The art and architecture disseminated to the other parts of India and the region of Jammu did not lag behind as compare to other art and architecture of the cultural material. The remnants of art and architecture, coins and tools, as well as other archaeological objects, which have been discovered in appreciable quantities, serve as first hand pictorial and material sources for the ancient cultural history of Jammu region. The culture of the people of Jammu region has been blended out of diverse elements, both indigenous and exotic. This culture has its roots in the pre-historic modes of primitive human society, growing through various stages of evolution and enriched and polished by numerous tribes and communities entering the region from abroad and from within India. The traditions of culture, art and architecture, religion, craft folk art spontaneously flow uninterrupted from the popular activities of the past. The past generations of Jammu region seem to have left behind a rich legacy of all such socio-cultural aspects.
Table of Contents
(i). TRADITIONS IN ARCHITECTURE
(ii). STONE TEMPLES OF ANCIENT PERIOD
Main features of ancient stone temples
(a). The vimāna or the shrine
(b). The antrāla or vestibule
(c). The maṇdapa or the assembly hall
(iii). ANCIENT TEMPLES OF JAMMU REGION
(i). Firstly, ṭṛiratha embellished by a variety of carvings and architectural designs as in the case of temples at Krimachi and most probably the Devi shrine at Babour.
(ii). The second type to be seen in all other temples at Babour, which are not ṭṛiratha in construction but are equally decorated with carved embellishments and architectural design.
(a). KRIMCHI GROUP OF TEMPLES
(1). The temple No. 1
(2). The temple No. 2
(3). The temple No. 3
(4). The temple No. 4
(5). The temple No. 5
(6). Brick wall
Research Objectives and Themes
The primary objective of this work is to reconstruct the ancient architectural history of the Jammu region by analyzing the structural evolution of its stone temples. The research investigates how indigenous and exotic influences shaped regional building traditions and aims to categorize these structures based on their historical periods and stylistic characteristics, such as the Nāgara influence and Orissan architectural canons.
- Evolution of temple architecture in the Jammu region from the 8th century onwards.
- Detailed structural analysis of the Krimchi group of temples.
- Application of Orissan technical terminology to understand regional temple components.
- Investigation into the impact of brick construction on the modification of the śikhara style.
- Exploration of archaeological findings, including brick walls and terracotta artifacts, to date early building activities.
Excerpt from the Book
(1). The temple No. 1 is most intact in composition when compared with other temples of this group.
It stands on the same platform on which all other temples except temple no. 5 are situated. The temple possesses Jagamohana, vestibule and deul. From inside Jagamohana is square in plan and measures 5’-0” x 5’-0”.16 For the entrance door to Jagamohana and foliated do not suggest that it possessed any more components adjoining to it. Moreover, therefore, whatsoever type of construction preceded Jagamohana it was constructed in latter days. The ground plan of present remains is simple. The deul is approaches by a vestibule. From inside vestibule is square in plan and it measures 4’-0” x 4’-0”. The deul is small and it is square in plan and measure 7’-0” x 7’-0”. From outside the deul is ṭṛiratha in plan and possessed the usual features of Orissan group of temples. It is divided into several pagas by the projection in bada and these pagas are carried up to the beki. In elevation, the deul contain all the features known to Orissan style of architecture. There are niches carved with beautiful motifs with overflowing flower petals and other structures in the temples.
Summary of Chapters
(i). TRADITIONS IN ARCHITECTURE: This chapter provides an overview of the cultural and architectural heritage of Jammu, noting the transition from early stone structures to later brick-based temple designs.
(ii). STONE TEMPLES OF ANCIENT PERIOD: This section details the structural anatomy of ancient stone temples, defining key components like the vimāna, antrāla, and maṇdapa while explaining their religious and symbolic significance.
(iii). ANCIENT TEMPLES OF JAMMU REGION: This chapter categorizes the various temple types found in Jammu and focuses on the Krimchi group, detailing the specific architectural features of individual temple structures and the historical context of the site.
Keywords
Jammu, Architecture, Temples, Śikhara, Krimchi, Nāgara style, Deul, Jagamohana, Archaeology, Brick structures, Orissan canons, Cultural heritage, Ancient history, Vestibule, Excavation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research paper?
The paper focuses on the ancient architectural heritage of the Jammu region, specifically analyzing the design and historical evolution of its stone temples.
What are the main thematic fields covered?
The study covers historical architectural styles, structural temple components, regional variations in temple construction, and archaeological excavations in the Jammu area.
What is the core research objective?
The primary goal is to examine the architectural remnants to better understand the ancient cultural history of Jammu and the stylistic influences, such as the Nāgara and Orissan traditions.
Which scientific methods were employed?
The work utilizes a combination of historical analysis, descriptive structural examination of monuments, and the interpretation of archaeological findings such as brickwork and terracotta artifacts.
What does the main body of the text discuss?
The main body discusses the transition of architectural styles, the technical terminology of temple components, and a detailed breakdown of the Krimchi group of temples.
Which keywords best describe this study?
Key terms include Jammu, Temple Architecture, Śikhara, Krimchi, Nāgara, and Archaeology.
How are the temples at Krimchi classified?
The Krimchi temples are classified as belonging to the Nāgara style of temple architecture, showing strong stylistic similarities to Orissan temple groups.
Why is the discovery of the brick wall significant?
The discovery of the brick wall at the Krimchi site provides crucial evidence for dating the early temple building activities to the 4th-5th century A.D.
How does the introduction of brick change the temple architecture?
The introduction of brick led to a modified modern śikhara style, altering the traditional stone-based construction techniques found in earlier periods.
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- Dr. Arjun Singh (Autor:in), 2014, Ancient art and architectural heritage of Jammu region, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/285860
