Temples of the Ancient East 2: India and Angkor Wat Flashcards

1
Q

Key Themes in Hindhu religion

A
  • Ethical duties
  • Cycle of life and death (samsara)
  • Moksha, enlightenment
    • Escape from samsara
    • Achieved through prayer, yoga
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2
Q

Key Themes in Hindhu Architecture

A
  • Symbolic of
    • The Holy Mountain
    • The Sacred cave
    • The Cosmic Axis
  • Geometric proportions derived from subdivided square
    • ‘Mandala’
  • Major entrances face east
    *
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3
Q

What is the mandala?

A
  • Derived from the sanskrit for ‘circle’
  • Spiritual and ritual symbol of Hinduism and Buddhism
  • Represents the cosmos metaphysically/symbolically
  • Also seen as dwelling place of deity
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4
Q

Lingaraja Temple

Bhubaneshwar, India

1050‐1150

A
  • Pavillion format
  • Uses mandala for plan - multiplication of the square
  • Three separate halls lead to sanctuary
    • Like womb chamber
  • Each hall has distinct roof profile
  • Shikara - sacred mountain element
  • Characteristics of mature Indian temple typology
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5
Q

Rudabai Stepwell

Adalaj, India

1499 c.

A
  • Five stories underground
  • Trabeated architecture
    • Possible role of mandala again?
    • Constant repetition of the square through post and beam
  • Heavily decorated
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6
Q

Angkor Wat (temple complex)

Cambodia

begun 1120 c.

A
  • Fusion of Indian and native Khmer traditions
  • Axial lay out
  • Temple as symbol of King’s power
  • Mandala form again
  • Series of compounds, like Bora Badur
  • Libaries + courtyards surround centre
  • Galleries containing sculptural relief
  • Multiple Shikara at the centre
  • Central tower constructed over garbhagriha, ‘womb chamber’
    • **Core of every Hindu Temple
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