19th Annual Student Research Conference
Fine Arts
The Influence of Hinduism on Mosques of the Malay World
Katherine E. Eusey
Dr. Sara Orel and Mr. Garry Gordon, Faculty Mentors
Due to the lack of a prescribed code for mosque architecture, its form is flexible. As a result, mosques often reflect aspects of the non-Islamic or pre-Islamic cultures of the areas in which they are built. In the Malay world, early mosque architecture adopted aspects of its form from local Hindu temple architecture. These elements, such as a square plan and tiered roof supported by several central columns create a strong vertical emphasis and a unified central space which can be applied to both Hindu spiritual concepts and the mystical beliefs of Sufi Islam, which is prominent in the Malay world. The acceptance of the symbolism of borrowed forms reflects the interchange between Hinduism and Islam that has occurred since Islam was established in the region.
Keywords: Islam, mosque, Sufism, Hinduism, Malaysia, Indonesia, art history, architecture
Topic(s):Art History
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 19-3
Location: OP 2210
Time: 10:15