Generally, architecture can be termed as a field of art in building, a structure designed by human beings. Therefore, the grandeur and the height of a civilization is measured by the buildings it left behind which include religious buildings. This can be seen through Indian architecture that appeared as a result of the emergence of Buddhism and Hinduism. Between the main objectives of this study is to discuss the concept, goals and philosophy found in the architecture of India. In addition, the study also discusses the characteristics and elements of Indian architecture made up of Buddhist and Hindu architecture that has influenced some of the architecture of other buildings in the world. In this writing, the authors used qualitative methodology focusing on research on the analysis of documents and observations. The finding shows that the concept and philosophy of Indian architecture has been largely influenced by nation and world civilization. The study also identified the characters and elements. system along the western coast of India.

1. http://www.iaeme.com/IJMET/index.asp 364 editor@iaeme.com
International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology (IJCIET)
Volume 10, Issue 1, January 2019, pp.364–371, Article ID: IJCIET_10_01_034
Available online at http://www.iaeme.com/IJCIET/issues.asp?JType=IJCIET&VType=10&IType=1
ISSN Print: 0976-6308 and ISSN Online: 0976-6316
©IAEME Publication Scopus Indexed
THE CONCEPTS AND PHILOSOPHY OF
INDIAN ARCHITECTURE
A. B. Ahmad
General Studies Department,
Malaysian Institute of Chemical Engineering Technology,
University Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Wan Kamal Mujani
Faculty of Islamic Studies, National University of Malaysia, Malaysia
M. Salleh & R. Othman
General Studies Department,
Malaysian Institute of Chemical Engineering Technology,
University Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
ABSTRACT
Generally, architecture can be termed as a field of art in building, a structure
designed by human beings. Therefore, the grandeur and the height of a civilization is
measured by the buildings it left behind which include religious buildings. This can be
seen through Indian architecture that appeared as a result of the emergence of
Buddhism and Hinduism. Between the main objectives of this study is to discuss the
concept, goals and philosophy found in the architecture of India. In addition, the study
also discusses the characteristics and elements of Indian architecture made up of
Buddhist and Hindu architecture that has influenced some of the architecture of other
buildings in the world. In this writing, the authors used qualitative methodology
focusing on research on the analysis of documents and observations. The finding
shows that the concept and philosophy of Indian architecture has been largely
influenced by nation and world civilization. The study also identified the characters
and elements. system along the western coast of India.
Key words: Architecture, Building, Buddhism, Character, Concept, Elements;
Hinduism, Indian, and Philosophy.
Cite this Article: A. B. Ahmad, Wan Kamal Mujani, M. Salleh and R. Othman, The
Concepts and Philosophy of Indian Architecture, International Journal of Civil
Engineering and Technology (IJCIET), 10 (1), 2019, pp. 364–371.
http://www.iaeme.com/IJCIET/issues.asp?JType=IJCIET&VType=10&IType=1

2. The Concepts and Philosophy of Indian Architecture
http://www.iaeme.com/IJCIET/index.asp 365 editor@iaeme.com
1. INTRODUCTION
Indian architecture has its own uniqueness which gives a huge impact on the development of
the architecture of religious buildings. It has its own goals, concepts and philosophy in the
context of interaction between religion and humans. In this writing, the authors also debated
the theory and the characteristics of the architecture of India, which forms the basis for the
construction of a building especially buildings for worship or temples in the Indian
community. It includes elements like Vedika, Torana, Stambhas and etc. described in this
writing, including, the symbols and carvings that decorate buildings that added to the
uniqueness and greatness of engravers of the time.
2. OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
Among the objectives of this study were:
a. To explain the concept of Indian architecture and philosophy of religious buildings.
b. To identify the characteristics and elements of Indian architecture that influenced the
architecture in the world civilization.
3. THE REVIEW OF METHODOLOGY
In this study, the qualitative method was used to that focus on methods of data collection and
data analysis. Both the formulation are more suitable to be used as a review of the materials
examined by using the data. The authors used data collection in setting up research and
observations followed by the method of content analysis. Methods of observations help the
writers to see a religious building by using methods of photography. The use of this method
helps the authors to make a clarification and study in depth.
