Indian Temple Art and Architecture
Dr Kirit Mankodi, a renowned archaeologist and art historian, delves into the intricate world of Indian temple art and architecture, sharing insights from his extensive academic and professional journey. In this segment, Dr Pushkar Sohoni interviews Dr Mankodi on his journey and the influences that shaped his passion for Indian art and architecture. He elaborates on how the temple architecture and iconographic styles reflect the cultural and historical contexts of their regions, rather than just their dynastic affiliations. Additionally, he discusses the role of interdisciplinary approaches in enhancing our understanding of temple architecture and the importance of preserving historical information amidst modern jirnoddhara (restoration) activities. He also touches on building in historic styles and the significance of material choices in contemporary architectural practices.
About the interviewee:
Dr Kirit Mankodi, an accomplished archaeologist and art historian, earned both his M.A. and doctoral degrees from the Deccan College Post-Graduate and Research Institute, Pune. His professional journey includes affiliations with prominent institutions such as The American Academy of Benares and Prachya Niketan, Bhopal. During that association, he was a part of the much-renowned nationwide temple documentation exercise which culminated in the volumes of the Encyclopaedia of Indian Temple Architecture (EITA). Currently, he is associated with the Project for Indian Cultural Studies, established by Franco-Indian Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd, Mumbai, which marks the twelfth publication of the Project. Dr Mankodi is widely recognized as the author of significant works, including the acclaimed one titled The Queen's Stepwell at Patan (2021) and his co-authorship in The Antiquities of Himachal, among other notable publications. He is also in the process of finalizing a forthcoming monograph titled Atru: In the Penumbra of Pratihara/ParamÄra Art and a co-authored volume titled Temples on the Tirtha of Baroli.