Domes are usually associated with mosques, shikhara of temples and steeple towers of churches. But is architecture really tied to religion? Not quite, says Sohail Hashmi, a writer, filmmaker and a “heritage enthusiast”.
“Architecture is a human response to one’s surroundings; what is built is determined by the area’s climatic conditions, and the material and technology available for construction,” Hashmi remarks.
“There is no such thing as Hindu or Muslim architecture. But, there is an Iranian, Afghan, Jaisalmer or Tamil architecture (which is primarily influenced by the region).”
The differences are clear when comparing “the temples built in the higher reaches of the Himalayas to those in deserts of Rajasthan”. Sloping roofs and precisely carved stone and wood characterise Himalayan temples. They are sturdy and withstand earthquakes, extreme snowfall or rainfall.
Whereas, the Rajasthani temples—built of sandstone, marble, and other rocks—comprise open spaces or courtyards with perforated windows and jharokhas, to endure heat.
Hashmi further focuses on the architectural contrast among mosques in China, Malaysia, Indonesia and Kashmir in India. Unlike in most parts of India, mosques in Kashmir do not have domes—except for the Hazratbal mosque.
Domes, usually linked to Islamic architecture, actually predate Islam. The first such structure was established in pre-Christian Rome and the arch, usually counted among elements of 'Islamic architecture' was introduced by the Sumerians, “probably around 2000 BC”, long before the rise of Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
The arch was later discovered by the Romans in Sumerian ruins who brought it over ground and made aqueducts, says Hashmi. “From aqueducts evolved the vaulted roof, which later evolved into the dome.”
Originally constructed for the senate and sports arenas, the first people to use domes for worship were the Jews, followed by Greek Orthodox and Roman Catholics, and then the Muslims, he says.
Laying out a similar example on churches across the globe, he says, “Churches in Kerala in India, or across the arctic belt, or the ones near the equator are designed entirely differently”. St. Francis Church in Kerala, Norwegian stave churches and Filipino baroque churches are some examples.
