DRAVIDA STYLE OF ARCHITECTURE: Shikhara is a crowning element at the top of the temple. It is shaped like an octagonal cupola. It is equivalent to ‘Amalak’ and Kalash of Nagara style of Architecture Entrance of the temple’s garbha griha has sculptures of Dwarpals gaurding the temple ( Whereas in Nagara style there are images of Mithun and river goddess Ganga and Yamuna are seen at entrance of Garbha Griha There is only one Vimana in Dravidian (Unlike Nagara where there are multiple Shikhars ie also in subsiduary shrines). Crucified ground plan and unraised platform is another feature Ex. Brihadeshwara Temple at Tanjore, TN. It was built in 1011. Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple Dravidian started during pallavas but flourished during the rule of Cholas Functions of Temples Religious Administrative centres Controlling vast areas of land in terms of revenue collection Centre of education Chola Sculpture – Nataraj • Upper right hand – holding drum: The drum represents sound, great sound from which all creations spring • Upper left hand- Eternal Fire: Represents destruction which is inevitable counterpart of creation – First destruction and then creation not vice verse • Lower right hand Raised in gesture of benediction (Abhaya Mudra) which reassures the devotee not to be afraid • Lower left hand points towards his upraised foot as the path of salvation • He dances on a small dwarf which represents ignorance and the individual ego • Mattled Locks indicate river Ganga which flows down to irrigate the earth • One ear has a male ring and another ring a female, symbolizing ardhanarishwar ( Fusion of male and female) • A snake is twisted around his arm representing Kundalini power. Kundalini power reaches in the human spine and when aroused represents consciousness • The Nataraj is surrounded by nimbus if light symbolising vast unending cycles of time Nayaka Style Famous example – Meenakshi temple @ Madurai. All the features of Dravidian style are present here along with an additional prominent feature called PRAKARMS .Prakarms are huge corridors alongwith roofed ambulatory passageways. Intricate carvings are seen all across the temple walls. Meenakhsi temple constructed with initiative of Tirumalai Nayak in mid 17th century, hence called Nayak style Vesara Style/ Chalukya style/ Karnataka Style This style has features of both Nagara and Dravidian style. It consists of two principle components – 1. Vamana and 2. Mandapa both joined by Antarala. It did not have covered ambulatory around sanctum. The pillars, door frames and ceilings are intricately carved. Ex. Dodda Bassapa Temple at Dambal. Temples at Badami. Developed in Mid 17th century VijayaNagar Art Some variations from Dravidian style in temple architecture: • gopuram now enlarged • High enclosure walls • More decorations • Sculpture of motif of supernatural horse frequently • The concept of secular buildings was also introduced by the Vijayanagar Empire – Ex Lotus Mahal Pala School of art • Pala ruled in Bihar-Bengal region • Developed under Pata and Sen rulers • Eighth to twelveth century • Influence of Hindu and Buddhist • Focut on architecture and culture • The Architecture were fine finished • Figures were much decorated and well polished • Both stone and metal sculptures have been found • Even the stone sculptures appear as metal due to high polishing. Rashtrakuta Art • Around eighth century • Successors of Chalukyas • Elephanta caves • Built in second half of 8th century • They are cave temples on island of Elephanta near Mumbai dedicated to Lord Shiva • Sculpture of trimurati representing 3 faces Kailash Temple at Ellora • Kailasha Temple at Ellora Hoysala Art • Developed in southern region in Karnatka esp Mysore • Period 1050Ad-1300AD • Multpile shrines are ground arond central pillared hall and laid out in shape of intricately designed store. Thus the ground plan is know as stellate plan • The temples are made up of soft soap stone – a good material for intricate carving • Both interior and exterior of the temple has intricate carving( Particularly in the jewelleries of God in temple walls) • Shikhara on each inner chamber, and radically modified by an arrangement of horizontal lines and molding which resolve the tower into an orderly succession of tiers • Temples were built upon an upraised platform of about a meter called Jagati. Jagati follows a star shaped design, and the walls of the temple follow zig-zag design
Posted on: Mon, 22 Dec 2014 15:45:15 +0000
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