HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE II

UNIT 3
Beginning of Buddhist and Jain Architecture in India
Philosophy and teachings; the Hinayana and Mahayana Sects and their contribution to the development
of architecture in India. Ashokan School, Buddhist Rock Cut Architecture: the Chaityas and Viharas at
Ajanta and Ellora; the Stupa: Form and Evolution; Buddhist Architecture in Gandhara.
INTRODUCTION

The early structures that were built during the empires were permanent in nature and long
lasting. Non-Structural or rock-cut means that they were carved out of mountain cliff or huge
rocks.
 • The Buddhist architecture has its root deeply implanted in the Indian soil- the birthplace of the
Buddha's teachings.

• The Buddhist architecture began with the development of various symbols, representing
aspects of the Buddha's life (563 BCE - 483 BCE).

• Indian emperor Ashoka, not only established Buddhism as the state religion of his large
Magadh empire, but also opted for the architectural monuments to spread Buddhism in
different places.

• Ashoka had spread Buddhism to Magadha empire and also adopted architectural monuments to
spread Buddhism to different places.

• The major architecture feature are

• Stupas ( example : Sanchi stupa )

• Stambas ( example : Asoka pillar)

• Chaityas ( example : Chaitya at Karle)

• Viharas ( example : Vihara at Ajanta)

THE BEGINNING

• Buddhist religious architecture developed in the Indian Subcontinent in the 3rd century BCE.

• Three types of structures are associated with the religious architecture of early Buddhism:
monasteries (Viharas), places to venerate relics (stupas), and shrines or prayer halls (chaityas
also called chaitya grihas), which later came to be called temples in some places.
 • This religion initially did not involve making of figures or idols but gradually the followers started
making sculptural representations of Buddha.

• There are 2 phases of Buddhism:

1. HINAYANA- 2ND CENTURY BC- 2ND CENTURY AD

2. MAHAYANA- 3RD CENTURY AD – 7TH CENTURY AD

Buddhist
Sects

Hinayana Mahayana

Buddha was represented by religious Buddha was represented by sculptures

symbols like Dharma chakra, Chattri, carved out in various sizes, depicting
Footprints etc. (idols were originally various postures like standing, sitting,
not ued) reclining etc

BUDDHIST ARCHITECTURE IN INDIA

• Viharas initially were only temporary shelters used by wandering monks during the rainy
season, but later were developed to accommodate the growing and increasingly formalized
Buddhist monasticism(monkhood). An existing example is at Nalanda (Bihar).

• The initial function of a stupa was the veneration and safe-guarding of the relics of the Buddha.
The earliest surviving example of a stupa is in Sanchi (Madhya Pradesh).
 • In accordance with changes in religious practice, stupas were gradually incorporated
into chaitya-grihas (prayer halls).

• These reached their high point in the 1st century BC, exemplified by the cave
complexes of Ajanta and Ellora (Maharashtra).

• The Pagoda is an evolution of the Indian stupa.

EARLY BUDDHIST ARCHITECTURE

• Buddhist architecture emerged slowly in the period following the Buddha’s life, along with the
Hindu temple architecture.

• Brahmanist temples at this time followed a simple plan – a square inner space, the sacrificial
arena, often with a surrounding ambulatory route separated by lines of columns, with a conical
or rectangular sloping roof, behind a porch or entrance area, generally framed by freestanding
columns or a colonnade. The external profile represents Mount Meru, the abode of the gods
and centre of the universe. The dimensions and proportions were dictated by sacred
mathematical formulae.

• This simple plan was adopted by Early Buddhists, sometimes adapted with additional cells for
monks at the periphery (especially in the early cave temples such as at Ajanta, India).
The basic plan survives to this day in Buddhist temples throughout the world.

• The profile became elaborated and the characteristic mountain shape seen today in many
Hindu temples was used in early Buddhist sites and continued in similar fashion in some
cultures.

• In others, such as Japan and Thailand, local influences and differing religious practices led to
different architecture.

FEATURES OF BUDDHIST ARCHITECTURE

The major features of this style are:

• Stupas (Buddhist shrine)

• Stambhas (Pillars)

• Chaityas (Caves)
• Vihaaras (Monasteries)

• Out of these, the prominent examples of Chaitya Hall and Viharas can be found in Rock-Cut
Architecture.

• Even the Stupa can be found in certain Chaitya halls in a miniature form.

STUPAS

• DEFINITION: Dome-shaped structures used to house sacred relics of the monks and hence also
known as “Relic-shrines”.

• CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS: Earth materials covered with stones or bricks. The plan, elevation
and the basic structure all derived from the circle.
• Stupa is mound of the earth enclosing a relic can be compared with the massive form of the
great pyramids of Egypt

• They also called as thuppa in pali, dagaba insimbali, tope in english & dhatugrabh in
sanskrit.(Dhatugrabh=relics preserved in vessel)

• CLASSIFIED INTO THREE TYPES.

• SARIKA STUPA-raised over body relics.

• PARIBHOJIKA STUPA - erected over the articles, like the bowl, the sanghati

• UDDESHIKA STUPA- Stupas built as commemorative monuments

Sanchi Stupa

• Sanchi Stupa is located 40 km north east of Bhopal, and 10 km from Besnagar and Vidisha in the
central part of the state of Madhya Pradesh.

• Sanchi Stupa was built by Ashoka (273-236 B.C.)

• Sanchi Stupas is located on the top of the Sanchi hill, which raise about 100M high above the
plain.

• The 'Great Stupa' at Sanchi is the oldest stone structure in India

Structural Features

• The stupa bears the form of a spherical dome symboliing the infinite space of the sky. The dome
is called as anda or egg.

• A large hemispherical dome which is flat at the top, and crowned by a triple umbrella or Chattra
on a pedestal surrounded by a square railing or Harmika.

• A railing enclosed called Vedica which is about 3.35 M high leaving an ambulatory passage or
pradikshina path with the gateways.

• The upper ambulatory passage (medhi) 4.87M high from the ground and 1.8M wide.

• There are four gateways known as Toronas at the cardinal points of the campus.

• Toronas built by ivory or metal worker.

• Toranas are associated with Buddhist stupas like the Great Stupa in Sanchi, as well as with Jain
and Hindu structures, and also with several secular structures.

• In the 1st century BCE, four elaborately carved toranas (ornamental gateways) and a balustrade
encircling the entire structure were added around the sanchi stupa built during Mauryan
period.
Stambhas (pillars)

• The next development was the free standing monolithic columns erected over sites selected
because of their sacred associations. They were basically stone objects.

• DEFINITION: In the context Of Hindu Mythology, stambha, is believed to be a cosmic column.

• DESIGN: A stambha consists of a circular column or shaft slightly tapering towards the summit
(monolithic). On top of this shaft is the Persepolitan bell or the inverted lotus shaped base.
Above this is the abacus on top of which rests the crowning sculpture. These three portions
were carved out of a single stone (monolithic).

• The famous iron pillar from the Gupta period is a fine specimen, withstanding exposure to rain
& storm, yet remaining smooth and unrusted bearing testimony to the mastery of Indian metal-
casting.
CHAITYAS

• A Buddhist shrine or prayer hall with stupa at one end.

• Made for large gatherings of devotees.

• Made in rock-cut due to permanency of structure.

• Chaityas were influenced by ascetic lifestyle of Vedic period and tendency of hermits to retire
in solitude.

• Accommodates Stupa.

• Apsidal Plan.

• No division between nave and chaitya i.e space for congregational service not clearly defined.

• Vaulted hall.

• Colonnades.

• Side aisles.
• The stupa evolved from being a funerary mound carrying object of worship, had a sacral
value.

• Building needed to accommodate copies of stupa and provide shelter.

• A structural house for religious activities.

• Birth of temples with idol worship.

• Building had almost circular plan and a domed roof.

• The next significant development was the rock-cut architecture.

• Its earliest and most important marvel was the Lomas Rishi Cave, at Barabar hills, Bihar.

• Derived from timber huts and wooden arch of Vedic times.

• They were rectangular halls, with finely polished interior walls. There were a number of well
proportioned pillars, generally around 35, and a semi-circular roof.

• Opposite one entrance stood a stupa. All the pillars have capitals on them, with carvings of a
kneeling elephant mounted on bell-shaped bases.
Chaitya (caves)

• Architecturally Chaityas show similarities with Roman Design concepts of columns and arch

• The monks built many structures which were carved out of a single massive rock, done with
hammer and chisel, bare hands.

• The chaitya at Karli was almost 40 meters long, 15 meters wide and 15 meters high.
Chaitya: Eg.Karli

• The pillars had three parts: prop, which is the base which is buried into the ground; the shaft,
the main body of the pillar which is polished and chiseled; and capital, the head of the pillar
where figures of animals are carved.

• The Stupa at the end of the Chaitya Hall has an umbrella at the top. This Umbrella suggests
association with Buddhism.

• The facade makes it look as if the entire structure was resting on the back of an elephant with
ivory tusks and metal ornaments.

