructed based on the and the Hindu religion symbols and beliefs. In addition, the birth of Buddhism in India has also immensely contributed to the influence in architecture designs in regional and other structure. http://iaeme.com/Home/journal/IJCIET 365 [email protected] A. B. Ahmad, Wan Kamal Mujani, M. Salleh and R. Othman The architecture grew as a result of the influence of Buddhism and then followed by the Hindu religion. Historically, early Buddhism in fact is more advanced the Hindu religion. This is because the role was played by the ruler had changed the circumstances during which a Hindu King Asoka professed Buddhism [4] 6. THE GOAL OF THE INDIAN ARCHITECTURE In India, there are temples that are still intact even though they are already hundreds of years old. The temples serve as a place of worship and also as reverence for ancestors through death rituals. In accordance with its functions the temples are also decorated with statues of gods which shows its uniqueness and symbol as buildings of religion. There are several goals in Hindu architecture such as meeting the needs of human beings as creatures who socialize and interact. Therefore, there are many religious worship buildings built in India as a symbol of cultural interaction and the Indian community. The architecture of India is the pride and symbol of Indians. It is similar to other nations that upheld the elements of religious architecture as a superiority and greatness the uniqueness of the face of civilization [5]. 7. THE CONCEPTS AND PHILOSOPHY OF INDIAN ARCHITECTURE In discussing the concept of Indian architecture, the authors had referred to the religion and belief in the Indian community. This concept is focused on Buddhism and Hinduism which have already been around centuries, beginning with the worship of animals, cattle and also the worship of natural environment [6]. Hinduism is the most worshipped religion compared to other religions in India. This religion contains values of spiritual, moral and legislation as well as the principles and customs that govern Hindu society as a whole. According to the Hindu religion, there are quite a number of Gods with each one having its own natural strength which gives benefits and also danger to humans including water, fire, river and the mountain. The objects are treated as a God who can provide help. These forms are considered to have spirit and soul with power. Therefore, devotees have a reason to make statues in temples to worship them as if the statues are alive and conscious. Hinduism worshipers rubbed the statues with oil and smoke them are with fragrant. Philosophically, the temples receive attention from the people and are granted as gift from the rich to the common people. Hindu religion grew and built variety of schools of thought in its development until it was stated in Sangam poems that recounted themes relating to the environment. The construction of the temple was also very closely related to the theme as many temples were built in coastal areas and mountains [7]. In addition, Hindu beliefs claim that people are associated with the flowers used in worship. Therefore, the authors observed temples carved with images around flowers such as lotus were built to represent Gods who are connected with nature. To generally explain the concept of Buddhist architecture is rather difficult for the authors. The concept of Buddhist art is related to the concept of Buddhism itself. Buddhism originates from India and the founder was Gautama Siddhartha. In this religion, there are numerous concepts and are very difficult to describe. It deliberates on human existence, especially the philosophy of life, the question of morality and the family. The word Buddha was retrieved from Sanskrit, Buddha, which means waking up, an enlightenment away from the light of truth. It has its own secret book Tripataka which means Three Baskets that has its own teachings. [8] http://iaeme.com/Home/journal/IJCIET 366 [email protected] The Concepts and Philosophy of Indian Architecture Today, there are two main sects in Buddhism, Theravada Sect which means small vehicle and Mahayana Sect which means large vehicle. Both denominations were called based on the number of followers and their influence. For example, a small vehicle has few followers and vice versa [9]. In Buddhism, there are four ‘truths’ known as ‘the Four Noble Truth Philosophy’ which emphasizes Dukka (sad), Samudaya (the reasons for sadness), Nirodha (destruction) and Magga (eight roads heading towards the formation of morality). In Buddhist philosophy, the Stambha (the cause), is an Indian symbol known as the statue of a lion. There are photos and writings describing the teachings of Buddha at the statue. Stambha