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
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
*
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
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
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
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