Architectural Evidence In Textual Sources: Early South Asian Architecture With Special Reference To Swat Valley

Abstract

The ancient architectural traditions of South Asia are deeply connected with textual sources, shedding light on construction techniques, material choice, spatial organization, patronage and cultural impacts. The current study explores the architectural evidence across South Asia, with a specific focus on the Swat Valley, as documented in various textual records. These texts, ranging from Vedic literature and Buddhist scriptures to technical treatises like the Arthashāstra, describe the architectural peculiarities of sacred and secular structures. The Swat Valley (or ancient Uḍḍiyāna), a significant cultural and religious centre during the Buddhist period, offers a unique visual representation of these textual descriptions through its relief carvings and structural remains. The artistic depictions, found on stūpas, monasteries, and rock sculptures, serve as a bridge between literary narratives and material culture. By examining the correlation between textual accounts and visual representations, this study highlights the transmission of architectural knowledge and reinforce the role of the Swat Valley as a key site in the artistic and architectural history of South Asia.