Hindu
Temple Architecture : Chalukyas
In the last
article, we have seen the broad outline of temple architecture styles in India
(Nagara, Dravida and Vesara) and Chola Architecture in particular. Under
Dravidian architecture, we have also seen the comparison between Pallava and
Chola architecture. In this post, let us see the Chalukya architecuture in
detail. Chalukyan architecture is a combination of Nagara and Dravida and hence
a perfect example for Vesara architecture. The Chalukya temples stand in South
India with its gorgeous beauty. Some features of Chalukya architecture are
mentioned below.
Noticeable
features of Chalukya temples
When
we talk about Chalukyas, remember that there are at-least two Chalukyas.
Chalukayas of Badami (Vatapi) ruled Karnataka region around 7th century
AD. They were followed by Western Chalukyas (Kalyani Chalukyas) by around 11th
century AD.
The
Chalukya temples are noticeable for three basic plans. They are :
1.
Design of the
floor
2.
Projection of
architectural articulation
3.
Sculpture.
Design
of the floor
It
indicates the plan of salla, subsidiary shrines, their plan, design of
pradakshina path. The structure and architecture of a temple depends on these
plans.
Architectural
design
Various
designs like miniature towers, projection of pilasters come under this head.
The temple surfaces follow a distinctive architectural design with projections
and recesses. The walls portrays frequent projections and recesses that
reflect a very magical beauty in the eyes of the viewers. The articulation of
pillars and mantapas are beyond description.
The
noticeable aspect is that though ornamentation of Chalukya temples bears
elements of Nagara and Dravidian tradition but they have combined the elements
in so prudent way that they become unique and distinctive feature of their own.
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