in Banares was the first place Buddha delivered a sermon and there were four lions indicating that Buddhism will spread around the world. The elephant symbolizes the revelation of the Buddha in his body, while the cow is a symbol of birth and the horse is the ultimate servitude. There is also the lotus as a symbol of the sun indicating perfection. In the human mind, Buddha made the lotus as a symbol in the thoughts of a person. This is because the lotus has fruit when it blooms. Every human being like the lotus contains the seed of Buddha and a blooming flower is as mentioned before. That is why pillars erected by Asoka have lotus as the symbol of Buddhism [10]. Based on the authors’ point of view, Buddhism is growing and has a major influence in rural India as the Hindu teachings contain injustice and favours the Brahmin and Ksyatria and assume that only these people can reach Nirwana. The reason of this is what brought the spread of Buddhism around the world and which lead to the existence several of forms of architecture as a result of the influence of the religion[11]. 8. CHARACTERISTICS AND ELEMENTS IN THE ARCHITECTURE OF INDIA There are 4 theories of architecture which can be put forth by the authors through observational study and literature review. They are as follows: 8.1. Trabeate System Theory Trabeate system is used extensively that is by using the vertical and horizontal beam system [12]. 8.2. Cosmology Theory Basic concepts of temple building were dominated by the temple builders. From the Brahman who have power to determine and planning of a temple. This group also determined the selection of the depth of the soil, the thickness of a wall or pillar in terms of mythological and astronomical aspects. In the theory of cosmology of Hindu, the society is the centre of the universe based at Mount Meru. Meru is considered as the House of the Lord governed by Indra. There are temples in India that have a tower structure placed at a sacred place and the conservation work is carried out by the Brahmin. 8.3. Theory of the Rectangular and Circles Usage There are two main forms used in the theory of architecture which are circles and rectangular. Hinduism chooses the circle to represent change or movement. While the rectangular in terms of the Mandala is a symbol that meets aspirations as set out in the chart of Hindu architecture. Brahma as the Lord is at the centre of the home while the other Gods are placed at every corner. http://iaeme.com/Home/journal/IJCIET 367 [email protected] A. B. Ahmad, Wan Kamal Mujani, M. Salleh and R. Othman 8.4. Human Measurement Theory The use of human measurement theory in architecture was explored by Hindu architects prior to Learnado da Vinci and Le Corbuser. The human measurement system known as Vastupurshamandala (the magic charts). Based on the above characteristics, there are elements that are on a temple namely: a. GrabhaGribha (sacred space contained the main deity). b. Vimana (tower appearing above the roof) GrabhaGriha. c. AntradaMandupa (four in terms of space). d. Mandupa (hall of worship). e. Stambhas (pillars monumental task containing carvings of sacred Buddhist verses). f. Vedika (the fence that surrounds the sacred area). g. Tarona (gateway). h. Sikhara (The roof has a crown’s). i. Carving and decoration featuring carvings of animals, flora fauna and humans[13]. 9. FINDING OF RESEARCH Author’s observations through the study, discovered the equation elements which affect mainly Islamic architecture in the design of the mosque. Between identified elements was found is the design of the roof, Stambhas, Torona and also a form of sculpture-sculpture on the building of mosques in Muslim countries even in architecture to date[14-31]. The concept and philosophy of Indian architecture plan shows that the sanctity is hugely influential in the design of religious buildings. The religious symbols are also prevalent among the Indian community. The command symbol include was that are revered as holy; lotus flowers that depict beauty, fertility and wisdom; and elephants that are worshipped as a reincarnation of God, that are strong and courageous [32-50]. 10. CONCLUSION Overall, Indian architecture has influenced other world civilizations. The distinctive features, concepts and philosophies display that Indian architecture has close connection to God, the environment and mankind. The architectural designs reveal that religious buildings or other structures have been influenced by cross-culture and historical background of the world’s civilization. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This research was carried out under Project GP-K006407 and Project GIP-2018-002. 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