HS 520 Ancient Indian Architecture

Lecture 001
Introduction and Outline
of the Course

V.N. Prabhakar, IIT Gandhinagar

 Cultural Complex, Firminy,
Central France

Architecture is a learned game,

correct and magnificent, of
forms assembled in the light
- Le Corbusier

Capitol Complex, Chandigarh

Outline of the Course

Module 1: Introduction
• Tracing the beginning of architectural activities
since prehistoric times
• Elements of Harappan Architecture
• Other contemporary Indian cultures
Great Bath, Mohenjo-daro, Third Millennium BCE
Module 2: Concepts and Architectural
Typologies
• Textual references (e.g. Brhatsamhita and
Samaranganasutradhara) and structural forms
• Broad characteristics of northern and southern
styles (nagara, dravida and vesara)
• Other styles like Bhumija, Kalinga and Varata;
principles of composition
• Alignments and axes in temple forms
Gobekli Tepe, 9th – 8th millennium BCE
 Outline of the Course

Module 3: Beginnings of Architectural forms

• Evidence of architecture from the historical
period and early elements and forms

• Early architectural features like rock-cut, brick-

built, wooden and other structural forms
• Features of Monasteries, Chaityas and Stupas
Bhagavata Temple, Besnagar, 2nd c. BCE

Garuda pillar of Heliodorus, Besnagar, 2nd c. BCE

Outline of the Course

Module 4: Rock-cut architectural forms

• Tracing the beginnings of rock-cut

architecture of Buddhist, Hindu and Jaina
faiths
• Evolution and elaboration during the early Atiranchanda Rathas, Mamallapuram, 7th c. CE
medieval period;

• Critical analysis of significant examples of

all faiths; the role of monasteries,
• Royal patronages and ordinary worshippers
in shaping the establishments;
• spread of architectural forms in various parts
of India, influences and regional styles

Kailasa, Ellora, 8th c. CE

Outline of the Course

Module 5: Structural temples of the past

• The architecture of the ancient temples of
the Buddhist, Hindu and Jaina faiths
• Their evolution and different styles
• Tracing their essential elements in the rock-
cut architecture and transformation into Clusters of chipped stone fragments, Quarry site near Dholavira
structural forms
• Critical analysis of important architectural
styles (nagara, dravida and vesara)
• The role of masons, sculptors and royal
patronage
• The influence of architectural styles in India
and abroad, e.g. Kailasa of Ellora and Angkor
Vat, Cambodia
Angkor Wat, Cambodia, 12th c. CE
Outline of the Course

Module 6: Indo-Islamic Architectural forms

• Introduction of a new style of architecture

involving arches and domes in India
• Architecture of tombs, mosques
Tomb of Muhammad Shah, 15th c. CE
• Analysis of regional styles of Indo-Islamic
architecture
• E.g. Mughal, Jaunpur, Sharqi, Deccan, Qutb
Shahi styles

Bada Gumbad, Lodhi Gardens, 15th – 16th c. CE

Outline of the Course

Module 7: Role of architectural heritage in

establishing universal cultural values
• Whose heritage?
• Need for preservation and dissemination

• Role of UNESCO in establishing norms for Sun Temple, Modhera, 11th c. CE

World Heritage Properties
• Symbols of universal cultural heritage

Field Trips and Onsite Explanations

• During the course, field trips to important
architectural centres in Gujarat
• e.g. Sun Temple, Modhera, Rani-ki-Vav, Patan

Rani-ki-Vav, Patan, 11th – 12th c. CE

Learning outcomes
1. Understand the evolution of architecture in India from the earliest through
various stages and periods.
2. Basic understanding of the various architectural forms and styles of different
regions and periods of ancient India and their evolution
3. Basic knowledge of India’s architectural past and learn to appreciate monuments
better whenever they visit them. Also, be sensitised to aspects of Indian
aesthetics.
4. Understanding the concepts of conservation & preservation, role of international
bodies and conventions; heritage management.
5. Field trips to important architectural examples to have first-hand field-based
knowledge. Such initiatives are a rare opportunity for students to gain valuable
experience during site visits.
Evaluation Policy

• Attendance and Active Participation: 15%

• Class Quizzes: 25%
• First Quiz: Beginning of September (10%)
• Second Quiz: Beginning of October (15%)
• Group Presentation on a topic related to the course (Second week of November
2023): 30%
• Rubrics for assessing the presentation
• Originality: 10; Content: 10; Presentation: 5; Smooth Transition: 5
• Research Assignment (4000 words + Bibliography); Submission before end
semester exam: 30%
Evaluation Policy
The Rubric for the evaluation of Written Assignment will be as follows:

Excellent – 27; Good – 21-26; Average – 15-20; Not Satisfactory - <15 (it may
range between 1-5).

Criteria for the grading

Excellent is when you have an introduction, a brief description of the matter, an
analysis & critical discussion and a conclusion. The assignment should be introduced
in a manner which captures the essence of the topic.
Good when you have all these components, but it needs to be done in a satisfactory
manner.
Average is when you do not have any one of these components and less
explanations.

NS is when you do not have more than one of the above-mentioned components.
Other Guidelines

• Plagiarism shall be completely avoided for the Research Assignments

• If plagiarism is noticed, there will be a negative marking on the assignments
• Up to 5% : Permitted
• 5% - 10% : - 2%
• 10% - 15% : - 4%
• > 15% : Assignment will not be evaluated, and no marks will be awarded
Resources for the Course

• The resources (pdfs of books and articles) will be uploaded regularly in a folder
created in Google Classroom (Class Code: syqq54a)
• The pdfs of delivered Lectures and video recording (of previous semesters) will
be regularly uploaded in the folder in Google Classroom and the links will be
shared
Any Questions?

• My Office
• Room No. 352, Academic Block 6 (may change soon)
• Email ID: vnprabhu@iitgn.ac.in
• TA for the course
• Apeksha Srivastava
• Email ID: apeksha.s@iitgn.ac.in