4. ARCHITECTURAL TERMINOLOGY
The architecture has a very wide meaning based on the concept, characteristics and goals as
highlighted by academicians, architects and professionals. However, the architecture of many
are associated with the administration in a country that makes the architecture as a model or a
landmark in a national administration. Definition of architecture can be categorized to the
meaning of art and construction. Art is originally a Latin word that is focused to the hands or
carving. This very broad definition used in medieval specifically concerned to hands or
technical activities and carving [1].
BoukwkundigeEncyclopedia describes that art is to erect buildings with taking into
account the aesthetic that represent aspects that cannot be separated. Therefore, a building is
generally influenced by aspects of beauty as a whole.
The meaning of architecture is defined in the Oxford Dictionary as anarchitecture is one
of arts in design in a building including the appearance of a building style [2].
David Leatherbarrow and Mohsen Mostafavi said that an architecture comprised of
traditional architecture, history or modern architecture that is related to factors of typology by
using mechanical methods. The architecture based on material used primarily affecting the
concept of space [3].
5. HISTORY OF INDIAN ARCHITECTURE
India is a country that a famous for its Indus River Valley civilization and human history.
Apart from the famous Indus and Gangga River, the nation is renamed for its Hinduism ritual
and practices. Hence, a lot of its building are constructed based on the and the Hindu religion
symbols and beliefs. In addition, the birth of Buddhism in India has also immensely
contributed to the influence in architecture designs in regional and other structure.

3. A. B. Ahmad, Wan Kamal Mujani, M. Salleh and R. Othman
http://www.iaeme.com/IJCIET/index.asp 366 editor@iaeme.com
The architecture grew as a result of the influence of Buddhism and then followed by the
Hindu religion. Historically, early Buddhism in fact is more advanced the Hindu religion.
This is because the role was played by the ruler had changed the circumstances during which
a Hindu King Asoka professed Buddhism [4]
6. THE GOAL OF THE INDIAN ARCHITECTURE
In India, there are temples that are still intact even though they are already hundreds of years
old. The temples serve as a place of worship and also as reverence for ancestors through death
rituals. In accordance with its functions the temples are also decorated with statues of gods
which shows its uniqueness and symbol as buildings of religion.
There are several goals in Hindu architecture such as meeting the needs of human beings
as creatures who socialize and interact. Therefore, there are many religious worship buildings
built in India as a symbol of cultural interaction and the Indian community. The architecture
of India is the pride and symbol of Indians. It is similar to other nations that upheld the
elements of religious architecture as a superiority and greatness the uniqueness of the face of
civilization [5].
7. THE CONCEPTS AND PHILOSOPHY OF INDIAN ARCHITECTURE
In discussing the concept of Indian architecture, the authors had referred to the religion and
belief in the Indian community. This concept is focused on Buddhism and Hinduism which
have already been around centuries, beginning with the worship of animals, cattle and also the
worship of natural environment [6].
Hinduism is the most worshipped religion compared to other religions in India. This
religion contains values of spiritual, moral and legislation as well as the principles and
customs that govern Hindu society as a whole.
According to the Hindu religion, there are quite a number of Gods with each one having
its own natural strength which gives benefits and also danger to humans including water, fire,
river and the mountain. The objects are treated as a God who can provide help. These forms
are considered to have spirit and soul with power. Therefore, devotees have a reason to make
statues in temples to worship them as if the statues are alive and conscious. Hinduism
worshipers rubbed the statues with oil and smoke them are with fragrant.
Philosophically, the temples receive attention from the people and are granted as gift from
the rich to the common people. Hindu religion grew and built variety of schools of thought in
its development until it was stated in Sangam poems that recounted themes relating to the
environment. The construction of the temple was also very closely related to the theme as
many temples were built in coastal areas and mountains [7].
In addition, Hindu beliefs claim that people are associated with the flowers used in
worship. Therefore, the authors observed temples carved with images around flowers such as
lotus were built to represent Gods who are connected with nature.
