The Hidden Mathematics and Physics in Indian Art and Architecture: A Study of Geometry, Acoustics, and Symmetry
Author(s): Adiva Soni, Dr. Jasneet Soni
Publication #: 2509001
Date of Publication: 04.09.2025
Country: India
Pages: 1-5
Published In: Volume 11 Issue 5 September-2025
Abstract
Art and science are often taught as separate intellectual traditions. Yet in the Indian subcontinent, history reveals an extraordinary dialogue between the two. Indian art and architecture from the delicate geometry of mandalas to the precise stonework of astronomical observatories and the engineered soundscapes of temples demonstrate that creativity and scientific reasoning were intertwined rather than divided. This paper explores how mathematics and physics are embedded in Indian cultural expressions, with a focus on geometry, acoustics, astronomy, hydraulics, metallurgy, and light. Drawing from examples such as the Sulbasutras, the Ajanta and Ellora caves, stepwells of Gujarat and Rajasthan, Chola bronze sculptures, and the Jantar Mantar observatories, the research highlights how aesthetic beauty and scientific function merged seamlessly. Case studies reveal how concepts like symmetry, resonance, proportions, and reflection were applied centuries before they were formally studied in modern science. The study also discusses implications for sustainability, heritage preservation, and contemporary STEM education. By bridging disciplines, this paper argues for a re-envisioning of Indian heritage not only as cultural treasure but also as a repository of scientific knowledge relevant to modern challenges.
Keywords: Art, Architecture, Geometry, Acoustics, and Symmetry
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