Temples of the Ancient East 2: India and Angkor Wat

Question 1

Key Themes in Hindhu religion

Answer 1

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

Question 2

Key Themes in Hindhu Architecture

Answer 2

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

Question 3

What is the mandala?

Answer 3

• 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

Question 4

Lingaraja Temple

Bhubaneshwar, India

1050‐1150

Answer 4

• 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

Question 5

Rudabai Stepwell

Adalaj, India

1499 c.

Answer 5

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

Question 6

Angkor Wat (temple complex)

Cambodia

begun 1120 c.

Answer 6

• 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