Chaityas

• Wooden construction inspired from Vedic period imitated in natural rock.

• Supplemented with wooden surfaces for e.g..

• Screens etc. (half timber construction)

• Shows similarities to Roman concept of column and arch, but no evidence of any relation.
• Rectangular halls with finely polished interior walls.

• Well proportioned pillars with capitals(around 35).

 • Semi circular roof.

• Pillar had three parts: prop, base buried in ground and shaft.

• Stupa at the end.

• Extensive use of motifs, decorative and symbolic.

Chaitya Arch

• Chaityas normally had a great-horseshoe archway with a wall or screen below.

• There was sun window in center of the archway for light.

Evolution of Chaitya Hall
VIHARAS

• A monastery, arrangement of cells for accommodation of monks

• Dwellings were simply wooden construction/thatched bamboo huts

• Near settlements on trade routes

• After first century AD, Viharas came in as educational institutes

• Quadrangular court for gathering

• Surrounded by small cells

• Front wall incorporated a shrine for image of Buddha

• Cells had rock cut platforms for beds

• Viharas were not alike in design

• Doorways were on sides of the walls of main hall

• Rock-cut architecture basically used wooden construction down to joinery details

• Hardly structural

• In brick, corbelled arches are used, and very large bricks to for large span

• Motifs used: floral patterns, animals (used throughout the kingdom)

 • They were the shelters of the Buddhist priest (monks).

• The main hall was entered through a doorway, leading to an assembly hall, dining chambers and
meditation cells.

• The walls depict figures of the Buddha.

• The columns were of 60 meters height and well-chiseled.

ROCK CUT ARCHITECTURE IN WESTERN GHATS

• Uniformity of texture in hills.

• Horizontally stratified.

• Ends in perpendicular cliffs.

BUILDING STRATEGY
 1. Cliff was made perpendicular

2. Entry was made

3. A small part excavated for architect monk

4. Excavation from top to bottom

5. Subsequently other cells were build

Ajanta Cave No. 10

• 100ft by 40ft by 33ft

• Same roof ribs

• Two tiered stupa with circular base and elongated dome

 Bhaja (150 B.C)

• Most primitive hall.

• 55ft by 26ft, side aisles 3.5ft wide and high stilted vault 29ft high with closed rank wood ribs.

• Facades have numerous mortice holes for fixing elaborate wooden frontages

• Simple stupa with cylindrical base and a wooden harmikaa and chhatri.

• One central doorway+2 side ones.

• Projection balcony supported on four pillars.

• H shaped framework held by projection beams.

 Ajanta No.9

• Entire hall rock carved.

• Rectangular plan, ceilings of side aisles flat with perpendicular pillars.

• Doorway in centre and a window on either side, topped by elegant cornice.

• Lattice windows around archways.

• No wooden ribs bracing the vaults.

MAHAYANA PHASE - 400 A.D -600 A.D

• Main seats of this school were Ajanta, Ellora, Auarngabad.

• There was a change in iconography since both schools perceived different imagery of Buddha.

• Elements of Chaitya Halls remained same.

• Viharas became finer and more elaborate.

Ajanta Cave No. 26

• 68ft by 36f by 31 ft.

• Last Ajanta Hall.

• More ornamented, right from pillars, elaborate triforium, and recessed panels.

• Portico had 3 doorways with Chaitya window above.

• Decline of style by excessive workmanship.

Caves at Ellora

• Caves excavated out of low ridge hills, Buddhists occupied best site.

• Dhedwada group(caves 1 to 5) and 6 to 12 were two main groups

 • Mahanwada cave(no.5) had both monastery and hall, it had two parallel platforms for seating
of priests

• Later group had chaitya hall no. 10

• Cave no. 2 has 48 pillars colonnade attached with side gallery.

• Cushion pillar comes in focus now

Cave 6 to 12

• Largest monasteries.
 • No. 12 is known as tin thaal(thre stories), can lodge 40 priests (108ft by 60 ft).

• Does not have any ornamentation.

• Access is through pillared verandah.

• All three floors are different.

Ellora Caves

• Inspired from Vedic wooden construction techniques, prevalent to Buddhism coming in vogue.

• Inspired Indian temples, for eg. Early Brahmanical temples in South India (for eg. Chaitya
window motif), temples at Sanchi.

• Even Jain caves got influenced from Buddhism, fro eg. Udaigiri.

• Spread to North East

Cave 6 to 12

• Largest monasteries.

• No. 12 is known as tin thaal(thre stories), can lodge 40 priests (108ft by 60 ft).
• Does not have any ornamentation.

• Access is through pillared verandah.

