Digitizing Indic Architecture
The richness of the historical Indic architecture can only be matched by our ignorance and neglect of it. It is time to change that.
Recently I came across this thread depicting some old temples from Bengal.
In every state, in every district, we have some stunning architectural marvels from across centuries. The sheer scale of innovation, engineering design, material technology and skill and craftsmanship that went into these marvels of architecture is mindboggling. But so is our neglect of it. Let us think about how to fix it.
3-D Model every temple - inside and out
There are a few main problems when it comes to admiring the beauty of the Indic architecture. First, most of it, temples particularly, are still in use. Second, the beauty needs time and expertise to understand and admire. Third, the crowds and lack of infrastructure around the temple mean that we do not have a proper view and access to check the architecture. Finally, not many people understand the real structure and technology behind it.
All this can be solved by extensive 3-D modelling of temples and temple complexes. An excellent example is the āVisualising Angkorā project by Google with research support from Monash University. Links Visualising Angkor Part 1 and Part 2 here. However, simply modelling it is not enough.
Extensive research is necessary
We need to find out exactly what was the intent, technology and application. This means using the 3-D visuals to create working miniatures and replicas, documenting the ancient knowledge and using it to find out how it was applied.
For example, Discovery Channel featured a series titled Blowing up History, examining ancient buildings by 'blow apart' CGI animation and using the latest technology x-Ray, LiDar scanning etc.
The research should also involve actual model testing, and applying modern scientific technology to understand and amplify the ancient tech. For example, the construction of Abu Dhabi Swaminarayan Temple uses age-old techniques and those were adapted to the location. The story is quite fascinating so do watch it when you have time.
Take another example of Vittala Temple where stone pillars produce unique sound frequencies. We can only imagine the kind of sound engineering built into these pillars. Should we not research it? If we look properly we may find documents explaining how it was done. And more importantly why History Channel and Discovery Channel are researching these.
Why donāt WE do it?
Why are we not documenting, and studying analysing old technology and buildings? The answer is that we do not have funds. Swaminarayan Trust is one of the richest trusts in India and it can sponsor such extravagant building technology and research to bring it to fruition. I was peeved that similar detailed videos are not available for other Swaminarayan temples. So I presume this focus on technology and research is recent. But we need more of it, and everywhere.
In Sum
Indeed free wealthy temples can sponsor such research and rejuvenate these knowledge bases and more so as I wrote previously. They can help restore old temples and manage the upkeep of those.
But, it is even more important to focus on the future. Many amongst us are delighted with these marvels and quickly assume that the way forward for India is to go back to 12000BCE or so. As I also mentioned, our elders would want us to go forward.