UNIT - 3

BUDDHIST ARCHITECTURE

[Link] VARANDANI

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Buddhist architecture
• History Timeline

•Introduction

•Beginning Of Buddhist Architecture In India

•Early Buddhist Architecture

•Features Of Buddhist Architecture

•Stupas

•Chaityas

•Rock-cut Architecture

•Viharas
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History Timeline

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

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
Buddhismin different places.
• The major features of this style are
Stupas,Stambhas,Chaityas,Viharas.

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Beginning of Buddhist architecture in India

• Buddhist religious architecture developed in the Indian Subcontinent

in the 3rd century BCE.
• Three types of structures are associated with there ligious
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 makings culptural representations of
Buddha.
There are 2 phases of Buddhism:
1. HINAYANA-2NDCENTURY BC-2NDCENTURY AD
2. MAHAYANA-3RDCENTURY AD –7THCENTURY AD

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 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).
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 EARLY BUDDHIST ARCHITECTURE
•Buddhist architecture emerged slowly in the
period following the Buddha’s life, along with
theHindu 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
representsMount Meru, the abode of the gods
and centre of the universe. The dimensions and
proportions were dictated by sacred mathematical
formulae.
Evolution of Buddhist Architecture
•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 atAjanta,India).

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 Gupta period temple at Sanchi besides the
Apsidal hall with Maurya foundation

The basic plan survives to this day in Buddhist temples throughout the world.
• The profile became elaborated and the characteristic mountain shape
seen to day in many Hindu temples was used in early Buddhist sites and
continued in similar fashion in some cultures.
• In others,such as Japan and Thail and, local influences and differ in religious
practices led to different architecture.

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EARLY BUDDHIST TEMPLES
• Early temples were often timber, and little
trace remains, although stone was
increasingly used.
• Cave temples such as those at Ajanta have
survived better and preserve the plan form,
porch and interior arrangements from this
early period.
• As the functions of the monastery-temple
expanded, the plan form started to diverge
from the Brahmanist tradition and became
more elaborate, providing sleeping, eating
and study accommodation.
• A characteristic new development at
religious sites was thestupa. Stupas were
originally more sculpture than building.

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 • One of the earliest Buddhist sites still in
existence is atSanchi, India, and this is
centred on a stupa said to have been built
byKing Ashoka(273-236 BCE).
•The original simple structure is encased
in a later, more decorative one, and over
two centuries the whole site was
elaborated upon.
•The four cardinal points are marked by
elaborate stone gateways.
•As withBuddhist art, architecture
followed the spread of Buddhism
Buddhist Temple during Gupta throughout south and east Asia and it was
Period. the early Indian models that served as a
first reference point, even though
Buddhism virtually disappeared from India
itself in the 10th century

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BUDDHIST TEMPLES • Decoration of Buddhist sites
became
Steadily more elaborate through
the last two centuries BCE,with the
introduction of human figures,
particularly on stupas.
• However,th eBuddha
wasnotrepresentedinhumanformun
[Link],aniconic
[Link]
Temples became Backdrop for oredetailinBuddhistart,Aniconicpha
Budhha images se.
•Itinfluencedthedevelopmentoftem
ples,whicheventuallybecameabackd
ropforBuddhaimagesinmostcases.

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 THE DESIGN OF BUDDHIST TEMPLES ORIGINATED WITH THE STUPA.
 HISTORICAL VERY ORNATE INSIDE WITH GOLD AND JADE.
 WHILE TODAY'S TEMPLES ARE MORE MODERN.
 IF THE TEMPLE ISN'T DESIGNED IN THE SHAPE OF A PAGODA, THERE WILL BE
A REPLICA OF ONE INSIDE.

THE TEMPLES ARE DESIGNED TO SYMBOLIZE THE FIVE ELEMENTS

 FIRE,
 AIR/WIND
 EARTH,
 WATER
 WISDOM/VOID

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The major features of this style are:
• Stupas (Topes)
• Stambhas (Lats)
• Chaityas (Caves)
• Vihaaras (Monastries)

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.

Although more often, they are of a bigger scale in an

independent complex. In such cases they are encased in stone
masonry.

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 Stupas (domes)
⦿ 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.

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Buddhist Architecture-Stupa
•STUPA IS MOUND OF THE EARTH ENCLOSING A RELICCAN BE COMPARED WITH
THE MASSIVE FORM OF THEGREAT 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.

• SARIKASTUPA-raised over body relics.
• PARIBHOJIKA STUPA -erected over the articles, like the bowl, the sanghati

• UDDESHIKASTUPA-Stupas built as commemorative monuments.

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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

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StructuralFeatures

•The spherical dome symbolized the infinite space of

the sky. The dome is called as anda or egg.
•The dome is a solid brick work is 36.60M in dia, and
16.46M high.

•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 (midhi) 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.

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 Torona consist of 2 square
upright columns with capitals or lion
of elephant heads denoting strength.
 These columns support three
separate horizontal panels between
each of which is row of ornamental
balusters.
 The panels have volutes at their
terminal ends surmounting with
animal sculpture.
 The top panels is crowned with
Tri-Ratna symbol of the Buddhist
trinity, Buddha, the law (dharma) and
monastic community (sangha) with
wheels of justice in the centre which
rest on elephant shaped pedestal.
 The total height of this erection
is about 10. 36M with a width of 3M.

