具体描述
Concepts of Space in Traditional Indian Architecture: A Deeper Exploration Beyond the Known This volume offers a comprehensive and nuanced examination of spatial concepts embedded within the architectural heritage of India, moving beyond standard typologies to delve into the underlying philosophical, cosmological, and experiential dimensions that shape these built environments. While acknowledging the canonical texts and widely studied structures, this work focuses on tracing the less-trodden pathways of spatial perception, demonstrating how an understanding of the microcosm and macrocosm informs the layout, orientation, and ritual function of sacred and secular buildings alike. The core of this exploration rests on dismantling the purely functional or aesthetic interpretations of Indian architectural space. Instead, it posits that space in this context is fundamentally relational—a matrix defined by the interplay between permanence (the sthāvara) and transience (the jangama), the visible and the invisible, the human scale and the divine expanse. We investigate how concepts derived from Vedic cosmology, such as the inherent qualities of sattva, rajas, and tamas, are physically manifested in the organization of courtyards, corridors, and sanctuaries. This is not merely about symbolic alignment but about the palpable atmospheric qualities these spatial arrangements engender in the inhabitants. A significant portion of the book is dedicated to the subtle mechanics of boundary definition. In traditional Indian design, boundaries are rarely absolute walls; they are permeable membranes that mediate transitions. We analyze the role of the prākāra (enclosure wall) not just as a defensive measure, but as a graded introduction to sacredness. The concept of ‘nested enclosures’—moving from the public periphery through intermediate thresholds into the intensely private core—is scrutinized through case studies spanning Dravidian temple complexes and North Indian havelis. Emphasis is placed on the manipulation of light, shadow, and acoustic resonance at these transition points, transforming physical passage into a psychological and spiritual progression. Furthermore, the text undertakes a rigorous comparative analysis of how the concept of the mandala functions as a blueprint for spatial organization. While the Vāstu Puruṣa Mandala is foundational, this study extends beyond its geometric diagrammatic representation. It examines its operationalization across different scales—from the planning of entire settlements (the pura or nagara) down to the spatial choreography within a single shrine room. We explore how the radial and concentric structuring inherent in the mandala imposes a specific mode of experiencing space: one that encourages cyclical movement and contemplation of centrality, contrasting sharply with linear, axial traditions. The volume dedicates specific chapters to the phenomenology of open space, a feature often undervalued in analyses focusing solely on enclosed volumes. Courtyards (āṅgaṇa or chowk) are treated not as negative space filling the voids between buildings, but as active, primary spatial entities. We explore their diverse roles: as micro-climatic regulators, as stages for domestic rituals, and crucially, as representations of the unbound celestial sphere brought down to the domestic level. The way these courtyards frame the view of the sky, or reflect the sounds of daily life, determines the perceived texture and meaning of the adjacent built forms. The book also addresses the under-researched area of subterranean and vertical spatial experiences. The unique spatial language of stepwells (bāolī or vāv) offers a profound meditation on gravity, water, and descent. Here, space is carved out of the earth, demanding a different kind of architectural engagement—one defined by descending perspectives and the echoing coolness of deep stone chambers, directly contrasting with the upward aspiration typically associated with temple śikharas. The vertical dimension, or ūrdhva, is explored through the stacked tiers of temple superstructures, analyzing how the cumulative effect of receding layers compresses the perceived scale while simultaneously amplifying the structure’s connection to the heavens. Finally, the study investigates the relationship between ornamentation and spatial definition. Decorative motifs, carving programs, and sculptural placement are analyzed not as applied decoration, but as integral components that articulate the spatial boundaries and direct the inhabitant's gaze. For instance, how the density of carving on a pier dictates the perceived weight and boundary of the space it encloses, or how narrative friezes guide the eye along a processional path. This interconnectedness between surface treatment and spatial perception reveals a holistic design methodology where form, function, and philosophy are indivisible. This volume seeks to provide architects, historians, and cultural theorists with a fresh analytical vocabulary for understanding the enduring power and sophistication of traditional Indian spatial design, encouraging a deeper engagement with the intent and experience embedded within these timeless structures.