• All three floors are different.

• Inspired from Vedic wooden construction techniques, prevalent to Buddhism coming in vogue.

• Inspired Indian temples, for eg. Early Brahmanical temples in South India (for eg. Chaitya
window motif), temples at Sanchi.

• Even Jain caves got influenced from Buddhism, fro eg. Udaigiri.

• Spread to North East

UNIT 4
Early Iron Age Civilisations in India
Beginning of Hindu Temple Architecture under the Guptas and Chalukyas. Appearance and
Evolution: Experiments at Badami, Aihole of examples such as Ladh Khan, Durga, Maleguti.
TEMPLES

• Since the same guild of artists worked for all the religions, there is hardly any difference in the
treatment of the Buddhist, Brahmanical and Jain temples in a particular region at a given
period.

• The oldest existing temple is temple at Sanchi, which is also the earliest known example of
Gupta temple style. The only décor was at the entrance present with bands of scrolls and
pillars. This temple lays the logical foundation of temple architecture in North India, which
developed in due course a shikhara over its basic form.

• The Mahabodhi Temple is a Buddhist temple in Bodh Gaya, marking the location where the
Buddha, is said to have attained enlightenment. Bodh Gaya is located about 96km from Patna,
Bihar.

• Next to the temple, on its western side, is the holy Bodhi tree and the monastery there the
Bodhimanda Vihara. The tallest tower is 55 metres (180 ft) tall.
Mahabodhi Temple

Holy Bodhi tree

EARLY CHALUKYAN ARCHITECTURE

• The architecture falls into two distinct types (i) rock-cut (ii) structural

• Rock –cut cave temples at Badami

• The Chalukyan capital city Badami was protected by a fort wall surrounded by a moat

• Badami was a religious centre

• Goddesses Banashankrari was the presiding deity.

• The most interesting thing from architectural point of view is a series of 4 cave temples hewn
from top to bottom in the scrap of a southern hill called Ranmandal

• These are Brahminical in nature , one Shaivite, two Vaishnavites, and the fourth belongs to
Jaina

Cave 1( Shaiva cave)

Cave 2( Vaishnava cave)

Cave 3(Vaishnav cave)

Cave 4 (Jaina cave)

Structural Temples

• In addition to the rock cut cave temples at Badami Chalukyans also built several structural
temples along the edge of the lake and hill tops.

• The early Chalukyans combined some features of contemporary north and south Indian style of
construction i.e nagar and dravidian respectively to create their own style of construction which
is characterized by high platform , pithas, ornate door frames, plinth moulding , vestibule

Lad Khan Temple at Aihole

• The temple stands on square plan of 15 m side with high platform.

• It consists of an open pillared porch leading to a large square mantapa with 2 square group of
pillars

• The Nanthi fills the central bay whose ceiling contains sculpture of Naga with its tail twisted
around

• The pillars have cushion capitals with floral abacus supporting the ponderous bracket

• There are lattice window on north and south sides and perforated circles of radiating fish design
set in square frame in the eastern and western sides

• The roof is sloping , rising in two tires , with a small cubical Shikara containing images of Surya ,
Shiva , and Vishnu on its three sides.

• No mortar is used for the construction of this temple.

Durga Temple at Aihole

• The temple stands on a high moulded plinth 3m high and consist of pillared hall

• 2 flights of steps one from north and another from south are provided in front of the porch

• There is Garuda over the shrine door which is elaborately carved

• Light is admitted into the hall and passage through ‘stone grills’ of perforated pattern

• 2 rows of columns separate the temple hall into a central nave and two side aisles

• The inner columns are beautifully sculpted.

• There are several inches in the wall s containing beautiful images of god and goddesses

• The roof of Mukha Mantapa is flat

• The upper portion has fallen down

• The temple derives its name because of the fort like enclosure called Durga
Malegutti Shivalaya at Badami

• The temple stands on a spur of the rugged hills on the north side of Badami.

• It contains a porch assembly hall and shrine.

• The square porch consist of large monolithic pillars with heavy bracket capitals.

• The entrance is guarded by two Dwarpalakas.

• Sculptures of Shiva and Vishnu with Makara Torana at the back, are carved on the south and
north walls of temple into which are built square perforated stone windows that let in a
subdued light faintly illumining the interior of the hall.

• The high plinth contains a row of the lions and elephant symbolizing strength.

• The outer wall contains a belt of dwarfs dancing , frollicking playing musical instrument .

• The door frame of the shrine is richly ornamented with Garuda in the middle holding two
serpents.

• The temple is so called because of its association with a lady garland