Myths and Symbolism in Indian Temple Architecture
In this interview, Dr Kirit Mankodi explores the interplay between myth, symbolism, and temple architecture in India, shedding light on how these elements intertwine to tell deeper cultural and historical narratives. While discussing his book To What God Shall We Render Homage, Dr Mankodi highlights how myths embedded in temple structures reflect deeper mythological, cultural and historical narratives. He provides examples of how these narratives are preserved and expressed through temple art. His discussion with Dr Pushkar Sohoni covers the importance of combining archaeological research with insights from mythology and cultural studies. Dr Mankodi emphasizes how these interdisciplinary approaches contribute to the understanding of temple architecture in India.
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.