yātra: redefining pilgrimage: Enhancing cultural heritage at Rāmappa Temple
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Authors
Sadhu, Rohan
Author ORCID Profiles (clickable)
Degree
Master of Architecture (Professional)
Grantor
Unitec, Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology
Date
2023
Supervisors
Jadresin-Milic, Renata
McConchie, Graeme
McCallum, Sarah
McConchie, Graeme
McCallum, Sarah
Type
Masters Thesis
Ngā Upoko Tukutuku (Māori subject headings)
Keyword
Rāmappa Guḍi (Warangal, India)
Telangāna (India)
India
pilgrims and pilgrimages
temple architecture
architecture and culture
Telugu culture
Kākatīya architecture
architectural conservation
Telangāna (India)
India
pilgrims and pilgrimages
temple architecture
architecture and culture
Telugu culture
Kākatīya architecture
architectural conservation
ANZSRC Field of Research Code (2020)
Citation
Sadhu, R. (2023). yātra: redefining pilgrimage: Enhancing cultural heritage at Rāmappa Temple (Unpublished document submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Architecture (Professional)). Unitec, Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology https://hdl.handle.net/10652/6353
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION
How can contemporary architectural development enhance a heritage site while encouraging a cultural pilgrimage of its visitors?
ABSTRACT
Architectural heritage is intrinsically connected to one’s cultural identity. For many members of the Telugu ethnolinguistic group in India, the 12th Century Kākatīya dynasty harbours one of the last true connections to their ancestry. Thus, so does the architectural legacy of the Kākatīyas.
The Rāmappa Temple Complex in Pālampēt, Telangāna, is a 13th Century temple to Lord Rudrēshwara (Shiva) and is regarded as one of the finest examples of Kākatīya art and architecture. It is said that Venetian merchant Marco Polo described the temple in his writings as the “brightest star in the galaxy of medieval temples of the Deccan.”1 However, its current physical and social state is no longer a true reflection of its impact on the Telugu people. While its physical conservation plan has been defined by UNESCO, its social conservation remains a question to be answered.
This proposal targets the interactions that visitors and pilgrims have with the heritage site as well as its role in major local festivities. Through the enhancement of traditional rituals, events, and cultural arts, ‘life’ at Rāmappa Temple is improved. This is the catalyst for the conservation efforts detailed in this research proposal. The preservation of the temple’s structure is important, but more so, it is necessary to understand the current utilisation of the site and the new social needs emerging from its changed function.
This research investigates the concept of authenticity and identity in architectural conservation, while also exploring specific literature regarding the conservation of ancient Indian monuments. The significance of cultural routes and pilgrimage in Hinduism is redefined through a contemporary model of these ancient journeys. This literature, along with modern precedents, generates critical values for the rejuvenation of culture at Pālampēt. The proposal will enhance the use of the historic site, increase the social value of Telugu cultural heritage, and be a permanent homage to the legacy of the Kākatīyas.
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