Star and Scintillation, an Implicit Reality of Golden-ratio in the Muslim Architectonic Ornamental Motifs

Abstract

Star is the enigmatic shape in ornamental designs, especially those bedecking the Muslim edifices. Intricacies of its geometric shapes
combine unity within disparity, the substrate of which lies in the Golden Ratio, which is the building block of nature. Best in the Subcontinent, in this context, are the Mughal structures, and at their meridian is the Wazir Khan Masjid in Lahore. The mosque is a repertoire of multifarious motifs, but the researcher has focused the star-shape only. Because the complex geometric configurations filled with organic forms, compose perfect six or twelve-pointed stars, on its domed ceilings. Multidimensional shapes are so unerringly distributed over the domed-surfaces that slightest error in the formation of a perfect star is not discernible. Through formal and textual analysis the undercurrents of the star-motif will be explored, tracing its links with Golden-ratio. Connotation of light, the cause of scintillation will also be explored on ontological terms, for, star and scintillation are synonyms. It will be the multidisciplinary research, which is both scientific and connotative, the former deals with structure of the starshape and the latter with its luminosity.