24 Sep 2019
Faculty Coordinators: Shubhi S., Neeraja Jayan, Sanjeev K.
Course: History of Architecture-III
Attended by:
School of Architecture organised a special lecture on “Bhakti Movement and its impact on Architecture” on 24th September 2019 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 noon at Room no 213, CV Raman Block. The lecture was organised as an outcome of one of the best practices of the school where an exchange of specialized faculty members is encouraged across courses to benefit the students.
The students of 3rd semester, B.Arch. have been introduced to Hindu temple architecture in various parts of India. The Bhakti movement during the medieval period of Indian history has been an important catalyst which led to the spread of Hinduism in its present form. The spiritual movement based on the philosophy of devotion was spearheaded by several renowned saints such as the Nayanars, Andal, Ramanuja, Akka Mahadevi, Basava, Kanakadasa, Purandara Dasa etc.
Prof. Vidya Srikanth introduced the students to the proponents of Bhakti movement in south and North India. She gave brief accounts of their history and social contribution followed by a discourse on the impact that their teachings had on planning of temples and temple towns. She illustrated the evolving role of the temples from a mere place of worship to centres of social structure and local economy.
Prof. Vidya Srikanth explained the temple town planning seen in cities such as Madurai and Srirangam where the community organises itself in concentric layers around the temple. This unique system of town planning was based on the complex social hierarchy present in India since the Vedic times. Students were introduced to the multitude of social, economic and cultural activities which are generated through the presence of the temple.
The audio visual presentation was further enhanced with soulful renditions of devotional songs by Prof. Vidya Srikanth bringing alive the compositions by the Bhakti Saints. She explained the meanings of the songs and brought forward the link between religion, art, society and architecture in a very profound manner. Students were encouraged to explore the various functionalities of Hindu temples as well as the impact of music, dance and art on temple architecture in India.
We would like to thank the team and management at REVA University for their support in organising this special lecture for the benefit of the students. The lecture has been captured through the LCS provisions of the university and will soon be available online for public viewing.
