Architectural Evolution of Defence Structures due to High Seismic Activity: A focus on Ancient Silk-route Cities of Sirohi District, Rajasthan, India

A significant increase in fortified structures, including forts and temples, occurred between the late sixth to the late sixteenth century A.D. in the Sirohi district of Rajasthan, India, primarily as a response to high seismic activity rather than invader threats. Research indicates that natural catastrophes, such as earthquakes and floods, were more devastating than human conflicts, leading to the decline of trade and the destruction of large structures, including temples found in riverbeds. The study utilized primary and secondary sources, including indigenous folklore, literature, chronicle texts, and bard traditions, to document seismic events. Notably, architectural adaptations such as raised basements (Adhisthana) with brickwork and stone platforms (Jagati) were observed in temples like those in Chandrawati, designed to absorb earthquake waves. These findings highlight the resilience and ingenuity of ancient civilizations in mitigating seismic risks through innovative defensive structures.

Talesara, P., Bahuguna, A., Mani, B. R., Khan, A., & Thakar, C. (2022). Architectural Evolution of Defence Structures due to High Seismic Activity: A focus on Ancient Silk-route Cities of Sirohi District, Rajasthan, India. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/ZENODO.7395951