Research Funding Projects (round-1)
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Dr. Avlokita Agrawal

Project Principal Investigator
Dr. Pravesh Vyas Project Co-Principal Investigator

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Research Articles

Project Completion Report
Project Overview

Designing a Prototype settlement for a Contemporary Sustainable Town as per the prescriptions of Vaastushastra

Scheme Cycle RFP-01
Project Grants Rs. 10,00,000/-
Duration 2022 - 2024
Thematic Areas वास्तु विभाग / Civil and Architectural Science
Institution Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee

Outcomes

Milestones from projects

Dṛṣṭi:
  • Deeper Truth: Indian classical music, rooted in Natya Sastra, enhances transcendental perception through Rasa (aesthetic emotion), helping perceive subtle aspects of consciousness.
  • Ragas and Meditation: Meditative ragas like Raga Darbari invoke introspection and peace, encouraging alignment with Shanta Rasa and Karuna Rasa for deeper clarity.
  • Experiential Transformation: The use of sound and melody in ragas creates a meditative state, broadening perception akin to mystical darshan (divine seeing).
Jñāna:
  • Metaphysical and Empirical Synthesis: Indian classical music integrates spiritual concepts of Bhava (emotion) and Dhvani (resonance) with modern brain EEG findings on cognition.
  • Harmony in Consciousness: Music's ability to regulate brain waves, like enhancing alpha rhythms, reaffirms ancient wisdom on balancing body and mind for higher spiritual cognition.
  • Path to Liberation: Aligning musical experience with Jñāna supports self-realization and Moksha by channeling higher states of awareness through sound vibrations.
Laukika-prayojana:
  • Therapeutic Applications: Raga Chikitsa, an ancient therapeutic practice, helps balance emotions, such as using Mishra Jogiya to evoke Karuna Rasa and manage grief.
  • Impact on Trigunas: Specific ragas influence sattva, rajas, and tamas to stabilize mental states and promote resilience.
  • Social Harmony: By addressing personal well-being through music, the practice aligns with the dharmic goal of promoting harmony in the collective societal fabric.

Research Capabilities

Specialized focus areas guiding the Project

Objectives
  1. Study the ancient treatises of Vaastushastra for relevant content on city planning and list the prescriptions for the same.
  2. Study the current prevailing city/town planning codes and guidelines applicable in modern times.
  3. Document case studies of towns designed as per Vaastushastra prescriptions
  4. Develop the prototype for contemporary sustainable city based upon prescriptions of Vaastushastra and guidelines of planning codes.
Research Articles

Are Indian Cities Deteriorating Socio-Culturally due to the Adoption of Western City Design Theories?