RELIGIOUS BELIEF FROM ANCIENT TO MEDIEVAL

Ppt on religious belief from ancient to medieval period

1. Ancient to Medieval Religious Beliefs Ancient Period: Temple Cities (Hinduism) (1500 BCE - 500 BCE) : Madurai —ancient cities designed around religious beliefs, with temples at the heart of urban layout. For example, Meenakshi Temple and its concentric city plan in Madurai. Buddhist Stupas (6th Century BCE) : Emphasis on non-violence (Ahimsa) , rejection of ritualism, equality for all. One of the example is the Great Stupa at Sanchi which was a central point of religious and cultural gatherings, representing the influence of religion on the layout of settlements. Medieval Period (8th - 18th Century CE) : Islamic (12th Century Onwards) : Cities like Delhi ( Shahjahanabad ) designed around mosques and forts with grand avenues leading to religious structures. Symmetry, geometry, and water elements are key. For example, Jama Masjid in Delhi with its urban context, illustrating grand mosques at the center. Sikh Religious Architecture (15th Century) : Founded by Guru Nanak . The Golden Temple in Amritsar becomes the heart of urban layout with its spiritual significance, surrounded by bustling streets.

2. British Colonial to Modern Religious Beliefs British Colonial Period (18th - 20th Century): Church-Centric Colonial Towns : Spread through missionary activities, though largely limited to certain regions. Cities like Kolkata or Mumbai developed around British colonial structures like churches and civic buildings. For example, St. Paul’s Cathedral , Kolkata, and its influence on urban design with open spaces and wide roads. Urban Renewal Movements : Brahmo Samaj (Raja Ram Mohan Roy) and Arya Samaj (Dayananda Saraswati ) aimed at purifying Hinduism, opposing idol worship, and promoting social reforms. For example, Brahmo Samaj Hall in Kolkata. Post-Independent & Modern Era (1947 - Present): Secular Urban Planning : Equal respect for all religions, though with persistent inter-religious tensions. Predominance of Hinduism, but with significant populations of Muslims , Christians , Sikhs , Buddhists , and Jains . Chandigarh , designed by Le Corbusier, reflecting secular values, with religious spaces integrated into modern urban design without hierarchy. Modern Religious Movements : Growth of spirituality over institutionalized religion (e.g., Art of Living , ISKCON ), focus on personal development and globalization of Indian religious ideas or Lotus Temple representing religious inclusivity and spiritual modernism in urban design.