Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c8.s1.8

c8.s1.8

Of the different types of building comprising these cities, dwelling houses both large and small predominate, but there are a certain number of more important edifices, built for various purposes. Among them may be identified large structures probably used as market halls, store-rooms or offices; another arranged around two spacious courtyards which may have been a palace; several halls possibly for religious usage, and at Mohenjo-daro a very complete bathing establishment. Yet although all the buildings were constructed of materials and in a manner far in advance of their time, their style is one of such stark utilitarianism that they cannot aspire to be works of architecture; in effect they represent a very practical form of building construction. There is of course the possibility that on these edifices some kind of mural decoration may have been applied, such as carved wood or colour, but if so this has completely disappeared. The impression therefore conveyed by these remains is that the country was populated by a busy community of traders, efficient and precise in their manners and customs, but devoted to a life of materialism, thus lacking in that aesthetic intuition which demands and naturally creates an artistic environment.