To generally explain the concept of Buddhist architecture is rather difficult for the
authors. The concept of Buddhist art is related to the concept of Buddhism itself. Buddhism
originates from India and the founder was Gautama Siddhartha. In this religion, there are
numerous concepts and are very difficult to describe. It deliberates on human existence,
especially the philosophy of life, the question of morality and the family. The word Buddha
was retrieved from Sanskrit, Buddha, which means waking up, an enlightenment away from
the light of truth. It has its own secret book Tripataka which means Three Baskets that has its
own teachings. [8]

4. The Concepts and Philosophy of Indian Architecture
http://www.iaeme.com/IJCIET/index.asp 367 editor@iaeme.com
Today, there are two main sects in Buddhism, Theravada Sect which means small vehicle
and Mahayana Sect which means large vehicle. Both denominations were called based on the
number of followers and their influence. For example, a small vehicle has few followers and
vice versa [9]. In Buddhism, there are four ‘truths’ known as ‘the Four Noble Truth
Philosophy’ which emphasizes Dukka (sad), Samudaya (the reasons for sadness), Nirodha
(destruction) and Magga (eight roads heading towards the formation of morality).
In Buddhist philosophy, the Stambha (the cause), is an Indian symbol known as the statue
of a lion. There are photos and writings describing the teachings of Buddha at the statue.
Stambha in Banares was the first place Buddha delivered a sermon and there were four lions
indicating that Buddhism will spread around the world. The elephant symbolizes the
revelation of the Buddha in his body, while the cow is a symbol of birth and the horse is the
ultimate servitude. There is also the lotus as a symbol of the sun indicating perfection.
In the human mind, Buddha made the lotus as a symbol in the thoughts of a person. This
is because the lotus has fruit when it blooms. Every human being like the lotus contains the
seed of Buddha and a blooming flower is as mentioned before. That is why pillars erected by
Asoka have lotus as the symbol of Buddhism [10].
Based on the authors’ point of view, Buddhism is growing and has a major influence in
rural India as the Hindu teachings contain injustice and favours the Brahmin and Ksyatria and
assume that only these people can reach Nirwana. The reason of this is what brought the
spread of Buddhism around the world and which lead to the existence several of forms of
architecture as a result of the influence of the religion[11].
8. CHARACTERISTICS AND ELEMENTS IN THE ARCHITECTURE
OF INDIA
There are 4 theories of architecture which can be put forth by the authors through
observational study and literature review. They are as follows:
8.1. Trabeate System Theory
Trabeate system is used extensively that is by using the vertical and horizontal beam system
[12].
8.2. Cosmology Theory
Basic concepts of temple building were dominated by the temple builders. From the Brahman
who have power to determine and planning of a temple. This group also determined the
selection of the depth of the soil, the thickness of a wall or pillar in terms of mythological and
astronomical aspects. In the theory of cosmology of Hindu, the society is the centre of the
universe based at Mount Meru. Meru is considered as the House of the Lord governed by
Indra. There are temples in India that have a tower structure placed at a sacred place and the
conservation work is carried out by the Brahmin.
8.3. Theory of the Rectangular and Circles Usage
There are two main forms used in the theory of architecture which are circles and rectangular.
Hinduism chooses the circle to represent change or movement. While the rectangular in terms
of the Mandala is a symbol that meets aspirations as set out in the chart of Hindu architecture.
Brahma as the Lord is at the centre of the home while the other Gods are placed at every
corner.

5. A. B. Ahmad, Wan Kamal Mujani, M. Salleh and R. Othman
http://www.iaeme.com/IJCIET/index.asp 368 editor@iaeme.com
8.4. Human Measurement Theory
The use of human measurement theory in architecture was explored by Hindu architects prior
to Learnado da Vinci and Le Corbuser. The human measurement system known as
Vastupurshamandala (the magic charts).
