Application of the Navarasa Theory in Architecture

DOI: https://architecture-theory.com/?p=720&preview=true

Abstract

The Indian aesthetic theory as stated by Bharata has been in wide use in all Indian Dance, Music and Art forms. This paper attempts to examine its influence on the contemporary Indian architecture and evaluate its Western metaphors. The Nine Rasas have been discussed at length and it has been attempted to identify a few Architectural edifices which can relate to and perhaps have drawn inspiration from these Rasas. International parallels have been drawn to the Indian Navarasas wherein of course, emotional response has been used to replace Rasa; and sub-consciously all these styles have played upon this theory to evoke the desired emotion from the observer. The Indian emotional aspects as represented in the Rasas and their Western emotional counterparts relating its associative architectural style have been discussed.

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