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3. The Golden Ratio (1.618) ensures harmony, as in the Brihadeeswarar Temple’s tower-base balance. The
Talamana system uses body parts (e.g., finger-width) for lifelike sculptures. Both systems embed mathematical
precision and natural aesthetics into design.
4. The human body is central to Indian design. Artists used the Chakra grid, centered on the navel, to show
balance and movement. Sculptures followed body-based measurements like the Talamana system. Dancers
in forms like Bharatanatyam used posture and gestures to express stories and emotions, making the body a
language of design.
5. Nataraja shows Shiva dancing inside a circle of flames. His pose—raised foot, swinging arms, and turning
torso—follows the Chakra grid, showing balance and motion. It tells a story of creation, destruction, and
balance. This sculpture combines symbolism, emotion, proportion, and abstract ideas in a powerful visual
form.
VI. 1. a. Indian design begins with abstract ideas to create deeper meaning and purpose in the structure. “Balance”
guides all design choices from layout to decoration.
b. The lotus represents purity, the chakra symbolizes time and continuity, and the tree shows interconnection—
each reflecting harmony between humans and nature.
c. Fractals add visual richness and mimic nature’s repetition, such as branching paths or layered wall
patterns, reinforcing the theme of balance through nature-inspired detailing.
2. The rangoli uses hierarchy by placing the lotus (symbol of purity) at the centre. Colour contrast draws
attention, and symmetry ensures visual balance. These elements guide the viewer’s focus and make the
design emotionally impactful --similar to how classical Indian designs convey importance and harmony.
3. a. The circular grid represents cycles, wholeness, and time, symbolizing the never-ending nature of life,
death, and rebirth.
b. Walking around the stupa is like moving through the cycle of life, reinforcing the spiritual journey and
reflection at each step.
c. The given image refers to the Sanchi Stupa in Madhya Pradesh, designed using circular grids to embody
cosmic cycles and spiritual meaning.
I. Multiple Choice Questions.
1. Which ratio is considered the “Golden Ratio”?
(a) 1.414 (b) 2:1 (c) 1.618 (d) 5:4 Unsolved Questions
2. Which ancient Indian site used the 5:4 ratio in city planning?
(a) Sanchi (b) Mohenjodaro (c) Dholavira (d) Ajanta
3. What type of grid is commonly found in Hindu temples?
(a) Circular grid (b) Star grid (c) Spiral grid (d) Square grid
4. Which Islamic design element is based on geometric repetition?
(a) Human sculptures (b) Circular temples (c) Star grids (d) Angula marks
5. Why is a square grid used in temple architecture?
(a) For easier construction (b) To place doors evenly
(c) To ensure spiritual and structural balance (d) To add more windows
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