Based on the above characteristics, there are elements that are on a temple namely:
a. GrabhaGribha (sacred space contained the main deity).
b. Vimana (tower appearing above the roof) GrabhaGriha.
c. AntradaMandupa (four in terms of space).
d. Mandupa (hall of worship).
e. Stambhas (pillars monumental task containing carvings of sacred Buddhist verses).
f. Vedika (the fence that surrounds the sacred area).
g. Tarona (gateway).
h. Sikhara (The roof has a crown’s).
i. Carving and decoration featuring carvings of animals, flora fauna and humans[13].
9. FINDING OF RESEARCH
Author’s observations through the study, discovered the equation elements which affect
mainly Islamic architecture in the design of the mosque. Between identified elements was
found is the design of the roof, Stambhas, Torona and also a form of sculpture-sculpture on
the building of mosques in Muslim countries even in architecture to date[14-31].
The concept and philosophy of Indian architecture plan shows that the sanctity is hugely
influential in the design of religious buildings. The religious symbols are also prevalent
among the Indian community. The command symbol include was that are revered as holy;
lotus flowers that depict beauty, fertility and wisdom; and elephants that are worshipped as a
reincarnation of God, that are strong and courageous [32-50].
10. CONCLUSION
Overall, Indian architecture has influenced other world civilizations. The distinctive features,
concepts and philosophies display that Indian architecture has close connection to God, the
environment and mankind. The architectural designs reveal that religious buildings or other
structures have been influenced by cross-culture and historical background of the world’s
civilization.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This research was carried out under Project GP-K006407 and Project GIP-2018-002. The
authors would like to thank the Research and Instrumentation Management Centre (CRIM),
UKM and The Ministry of Education, Malaysia for funding this research.
REFERENCES
[1] Al-Faruqi, Lois Lamya. Islamizing the Arts Disciplines. Malaysia: International Institute
of Islamic Thought, 1984.
[2] Oxford Dictionary. New York: University Press, 1988.
[3] Leatherbarrow, David and Mostafavi, Mohsen. Surface architecture, Cambridge Journal,
7(1), 2003.
[4] Chopra, P.N. Contribution of Buddhism to World Civilization and Culture. New Delhi: S.
Chand & Co., 1983.

6. The Concepts and Philosophy of Indian Architecture
http://www.iaeme.com/IJCIET/index.asp 369 editor@iaeme.com
[5] H. Munsterberg. Art of India and Southeast Asia. New York: Harry Abram, 1970.
[6] W.M., Theodore. The Buddhist Tradition in India, China and Japan. New York: Random
House, 1981.
[7] Shalabi, A. Agama-Agama yang Terbesar di India. Indonesia: PenerbitPustakaNasional,
1970.
[8] Data, B.K. The Temple of Bengal. India: MushiramManoharlal Publisher, 1975.
[9] Nair, J.Past perfect: architecture and public life in Banglore. Journal of AsianStudies,
61(4), 2002, pp. 1205-1236.
[10] S. Agrawala, Vesauvada. The Heritage of Indian Art. India: Publication Division, 1886.
[11] Rajakrishnan, R. and Rajantheran, M. PengantarTamadun India. Kuala Lumpur:
FajarBakti, 1994
[12] Anderson, N. The World’s Religion. William B. Michigan: Eerdans Publishing Co., 1976.
[13] Rao, Velcheru Narayana. Buddhism in modern Andhra: literary representations from
Telugu,The Journal of Hindu Studies, 1(1-2), 2008, pp. 93–119.
[14] AnisahBahyah Ahmad and Wan Kamal Mujani. The Peringgit mosque, Malacca: analysis
on the design of the pulpit. In Advances in Social Science, Education and Humanities
Research (ASSEHR), vol. 75, (2016 International Seminar on Education, Innovation and
Economic Management (SEIEM 2016), Atlantic Press, 2016, pp. 520-521.
[15] Mujani, W. K. (et al.). The Chinese Muslim community: their economic, political and
social involvement in Malaysia, Advances in Natural and Applied Sciences, 6(3), 2012,
pp. 417-422.
[16] Mujani, W. K. The history of the Indian Muslim community in Malaysia, Advances in
Natural and Applied Sciences, 6(8), 2012, pp. 1348-1353.
