Development of Material Culture in India
- Malati Mahajan 913.0354
Pg. 3 Political unity ushered in by Magadha power led to the Development of Different Arts. With reference to ancient architecture, household objects "flesh rubbers".
National Geographic
February - December 2000 Pg. 110
Ayurveda and its approaches.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Sustainable Living
As urban dwellers, we look at a village with awe and respect. Even though it isn't a matter of choice for most of them. Living in tandem with nature and seeking to sustain a balance.
A discussion regarding the use of traditional materials led to the idea that the Indian way of life is rooted in inheritance and everything that comes from the earth returns to the earth. The cyclic process that is exemplified in traditional lifestyle. We are a society that incorporates nature around itself. Sustainability is encouraged through actions as against reactions. Where western medicine is designed to attack the parasite plaguing the body, Ayurveda bases its approach on the knowledge that a lot of potentially harmful things live in the human body all the time and instead, utilising plants and other natural extracts to make the body strong and boost its ability to live with the parasite. The treatment seeks to restore the body's balance.
Our culture is about returning to earth. Living in conjunction with nature. Symbiotically. On the other hand, I was suggested that the villager who fires his clay renders it useless and hence is not the environmentally friendly process that it appears to be. In fact, when urban development was initially underway - perhaps a couple of decades ago - when walls were broken down, workers used to chip off the plaster so that the bricks might be made available for construction again. Rubble from torn down buildings is used as landfill. That might have been a sustainable activity until now, where there is a certain obsession with all things new and newness in general.
A discussion regarding the use of traditional materials led to the idea that the Indian way of life is rooted in inheritance and everything that comes from the earth returns to the earth. The cyclic process that is exemplified in traditional lifestyle. We are a society that incorporates nature around itself. Sustainability is encouraged through actions as against reactions. Where western medicine is designed to attack the parasite plaguing the body, Ayurveda bases its approach on the knowledge that a lot of potentially harmful things live in the human body all the time and instead, utilising plants and other natural extracts to make the body strong and boost its ability to live with the parasite. The treatment seeks to restore the body's balance.
Our culture is about returning to earth. Living in conjunction with nature. Symbiotically. On the other hand, I was suggested that the villager who fires his clay renders it useless and hence is not the environmentally friendly process that it appears to be. In fact, when urban development was initially underway - perhaps a couple of decades ago - when walls were broken down, workers used to chip off the plaster so that the bricks might be made available for construction again. Rubble from torn down buildings is used as landfill. That might have been a sustainable activity until now, where there is a certain obsession with all things new and newness in general.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Sketches made for inviting comments and suggestions
The sketches were put up in the campus. As a result of the discussions that followed, other items like the household granaries, nimboo mirchee and khus curtains that continue to be used in daily life but are rooted in traddition came up. These will be duly included in the list.
Working towards Sensitive Living
Traditionally, natural materials like earthenware and bamboo have been used for everyday purpose and over time, have evolved into objects that have optimised the property of the material and provided a unique way of life. Similarly spaces have also been used to create a better experience. For instance, having a courtyard with a tulsi plant in the centre and several houses with a central courtyard which enhance community living.
Drawing on tacit knowledge and common sense, the constraints involved are drawing a line between tradition and superstition and also categorising between the functional and the decorative use of those materials.
This project will suggest ways in which these findings may be incorporated it into the fast-paced urban lifestyle generating a wholesome experience.
Medium: Sketches and Illustrations
Sources: Visits to villages and guidance from Architectural experts.
Inspiration: http://www.kumbham.in/aboutus.html
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