Architectural Evolution of Gurdwaras: An Overview

The IUP Journal of Architecture, Vol. IV, No. 1, pp. 7-32, 2012

Posted: 27 Sep 2012

See all articles by Karamjit Singh Chahal

Karamjit Singh Chahal

Guru Nanak Dev University

Sandeep Dua

Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU)

Sulakhan Singh

Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU)

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

Suggested Citation

Chahal, Karamjit Singh and Dua, Sandeep and Singh, Sulakhan, Architectural Evolution of Gurdwaras: An Overview (September 27, 2012). The IUP Journal of Architecture, Vol. IV, No. 1, pp. 7-32, 2012, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2152774

Karamjit Singh Chahal (Contact Author)

Guru Nanak Dev University ( email )

GT ROAD Amritsar
GT, ROAD AMRITSAR
India

Sandeep Dua

Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) ( email )

GT ROAD Amritsar
GT, ROAD AMRITSAR
Amritsar, Punjab 143005
India

Sulakhan Singh

Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) ( email )

GT ROAD Amritsar
GT, ROAD AMRITSAR
Amritsar, Punjab 143005
India

Do you have negative results from your research you’d like to share?

Paper statistics

Abstract Views
1,275
PlumX Metrics