Dr. Rabi Narayan Mohanty
Project Principal Investigator2
Research Articles
Traditional Principles of Settlement Planning in Heritage Temple Sites of Odisha / erstwhile Kalinga Region
Outcomes
Milestones from projects
Dṛṣṭi:
- This research discourses the evolution of Nagara temple sites in the Kalinga region
- This research highlights the symbolism of early and mature Kalinga temples
- This research discusses the transformation of architectural characteristics of the three major temple sites of the Kalinga region.
- This research produces information on the morphological development of the selected temple sites.
- Documentation of architectural styles and elements of temple sites
- This research analyses the morphological settings of the traditional layouts.
- This knowledge will help the academic literature to understand the chronological growth pattern in ancient, medieval, colonial, and post-colonial periods, as well as current issues and challenges of Indian heritage sites of a similar nature.
Jñāna:
- Literature review and expert interviews revealed that the main temple complex in the highland is the centre of settlements.
- The temple complexes are an abode of the main deity and other deities and are surrounded by open spaces, holy water bodies (ponds and tanks), Asharmas, Mathas and residences of temples’ servicemen based on their castes.
- The main deities associated with different temples developed several rituals and customs that were celebrated around the temples. Hence, each temple site has certain procession roads surrounded by major landmarks.
- With time, these roads and waterbodies gained religious significance in their societies. Further, Space Syntax analysis discourse similar scores for connectivity, integration and choices for the Shri Kshetra region (a Vaishnava site), Ekamra Kshetra (a Shaiva site) and Viraja Kshetra (a Shakti Pitha). Hence, these three sites have similar planning approaches.
- Space Syntax analysis revealed that the main temple junctions of these three sites have the largest connectivity, offers choices to visitors and have the largest integration; hence, all roads lead to the main temples of the respective sites.
Laukika-prayojana:
- This empirical research is one of the few attempts to evaluate the morphological settings of ancient Indian sacred and heritage sites.
- Development authorities, urban designers, city planners, architects and policymakers can use the outcomes of this research to formulate strategies and frameworks to improve the existing quality of these temple sites.
Research Capabilities
Specialized focus areas guiding the Project
Objectives
- To develop a historiological (chronological) account of Indian Knowledge Systems of settlement planning based on the influences and patronage of different dynasties and individuals (Regional, National and International). (especially focusing on the identified temple sites in Kalinga/ Odisha, including the important period during 5th - 15th Century AD)
- To prepare a digital database of the identified temple sites, for creating awareness about them and disseminating the traditional principles of town (settlements) planning and design.
- To collate the information on the evolution of the identified temple sites and develop a consolidated knowledge repository on the traditional planning principles employed in these sites.
Research Articles
1. Mohanty, R.N., Mohanta, A. and Chani, P.S. (2024), "Changing heritage imageability of an ancient Indian sacred city – a case of Puri", Journal of Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/JCHMSD-02-2023-0015 (Q1 journal, ESCI and Scopus Indexed, IF. 1.3)
2. Mohanty, R.N., and Mohanta, A. (2024), “Assessment of the Traditional Design Approaches of the Heritage City of Puri, India” in the 60th ISOCARP SIENA 2024 Conference (Type A Conference)
3. “Development vs Antiquity: A Conundrum for an Ancient Indian Heritage Precinct – Ekamra Kshetra” in the Historic Environment: Policy & Practice (Q1 journal, ESCI and Scopus Indexed, IF. 2.3)
4. Working on research manuscript “Evaluation of Planning Principles of Ancient Temple Sites of Odisha”. It will be submitted to the International Journal of Urban and Regional Research journal (I.F. 2.7)