[17] Mujani, W. K. (et al.). The importance of the Indian Muslim community to the economic
development of the Malay society in Malaysia, Advances in Natural and Applied
Sciences, 6(8), 2012, pp. 1354-1360.
[18] Ismail, A. M. and Mujani, W. K. Themes and issues in research on interfaith and inter-
religious dialogue in Malaysia, Advances in Natural and Applied Sciences, 6(6), 2012, pp.
1001-1009.
[19] Ismail, A. M. and Mujani, W. K. The missing of moral entity in modern civilization:
values and social aspects, Advances in Natural and Applied Sciences, 6(6), 2012, pp. 985-
994.
[20] Mujani, W. K. Sirah narratives in early Muslim historiography, Advances in Natural and
Applied Sciences, 6(6), 2012, pp. 959-965.
[21] Ahmad Munawar Ismail, Wan Kamal Mujani and Zaizul Ab Rahman. An overview of
human nature (Fitrah) and liberalisme in Islamic perspective, International Journal of Civil
Engineering and Technology (IJCIET), 9(11), 2018, pp. 415-424.
[22] Mujani, W. K. and Ibrahim, I. A., Contribution of Muslim scholars to astronomy in the
medieval century of Andalusia, Advances in Natural and Applied Sciences, 6(8), 2012,
pp. 1366-1369.
[23] Ibrahim, I. A., Ahmad, M. R., Mohd Hafiz, S. and Mujani, W. K. Islamic astronomy and
the establishment of Al-Khawarizmi complex in Malaysia, Advances in Natural and
Applied Sciences, 6(3), 2012, pp. 316-320.
[24] Sidik @ Mat Sidek, R., Sidek, M. &Mujani, W. K. Muslim and non-Muslim
collaboration: catalyst to the scientific and technological excellence of the Abbasid era,
Advances in Natural and Applied Sciences, 6(3), 2012, pp. 268-274.
[25] Mujani, W. K., Ibrahim, I. A. and Mohd Hafiz, S. Observatories in Islamic history,
Advances in Natural and Applied Sciences, 6(8), pp. 1370-1373.

7. A. B. Ahmad, Wan Kamal Mujani, M. Salleh and R. Othman
http://www.iaeme.com/IJCIET/index.asp 370 editor@iaeme.com
[26] Mujani, W. K., Rozali, E. A. and Mohamad, M. Z. M.The world stability within
cosmology as inspired by Risale-iNur, Advances in Natural and Applied Sciences, 6(6),
2012, pp. 980-984.
[27] Mujani, W. K. History in the Quran according to the Risale-iNur. Advances in Natural
and Applied Sciences, 6(6), April, 2012, pp. 966-972.
[28] Mujani, W. K., Rozali, E. A. and Zakaria, N. J. The wasatiyyah (moderation) concept: Its
implementation in Malaysia, Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences, 6(4S2), 2015, pp.
66-72.
[29] Mohamad, M. Z., Mujani, W. K. et al. The negative impact of religious pluralism on the
Islamic society in Malaysia, Social Sciences, 9(3), 2014, pp. 153-156.
[30] Mujani, W. K., Ya'akub, N. I., Wan Hussain, W. M. H., Zainol, Z. A. and Kasri, A.
Current Islamic theological discourse on middle class, Advances in Natural and Applied
Sciences, 6(6), pp. 973-979.
[31] Mujani, W. K. and Razak, A. Q. A. Historical development of the Chinese Muslim society
in Malaysia, Advances in Natural and Applied Sciences, 6(3), 2012, pp. 408-416.
[32] Yaacob, S. E., Ahmad, S., Mujani, W. K., Shapiee, R. and Tahir, H. M. History and
chronology of changes of the world monetary system, International Business
Management, 6(2), 2012, pp. 150-157.
[33] Mujani, W. K. et al. The political and economic contributions of the Muslim middle class
in Malaysia, Advances in Natural and Applied Sciences, 6(3), 2012, pp. 285-295.
