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Title:
Volume 02 - Issue 3
Date:
1948
Table of contents:
- p. 4-7: Anand, Mulk Raj, Architectural Education in India [Editorial] | Architectural education in India must address itself to educating the general public as well as the future architect. Quoting statistics, it is shown that India is short of trained and trainee architects as compared to England. The low standard of training, submergence of indigenous styles in the face of European styles, and the unhealthy stress on architectural history rather than more fundamental subjects of structure and design are factors contributing to the state of affairs today. The need now is for the founding of a school akin to the Bauhaus at Dessau, with the aid of private patrons. It is hoped that the proposed Central School of Architecture will have a positive influence, provided it functions free of bureaucratic control.
- p. 9-15, 8: Geddes, Patrick, Trees and Open Spaces | Preceded by a note on the life and work of Patrick Geddes, this is a report on the merits of providing for trees, gardens and open spaces in planning. Illustrating the eagerness of the people to participate in the process of building gardens, the writer calls for re-establishing the contact between man and earth through planting of trees. It is felt that problems of overcrowding in old towns, temperature control, poor living standards, disease, silting of channels, and improper utilization of open spaces such as deserts can be reduced by adequate planting and rearing of trees and gardens. The economical use of organic manure is a factor that can help the nurturing of these plantations, and thereby generate returns such as fruits, vegetables, and fuel from the trees.
- p. 16-19: Fatehpur Sikri, Introductory: Historical Note, The structures which most bear the stamp of Akbar's vision are described. The design, utility and character of the Mahal-i-Khas, Jama Masjid, tomb of Salim Chishti, and Buland Darwaza is discussed. Fatehpur Sikri is said to have been built to commemorate the birth of Prince Salim Jahangir), and an interesting note is included here of the legend associated with the birth of Jahangir.
- p. 20-32: Terry, John, Some Aspects of Fatehpur Sikri Architecture | An analysis of certain structural aspects of buildings in the city is presented. The architecture is a synthesis of early Indo-Islamic and Hindu architecture. Columns, screens, isolated pavilions, flat roofs and chhajjas, and chhattris with domed or pyramidal roofs, are characteristic features. The rich ornamentation, subservient to the structure, is most evident in the shrine of Salim Chishti.
- p. 35-44: Elwin, Verrier, Saora Pictographs | The tradition of painting on walls and floors for festive and religious purposes is widespread in India, but the pictographs of the Saora tribe of Central India and Orissa are said to be also inspired by specific motives: improving fertility, appeasing the gods, averting trouble and sickness, and honouring the dead. Drawings of each type are illustrated and explained, supported by anecdotes and incidents. The relationship between art and religion is evident in these drawings.
- p. 46-47: Heras, H., Sravana Belgola | Following a mention of the locale and geographical setting, the massive statue of Gommatesvara is physically described. It is hypothesized that the image may have been cut out of a great tor which stood at the spot. Particular attention is drawn to the contemplative expression on the face, and the beauty of the image at specific times of day or night.
- p. 48-49, 66: Heras, H., Story of a Battle in Stone | Two carvings at Uraiyur depicting the mythical event leading to the foundation of the ancient city -- a fight between a cock and an elephant and the victory of the cock -- are described. The realistic representations of the elephant and cock reflect the mastery of the sculptors. A greater historical relevance is read into these supposedly mythical representations: they are believed to be symbolic of the battle between two powerful tribes -- whose leaders may have been Tittan and Katti and Panam -- carried the royal insignia of an elephant (Gaja) and a cock (Koli) respectively.
- p. 51-53, 56-57: Jewellery | The gold and silver jewellery, in the collections of Sjt. Ganeshilal and Shrimati Kamala Pittie respectively, are illustrated by individual items of jewellery meant to adorn a woman.
- p. 58: von Leyden, R., Cartier Bresson, | The photographs of M. Cartier-Bresson in the Bombay Art Society Salon are described as more artistic than technical. They reflect life in its reality, and bring forth the artist's perception of real situations.
- p. 68-69, 66: Films | The need for documentary films in India is being increasingly felt in recent years, and film makers like Paul Zils have produced several successful films like "Mother", "Child", and "Community". These documentaries are marked by the brilliant photography of Dr. Pathy and the poetic image of Paul Zils. However, the script suggests a lock of appreciation of the fundamentals of village life.