Sinha, Amita
From CollabLandWiki
The Yamuna Riverfront, India: A comparative study of Islamic and Hindu traditions in cultural landscapes
Sinha, A. & Fairchild Ruggle, D. The Yamuna Riverfront, India: A comparative study of Islamic and Hindu traditions in cultural landscapes. Landscape Journal Vol. 23 No. 2, 2004 pg 141
This article looks at visible traces in the differences between two cultures and their perception and practice along the Yamuna River. It looks at the difference between the words “ vision”, which is the mechanism of sight, and “visuality”, which is defined as a historical mode of seeing that encompasses cultural codes and practices. Culture brings specific ‘visualities’ which are different between each culture – they show different perceptions of what landscape is.
The article discusses the difference between Islamic and Hindu cultures, and how they change their landscape to suit their beliefs, where Maori preferred the natural landscape, only changing it to use it for crops etc. They had another, different, value for nature. -different values and thoughts of landscape -Hindu vs. Islamic -European vs. Maori Yamuna – Sacred to Hindu Marae – Sacred to Maori.
The text outlines Hindu myths and legends which tell stories as to how specific landforms were created. This is also the case in Maori culture, with stories about rivers, mountain placements etc. Yet Muslims and Europeans don’t hold such strong associations with the landscape. The difference in culture in India is parallel to those between Maori and European.
The article asks questions like ‘what is important about the landscape to the culture?’ ‘Do they want to interact and use it, or keep it as a ‘view’ – like Agra landscape?’
The two cultural traditions – Islamic and Hindu – have left very different impressions on the landscape, which is very like European and Maori cultures.
“Vision is subjective and complex, and visual experience is different depending on ones depth of belief and purpose of visit” pg 147
To find the movement in each culture, the authors have looked at representations of the Agra Riverfront in the 16th and 17th centuries and see what they show. What is important, what is left out etc. This could possibly be done in a mapping exercise for the Marae project, if maps can be accessed, to find what early Maori or even European people found when they assessed the landscape, and therefore what they valued more.
By using this article, we can try to understand the ‘visualities’ of the Maori culture, and therefore try to use this to inform our design decisions. And then, using the quote above, we can try to create a place which is special to all those who experience it, whether or not they are part of the Ngati Kahu iwi.