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HISTROY OF ARCHITECTURE -II
 Ashok
chakra

The Gateway ‘Torona’ Harmika or triple umbrella

Upper Ambulatory
1.8m wide3.35m high Stone vedica

Ushnisha
Urdhava patas
45cm dia
60-90 cmc/c

Suchi 60 cm dia

Lower Ambulatory 3.35 m. high HISTROY OF ARCHITECTURE -II 25

 FEATURES

Steps leading to upper ambulatory

Column of Torna

Front View of Torna

View of Torna from upper ambulatory Front View of sanchi stupa 26
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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.
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 Iron Pillar

Ashokan Pillar

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Stambhas are best known as columns, which were carved with inscriptions and
crowned with emblems, such as the elephant and lion, often reminiscent of
Persepolitanarchitecture or a Graeco-Roman type . The origin of these columns
arestilarguedasifanIndianoriginorpersepolitantype.

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Thereplica ofcapitalofAshoka
pillar atSarnathisnowadoptedasa
nationalembelumofrepublicof
india

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Chaityas (caves)
⦿ The next significant development
was the rock-cut architecture.
⦿ Its earliest and most imp. 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.

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Chaityas (caves)

•Architecturally, chaityas show

similarities to 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 swereal most 40

meter slong,15 meters wide and
15 meter shigh.

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DESIGN:

•The pillar shad 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 animal sare carved.
•The Stupa at the end of the Chaitya Hall has an umbrella at the
[Link] Umbrella suggests association with Buddhism.
•The reisa wooden facade,made out of teak [Link] façade make
sit look as if the entire structure was resting on the back of an
elephant with ivory tusks and metal ornaments.

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Basic Characteristics
•Accommodates Stupa.
•Apsidal Plan.
•No division between nave and chaitya i.e space for congregational service not
clearly defined.
•Vaulted hall.
•Colonnades.
•Side aisles.

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Why a Chaitya Hall?

•The stupa evolved from being a

funerary mound carrying object of
worship, had as a coral 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.

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Architectural Features

•Wooden construction in spired

from Vedic period imitated in
natural rock.
•Supple mented with wooden
surface sfore [Link] etc.(half
timber construction)
•Shows similarities to Roman
concept of column and arch,but no
evidence of any relation.

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Architectural Features

• Rectangular halls with finely

polished interior walls.
• Well proportioned pillars with
capitals (around35).
• Semi circular roof.
• Pillar had three
parts:prop,base buriedin
ground and shaft.
• Stupaat the end.
• Extensive use of
motifs,decorative and
symbolic.

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Chaitya Arch

• Chaityas normally had a great-horse shoe arch way with a

wall or screen below.
•There was sun window in center of the arch way for light.

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Evolution of ChaityaHall

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 Chaityas or Caves ….
Chaityas were the “sacred spots” ,temples as well as
assembly halls created out of particular demand of
Buddhist religion..
Architecturally they show similarities to Roman design concepts of column and
arch. The monks built many structures which were carved out of a single
massive rock, done with hammer and chisel, bare hands. These were known as
cave temples. About 1200 such cave temples were built throughout India. The
most important are at Karle, Ajanta, Ellora, Udaigiri, Aurangabad and Nasik.
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.
The earliest rock-cut chaityas, similar to free-standing ones, consisted of an inner
circular chamber with pillars to create a circumambulatory path around the
stupa and an outer rectangular hall for the congregation of the devotees. Over
the course of time the wall separating the stupa from the hall was removed to
create an apsidal hall with a colonnade around the nave and the stupa.
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Their were 12 buddhist
cave in ellora all were
adorned with the budha
seated on the throne
and flanked by two
attendants .

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VIHARAS

•A monastery, arrangement of cells for accomodation of monks

•Dwelling swere simply wooden construction/thatched bamboo huts
•Near settlements on trade routes
•After first century AD,Viharas came in as educational institutes

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Basic Characteristics

• Quadrangular court for gathering

• Surrounded by small cells
• Front wall incorporated a shrine for image of Buddha
• Cell shad rock cut plat forms for beds
• Vihara swere not alike in design
• Doorways were onsides of the walls of main hall

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Construction and Materials

•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
larges pan
•motifs used floral
patterns,animals(used throughout
the kingdom)

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 Vihaaras(MONASTRIES)

•They were the residential places 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-chiselled.

Typical Plan of a Vihaara HISTROY OF ARCHITECTURE -II 47

 Viharas or Monasteries ….
Viharas originally meant "a secluded place in which to
walk", and referred to "dwellings" or "refuges" used
by wandering monks during the rainy season.
In the early decades of In the second century b.c. a standard
Buddhism the wandering plan for a vihara was established. It
monks of the Sangha, dedicated could be either structural, which was
to asceticism and the monastic more common in the south of India, or
life, had no fixed abode. During rock-cut like the chaitya-grihas of the
the rainy season (cf. vassa) they Deccan. It consisted of a walled
stayed in temporary shelters. quadrangular court, flanked by small
These dwellings were simple cells. The front wall was pierced by a
wooden constructions or door, the side facing it in later periods
thatched bamboo huts. often incorporated a shrine for the
image of the Buddha. The cells were
This basic layout was still similar to that fitted with rock-cut platforms for beds
of the communal space of an ashram and pillows. The unwanted rock was
ringed with huts in the early decades excavated, leaving the carved cave
of Buddhism structure. 48
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In ellora there are 11 residential places
for the priests. These were carved out of
an solid rock with the interior walls were
adorned with images of buddha seated
on throne flanked by two attendants

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REFERENCE VIDEO LINKS:

[Link]

[Link]

[Link]

REFERENCE BOOKS:

1. HISTORY OF INDIAN ARCHITECTURE- SHARMIN KHAN

2. HINDU AND BUDDHIST ARCHITECTURE- SATISH GROVER
3. ANCIENT INDIAN ARCHITECTURE- RAJEEV GARG

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