[34] Mujani, W. K., Kasri, A., Aziz, A., Ismail, A. M., MohdAbd Nasir, M. I., Abdul Razak,
A. Q. and Yaakub, N. I. The role of government agencies in creating a Malay middle class
in Malaysia, Advances in Natural and Applied Sciences, 6(8), 2012, pp. 1379-1384.
[35] Sidik @ Mat Sidek, R., Abdullah, M. J. andMujani, W. K. The re-digging of old scientific
heritage in the Islamic civilization, Australian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences,
5(10), 2011, pp. 655-661.
[36] Mujani, W. K. and Mazuki, A. A. M. Wasatiyyah virtues in Islam, International Journal of
Civil Engineering and Technology (IJCIET), 9(3), 2018, pp. 542-548.
[37] Ahmad Munawar Ismail, Wan Kamal Mujani and Zaizul Ab Rahman. An overview of
human nature (Fitrah) and liberalisme in Islamic perspective, International Journal of Civil
Engineering and Technology (IJCIET), 9(11), 2018, pp. 415-424.
[38] Mujani, W. K. (et al.). The history of the development of higher education waqf in
Malaysia, International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology (IJCIET), 9(3),
2018, pp. 549-557.
[39] Mujani, W. K. and Mazuki, A. A. M. Wasatiyyah virtues in Islam, International Journal of
Civil Engineering and Technology (IJCIET), 9(3), 2018, pp. 542-548.
[40] Ahmad Munawar Ismail, Wan Kamal Mujani and Zaizul Ab Rahman. An overview of
human nature (Fitrah) and liberalisme in Islamic perspective, International Journal of Civil
Engineering and Technology (IJCIET), 9(11), 2018, pp. 415-424.
[41] Mujani, W. K. and Musa, S. N. Arab spring: review of factors for people's uprising in
Tunisia, International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology (IJCIET), 9(3), 2018,
pp. 558-565.
[42] Ahmad Munawar Ismail, Wan Kamal Mujani and Zaizul Ab Rahman. Elements of
thinking, identity and legislation in education practices in Malaysia about
MaqasidSyariah, International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology (IJCIET),
9(11), 2018, pp. 384-394.
[43] Ahmad Munawar Ismail, Wan Kamal Mujani, Zaizul Ab Rahman and
NurFida’iySalahuddin. Liberalism, extremism and media in the era of convergence,
International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology (IJCIET), 9(10), 2018, pp.
831-840.

8. The Concepts and Philosophy of Indian Architecture
http://www.iaeme.com/IJCIET/index.asp 371 editor@iaeme.com
[44] Ahmad Munawar Ismail, Wan Kamal Mujani, Zaizul Ab Rahman and
NurFida’iySalahuddin. MaqasidSyariah and safety aspects in infrastructure and health of
education practices in Malaysia, International Journal of Civil Engineering and
Technology (IJCIET), 9(10), 2018, pp. 820-830.
[45] Mujani, W. K. (et al.). The history of the development of higher education waqf in
Malaysia, International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology (IJCIET), 9(3),
2018, pp. 549-557.
[46] Mujani, W. K. and Mazuki, A. A. M. Wasatiyyah virtues in Islam, International Journal of
Civil Engineering and Technology (IJCIET), 9(3), 2018, pp. 542-548.
[47] Mujani, W. K. The history of the Indian Muslim community in Malaysia, Advances in
Natural and Applied Sciences, 6(8), 2012, pp. 1348-1353.
[48] Mujani, W. K. (et al.). The importance of the Indian Muslim community to the economic
development of the Malay society in Malaysia, Advances in Natural and Applied
Sciences, 6(8), 2012, pp. 1354-1360.
[49] Ismail, A. M. and Mujani, W. K. Themes and issues in research on interfaith and inter-
religious dialogue in Malaysia, Advances in Natural and Applied Sciences, 6(6), 2012, pp.
1001-1009.
[50] Mujani, W. K. and Ibrahim, I. A., Contribution of Muslim scholars to astronomy in the
medieval century of Andalusia, Advances in Natural and Applied Sciences, 6(8), 2012,
pp. 1366-1369.