South Indian Temples


 
 
Concept Explanation
 

South Indian Temples

The Temples of the Deccan:

The Rashtrakutas and the Hoysalas had their own unique style of temple building. The rock-cut architecture of the Rashtrakutas is best illustrated by the Kailashnath Temple at Ellora, which was sculpted out of a single rock, like the Rathas at Mamallapuram. With the Hoysalas, a marked change in style came.

Temples were hexagonal in shape (like a lotus) and profusely carved, the best example of which is the Dwarasamudra Temple at Helebid.

 

South Indian Temples: The temples of South India followed the Dravidian style of architecture. One of the characteristic features of this style was the vimana, which was a high pyramidal tower with several storeys of diminishing size built over the Garbhagriha. It stood on a square base. South Indian temples also had gateways or gopurams topped by the Kalasa. There were usually two or four entrances to the temple. The Tamil Kings were great builders, especially the Pallavas and the Cholas. The Pallavas brought in a new style of temple architecture- rock- cut architecture and monoliths (sculpted from a single stone) e.g the Rathas they have built at Mamallapuram.

The Cholas built several hundreds of temples and sthambhas (pillars) to commemorate their victories in battle. Settled political conditions, vast resources and a great interest in art resulted in the creation of magnificent temples.The Brihadeshwara Temple at Thanjavur ,built by Rajaraja chola (11th century CE) , and the temple at Gangikondacholapuram , built by his son, Rajendra Chola. The Brihadeshwara temple has the tallest known vimana(66m) .The inner walls of the temple are covered with Frescoes,fine sculptures and inscriptions that provide historians with valuable information.

Chola bronze sculpture is an important milestone of Indian art. The exquisitely moulded figures in bronze are known for artistic skill and refinement.

 
 


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