India has a rich legacy of practices and traditional knowledge touching different spheres of life across diverse disciplines. Architecture is one of the principal areas of Indian traditional knowledge. Due to the country's diverse socio-cultural, traditional, and religious history and climatic conditions, various architectural styles have evolved in different regions. The development of Indian architecture was influenced by the rise and fall of several rulers. In addition, there have been invasions from other regions multiple times. They brought along their own culture, religion, and customs. Thus, external influences have also contributed to the development of Indian architecture. Most surviving art and architecture from Ancient and Medieval India is religious, while others are signatures of regional kingdoms. In addition, ancient architecture is an exquisite blend of art and science. When developing a structure, all environmental possibilities are taken into consideration. Architecture aims to design a useful facility that can resist any foreseeable conditions over time. Therefore, comprehension of the science underlying traditional architecture may contribute to sustainable technology development. Even though some Indian traditional architectures, such as the Ramappa temple, are well-documented, many remain undocumented. Moreover, due to globalisation and the uncritical adoption of western science, our Traditional Knowledge Systems have seen rapid deterioration. In this scenario, preserving traditional knowledge is of paramount importance.

Intending to conserve Indian traditional architecture, NIScPR-SVASTIK is collaborating with MyGov to host this "Indian Architectural Heritage through Your Lens - SVASTIK Photography Contest." By taking part in this national initiative, you can contribute to the documentation of regional architectural marvels and the preservation of traditional Indian architecture. Can you convey a compelling narrative through a single image about ancient Indian architecture, its geometry and a scientific explanation of its engineering?

Rewards
In the first-ever photo contest of its kind, SVASTIK, CSIR-NIScPR offers the winners exciting prizes and is set to be more inspiring than ever.

A photograph Parameters:
• Describe the science that underlies traditional Indian architecture.
• Demonstrate how traditional Indian knowledge and architecture contribute to society through science and the arts.
• Explain the scientific rationale underlying Indian traditional architecture technologies.
• Provide scientific facts regarding architectural structures' art, shape, and construction.
• Explore the history of the scientific discoveries that led to the building of architectural structures.

The following links will take you to one of the SVASTIK stories on architecture, which you can use as an example -
https://twitter.com/niscpr_svastik/status/1572125653327314944?s=24&t=iucRIKedXw8aqxp0hP-1QA

The last date of submission is 30th November 2022

Click here for terms and conditions (PDF- 120 KB)