http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/65911 <b>[Special issue on "Traditional Knowledge Systems in Building Science"]</b> Fri, 09 Oct 2026 10:52:47 GMT 2026-10-09T10:52:47Z https://http://nopr.niscpr.res.in:443/retrieve/196243/IJTK May-2025 cover page.jpg http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/65911 http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/65920 Title: Purāņas as repository of Indian Knowledge Systems: understanding architecture Authors: Kumar, Krishna; Bhattacharya, Shankha Pratim; Mishra, Pulak Abstract: The Purāņas, a genre of ancient Indian texts composed over several centuries, serve as comprehensive repositories of traditional Indian knowledge systems, encompassing a wide array of subjects such as cosmology, mythology, genealogy, and notably, architecture. These encyclopedic works, including prominent texts like the Agni Purāņa and Matsya Purāņa, provide detailed guidelines and principles on various aspects of life and culture, reflecting the profound intellectual and spiritual traditions of ancient India. In the realm of architecture, the Purāņas offer invaluable insights into the construction and design of temples, urban planning, and building practices. They elaborate on the technical specifications, aesthetic principles, and ritualistic procedures required for constructing sacred structures, ensuring that each element aligns with spiritual and cosmological symbolism. By preserving and transmitting this extensive body of knowledge, the Purāņas have played a crucial role in maintaining the continuity and integrity of India's architectural heritage and other traditional practices, thus serving as foundational texts for understanding the rich and multifaceted Indian cultural legacy. Page(s): 407-415 Thu, 01 May 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/65920 2025-05-01T00:00:00Z http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/65919 Title: The inclusivity of system of measurement of space & proportion in Silpa-Sastras Authors: Agrawal, Avlokita; Nandy, Kumar Jyoti; Sonali; Agrawal, Rajat Abstract: The system of measurement of space and proportion with respect to human being, i.e., anthropometry, have always played a vital role in design; be it architectural design, product design, furniture design or any other design. Any design or product is considered good if it suits the user's anthropometry well. But presently, the system of measurement is fixed irrespective of the user. Through extensive literature study, it has been found that during the ancient and medieval times in India, system of measurement was derived from the user, making every product anthropometrically perfect. The instances of this are found in ancient treatises like Manasara, Mayamatam, Vishwakarma Vastusastram, Samarangana Sutradhara, Visnudharmottara-Purana, etc. On the other hand, in the ancient Rome, architect and military engineer Marcus Vitruvius Pollio in his book De architectura mentioned the perfect man of one size. Following the ideologies of Vitruvius, Italian polymath Leonardo da Vinci & Swiss-born French architect Le-Corbusier in the renaissance & modern era respectively also spoke of perfect man of one size. Da Vinci depicted it in his famous artwork The Vitruvian Man and Corbusier in his book Le Modulor. The main objective of this paper is to carry out a comparative study between the Silpa-Sastras & European system of measurement of space with respect to anthropometry. Initial findings suggest that both these systems of space measurement are derived from human dimensions and co-relate. Further, the inclusive approach of Silpa-Sastras, as presented in this paper, made the system of measurement and proportion more holistic in their outlook which could guide the perfect design of any entity for greater mass. Page(s): 416-431 Thu, 01 May 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/65919 2025-05-01T00:00:00Z http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/65918 Title: Defining and analysing traditional architectural knowledge systems: components and guiding principles in Indian residential architecture through the lens of expertise Authors: B, Athira S; K, Amritha P; K, Chithra Abstract: The term ‘Traditional Architectural Knowledge Systems’ (TAKS) is increasingly prevalent in numerous national and international forums. However, there is no precise definition for the same. The objective of this study was to systematically define the TAKS as useful and applicable for future research. Recognising the need for a vetting process, expert opinion surveys and interviews were conducted to achieve the intended objectives, along with an extensive literature review. Five ancient texts were chosen for comprehensive content analysis: Mānasāraśilpaśastra, Mayamata, Bṛhat-saṃhitā, Samarāṅgaṇa Sūtradhāra, and Manuṣyālayacandrikā. This study establishes a definition of the term TAKS and identifies the guiding principles and components of TAKS concerning residential architecture in the Indian context. The outcome will significantly advance our understanding of the TAKS from a generic perspective and residential architecture in particular. This study will benefit society by helping to restore the essence of lost traditional and cultural values in the era of modernisation and homogenisation. Page(s): 432-442 Thu, 01 May 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/65918 2025-05-01T00:00:00Z http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/65917 Title: Occupational influences on rural built form: exploring spatial configurations in traditional agricultural settlements Authors: Daketi, Srinivas; Srikonda, Ramesh; Bhandari, Sanjay Abstract: Culture shapes behavioural norms, so understanding a cultural context enables one to anticipate, to some degree, how individuals within that culture are likely to behave. Prior studies have concentrated on how culture influences rural housing design and the development of associated cultural practices and behaviors, yet the role of occupational factors and their effects on the constructed environment remains unexamined. The research question is whether spatial configuration of built form in the rural context is dependent on the occupational (one of the components of culture) diversity of their households. This paper seeks to emphasize the importance of conserving and preserving remarkable instances of traditional human settlements that evolved in line with occupational requirements. The researcher adopted exploratory, descriptive and explanatory research methods to understand the occupational influence on the built form. House level analysis based on field observations, interviews were carried out to understand primary occupation, secondary occupation, occupational process, timelines, activities, tools, equipment, spaces and the place where occupation is performed. The exploratory research helped in understanding the insights of the occupation and built form, whereas descriptive research on the other hand, focused to describe the household, occupational activities in relation to spaces through field studies. The explanatory research helped the researcher in explaining the aspects of occupation and built form, to give conclusive evidence and helped in understanding the problem more efficiently. The output of this research is to identify the influence of occupation and occupational spaces in rural built form and the same would be helpful in designing the occupational spatial configuration for agriculture-based societies. The housing programmes, schemes shall take the outcome of this research for design proposals. Page(s): 443-456 Thu, 01 May 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/65917 2025-05-01T00:00:00Z