Abstract: Commemorating the dead through various cultural practices has been a prominent aspect of several cultures, from prehistoric to modern times. The character of the physical devices used for commemoration is varied – whether they are megalithic structures or modern memorials. This talk focuses on commemorative devices used in Medieval periods, and possible influences from prehistoric structures on the architecture of these. Apart from well-known commemorative structures like hero stones, padukas, memorial pillars and stupas, less-known devices like the rock-carved memorial, miniature monolithic shrines, and memorial temples on various scales – from the diminutive to monumental, and forms – the dolmen-esque to more conventional, will be discussed. Such less-noticed structures are, however, of paramount importance in developing a holistic understanding of Indian monumental architecture.
About the speaker: Srikumar M. Menon is an architect specializing in ancient and early architecture of the Indian subcontinent. He works at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru. Srikumar’s academic interests focus on ancient architecture – both prehistoric monuments like megaliths, as well as later monuments, such as stupas and temples. He was awarded the Prof. D. S. Achyutha Rao Memorial History Research Fellowship in 2007, and the Homi Bhabha Fellowship for studying “Ancient Landscapes of South India” during 2012-2014. His work has taken him from monument sites in the Himalaya to less-known locations in the Deccan, as well as other places in India. Currently, Srikumar is studying stone-working and the practice of architecture in Early Historic to Medieval Periods in India, including tracking the early artisans of ancient India.
He is the author of two non-fiction books – Ancient Stone Riddles: Megaliths of the Indian Subcontinent and Comets: Nomads of the Solar System, both published by Manipal University Press, and a collection of short stories - God on the Hill and Other Stories, published by StoryWell Books Ltd. Srikumar writes regularly for Deccan Herald Spectrum about the built heritage of India.