Page 157 - Design Thinking C11

Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) blend art, science, and philosophy, starting from formless ideas like
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cosmic order, grace, or energy.
Indian design begins with abstract ideas --not physical forms --and expresses them using symbols,
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metaphors, and stories.
Temples are not just buildings; they are metaphors for the universe, mapping the human body onto
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architecture (e.g., Garbhagriha = navel).
Symbols like the lotus (purity), chakra (time), and fire (energy) communicate deep meanings and unite
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diverse regions through shared visual language.
Metaphors make abstract ideas concrete. Example: the Damru represents cyclical time --past, present,
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and future.
Designers used mapping to link elements of design to nature or the human body (e.g., fire = energy,
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water = flow).
Proportion systems like the Golden Ratio, 5:4 Ratio, and Talamana (body-based units) ensure harmony
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and meaning in design.
Hierarchy highlights what’s important in design through size, placement, and decoration --seen in
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Nataraja, stupas, manuscripts, etc.
Grids help organize design space.
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o Square grids are used in Hindu temples (e.g., Khajuraho)
o Circular grids in Buddhist stupas (e.g., Sanchi)
o Star grids in Islamic architecture (e.g., jalis)
Fractals are repeating patterns that grow smaller --seen in temple towers, nature (trees, flowers), and
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Indian art.
Parametrization allows small changes in repeating designs --used in Ajrak prints, manuscripts, and
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architectural detailing.
Indian design deeply respects the human body and movement, using tools like the Chakra grid to show
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balance and energy in sculpture and dance.
Classical dances like Bharatanatyam follow body proportions and gestures to narrate stories --these
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ideas are also captured in sculpture.
Final step is reflection --checking if the design still expresses the original abstract idea meaningfully
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and harmoniously.

Introduction to Indian Knowledge Systems
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