The Ancient and Medieval Architecture of India: A Study of Indo-Aryan Civilisation c21.49

c21.49

When the fundamental ideas which underlie the structure and symbolism of Indian architecture are properly understood, it will be easy for the student to analyse the innumerable variations of traditional themes which are to be found in other great buildings and which must be left unnoticed in this work. India, in spite of its heterogeneous sectarian and racial composition, is spiritually and intellectually one country. That is a fact clearly stated in its architecture. The artificial boundaries which antiquarians have sought to establish are academic conventions which leave the heart of the matter untouched, for they are without either æsthetic, scientific, or historic foundation. The Indian synthesis must be understood before any of the elements of its composition can be intelligently analysed.