Architectural Evolution of Gurdwaras: An Overview
The IUP Journal of Architecture, Vol. IV, No. 1, pp. 7-32, 2012
Posted: 27 Sep 2012
Date Written: September 27, 2012
Abstract
Gurdwaras have a pivotal position in the religious, social and political life of the Sikhs. Gurdwaras have also played a vital role in shaping the course of events of the Sikh history and in the development of the Sikh religious tradition since 1469. The important Gurdwaras were built at sites associated with important incidents in the lives of the Gurus or at places which are important milestones in Sikh history; or they have been erected in memory of the martyrs who gave up their lives in defence of their faith during the long period of persecution to which the Sikhs were subjected. Historically, Gurdwara succeeded Dharmsal. Guru Arjan had compiled pothi or granth (later Guru Granth Sahib) of holy hymns in 1604, the Dharmsal where these pothis were placed was therefore considered as the Guru’s abode, Gurdwara. Architecturally Gurdwaras have evolved from a simple single room structure to magnificent structures with elaborate detailing and decoration. This paper tries to trace the architectural evolution of Gurdwaras over a period of time.
Keywords: Gurdwara, Dharmsal, Gurdwara evolution, Sikh architecture, Golden Temple
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