Purāņas as repository of Indian Knowledge Systems: understanding architecture

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.