An insight into the Buddhist world

India International Centre is hosting the exhibition titled Architecture of the Buddhist World: Southeast Asia by Vikram Lall. The show is a study of architecture shaped by philosophy and practice of Buddhism in Southeast Asia. It presents a comprehensive survey of the diversity and complexity of architectural models and drawings with <g data-gr-id="44">three dimensional</g> renditions, supported by original photography.

The exhibition traces the evolution of architectural form and spaces in response to changing ideas, material <g data-gr-id="45">realities,</g> and building traditions of Southeast Asia. Taking an interdisciplinary and holistic approach, it brings together art, architecture, archaeology, history, religion and philosophy to understand how Buddhist thought and ritual interacted with local traditions to produce distinctive architectural forms.

Buddhist monuments from six Southeast Asian countries, Myanmar, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Vietnam and Thailand are included such as Pitaka Taik in <g data-gr-id="31">Mynmar</g>, <g data-gr-id="32">Sukothai</g> in Thailand, Wat Mai in Laos, Mot Cot in Vietnam, Neak Pean in Cambodia, and Candi Sewu in Indonesia.

A book discussion program on Architecture of the Buddhist World: The Golden Lands by Vikram Lall was held on June 12. The discussion was chaired by Dr Kapila Vatsayayan, <g data-gr-id="51">art</g> scholar, historian and the Chairperson of IIC Asia Project. Other panelists of the book discussion were Dr Lokesh Chandra, President, Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Dr Subhash C Malik, <g data-gr-id="36">Retd</g> UGC Professor, Prof Nalini Thakur, School of Planning and Architecture, and  Shyam Saran (Ex-foreign secretary), Chairman, Research & Information System for Developing countries.

Vatsyayan said, “Going through these images one goes through many centuries and many lands where Buddhism flourished”. She congratulated Mr Lall on his remarkable insight.

Dr Chandra, an authority on Buddhist history said, “I don’t look at these as architectural structures, but believe in the <g data-gr-id="33">vedic</g> concept of <g data-gr-id="34">chitti</g>, which means placing one brick over the other in an ascending manner, thus reaching spiritual heights.” 

Lall in his address noted, “My focus in this research was the change and development in the architecture of Buddhist monuments.” He stressed that his research work gives an analysis of the geographical and historical details associated with these temples and he also focussed on the various Buddhist concepts.

The first in the series Architecture of the Buddhist World represents a new multidisciplinary approach showing how Buddhist thoughts and rituals have interacted with local traditions across the Asian continent to produce masterpieces of religious architecture. It reveals the history, styles, and interpretation of Buddhist temples, monasteries, and ancient monuments in Southeast Asian countries.