From the land of the Buddha

Titled Architecture of the Buddhist World: Southeast Asia, the exhibition hosted by India International Centre 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="20">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="22">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="23">Mynmar</g>, <g data-gr-id="24">Sukothai</g> in Thailand, Wat Mai in Laos, Mot Cot in Vietnam, Neak Pean in Cambodia, and Candi Sewu in Indonesia.

The exhibition is derived from the recently published book, Architecture of the Buddhist World: The Golden Lands by Vikram Lall, where he searches for answers to questions such as: How did Buddhist thinking and ritual determine distinctive architectural designs? What are their origins and transformations? What were the architectural design strategies adopted to satisfy functional, technical, aesthetic and symbolic requirements? What distinguishes the different building typologies found in Buddhist cultures — a monastery from a stupa or a pagoda? What is the influence of the cultural context and how have different regions developed such distinctive architecture? What are the similarities and differences in the patterns of <g data-gr-id="27">design</g> of Buddhist monuments in different regions; the interconnection between these architectural forms and the sacred geography and cosmology of the Buddhist world? And to what places do these sacred spaces help us journey?