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The Ideological Basis of Design Motifs in the Architecture of Subcontinent: The Converging Stories of Bells and Tassels
Abstract
The motifs used for surface decoration in architecture of the Subcontinent contain a wealth of historical information. They contribute to our understanding of the ideas, tastes and preferences of the region, which has hosted multiple civilizations. This paper explores the ideological foundation of two apparently similar motifs of architectural ornamentation used in the Subcontinent, i.e. bells and tassels. The study shows that these motifs had their roots in quite different sets of ideas. These ideas inform us about the significance they developed in the cultural domain. For instance, the bell symbolizing sound draws its significance from an entirely indigenous paradigm; it symbolized sacred sound. The tassel on the other hand, had a more diverse ideological and cultural background that culminated into its usage as a talisman against evil eye. Both these symbols transformed into motifs of architectural decoration in the Mughal period and both represent stories that converge in the sensibilities of the land.
Authors
Naela Aamir
Assistant Professor, College of Art and Design, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
Aqsa Malik
Lecturer, College of Art and Design, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
Azmat Ali
Lecturer, College of Art and Design, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
