Class 11 Fine Art Notes Chapter 6 (Chapter 6) – An Introduction to Indian Art Part-I Book
Alright class, let's delve into Chapter 6: Temple Architecture and Sculpture. This is a crucial chapter, not just for understanding Indian art history, but also because questions frequently appear from this section in various government exams. We'll break down the evolution and distinct styles of temple architecture that flourished across India.
Chapter 6: Temple Architecture and Sculpture - Detailed Notes
1. Introduction: The Significance of Temples
- Temples were not just places of worship but pivotal centres of social, cultural, economic, and intellectual life in ancient and medieval India.
- They received patronage from kings, guilds, and common people, reflecting the society's beliefs and prosperity.
- Temple architecture evolved over centuries, incorporating regional variations and dynastic influences.
2. Basic Elements of a Hindu Temple
- Garbhagriha (Sanctum Sanctorum): Literally 'womb-house'. A small, dark, cave-like chamber housing the principal deity's image or symbol. Access is usually restricted.
- Mandapa: The entrance hall or porch leading to the Garbhagriha. Temples can have multiple mandapas (e.g., Ardhamandapa, Mahamandapa) serving different functions (assembly, dance, rituals).
- Shikhara (North India) / Vimana (South India): The tower or spire above the Garbhagriha. Its shape is a key differentiator between North and South Indian styles.
- Amalaka: A cushion-like or ribbed stone element crowning the Shikhara in Nagara style temples.
- Kalasha: The finial or pot-like structure placed atop the Amalaka (Nagara) or Vimana (Dravida).
- Antarala (Vestibule): An intermediary space connecting the Garbhagriha and the main Mandapa.
- Jagati (North India): A raised platform on which the temple is built. Common in Nagara style.
- Vahana: The mount or vehicle of the main deity, often placed in a small shrine or on a pillar facing the Garbhagriha.
3. Early Temples (Gupta Period and Later)
- Evolved from earlier rock-cut shrines.
- Initial temples were simple structures: a flat roof, a small mandapa, and a garbhagriha.
- Gradual development saw the emergence of the shikhara.
- Examples:
- Temple No. 17 at Sanchi (Flat-roofed, early example)
- Dashavatara Temple, Deogarh, Uttar Pradesh (Early Shikhara, Panchayatana style - main shrine with four subsidiary shrines)
- Bhitargaon Temple, Uttar Pradesh (Brick temple, terracota panels)
4. Nagara Style (North Indian Temple Architecture)
- Region: Predominantly North India.
- Key Features:
- Shikhara: Curvilinear tower (Rekha Prasad type), appears to curve inwards towards the top.
- Amalaka & Kalasha: Distinct crowning elements on the Shikhara.
- Ground Plan: Often cruciform (cross-shaped) due to projecting elements (rathas).
- Mandapas: Multiple mandapas are common.
- Jagati: Temples are usually built on a high platform.
- No Large Tanks: Temple tanks within the complex are generally absent or less prominent compared to the South.
- Panchayatana Style: Common layout.
- Sub-Schools/Regional Variations:
- Odisha School (Kalinga Architecture):
- Distinct terminology: Deul (temple), Rekha Deul (main shrine tower, almost vertical then sharp curve), Pidha Deul (mandapa with pyramidal roof of receding tiers), Khakhara Deul (rectangular shrine with barrel-vaulted roof).
- Exterior walls lavishly decorated, interiors often plain.
- Boundary walls present.
- Examples: Lingaraja Temple (Bhubaneswar), Sun Temple (Konark - built like a colossal chariot), Jagannath Temple (Puri).
- Khajuraho School (Chandela Style):
- Located in Madhya Pradesh.
- Built on a high jagati.
- Shrines interconnected, appearing as a unified structure.
- Elaborate, rising shikharas often clustered together.
- Known for intricate sculptures, including erotic figures, decorating both inner and outer walls.
- Made primarily of sandstone.
- Examples: Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, Lakshmana Temple.
- Solanki School (Gujarat & Rajasthan):
- Patronised by Solanki rulers.
- Intricate carving, often using marble (especially in Rajasthan).
- Presence of step-wells (baolis or vavs) near temples.
- Ornate toranas (arched gateways).
- Unique carved ceilings within the mandapas.
- Examples: Sun Temple, Modhera (Gujarat - includes a large rectangular tank), Dilwara Temples, Mount Abu (Rajasthan - exquisite marble work, Jain temples).
- Odisha School (Kalinga Architecture):
5. Dravida Style (South Indian Temple Architecture)
- Region: Predominantly South India (south of the Vindhyas, especially Tamil Nadu).
- Key Features:
- Vimana: Pyramidal tower above the Garbhagriha, consisting of stepped tiers (storeys) that diminish in size towards the top. Capped by a dome-shaped element called shikhara (note: this term differs in meaning from the Nagara shikhara) or stupika.
- Gopuram: Ornate, towering gateways leading into the temple complex, often becoming taller and more elaborate than the main vimana in later periods (e.g., Nayaka).
- Prakaras: Enclosed within high compound walls. Often multiple concentric walls.
- Temple Tanks: Large water tanks (Kalyani or Pushkarni) are a common feature within the complex.
- Mandapas: Pillared halls are prominent features (e.g., Kalyanamandapa for ceremonies).
- Dvarapalas: Sculptures of fierce guardians at the entrance to the Garbhagriha or Gopurams.
- Evolution under Dynasties:
- Pallavas (c. 600-900 CE):
- Pioneers of Dravida style.
- Rock-cut phase: Cave temples (mandapas) and monolithic rathas (chariots) at Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram).
- Structural phase: Shore Temple (Mamallapuram), Kailasanatha Temple (Kanchipuram). Introduced lion pillars.
- Cholas (c. 850-1250 CE):
- Apex of Dravida architecture.
- Massive scale, taller vimanas.
- Intricate stone sculptures and world-renowned bronze casting.
- Examples: Brihadeeswarar Temple (Thanjavur - Rajaraja I), Gangaikondacholapuram Temple (Rajendra I).
- Vijayanagara (c. 1336-1646 CE):
- Added elaborate mandapas (like Kalyanamandapas).
- Composite pillars featuring mythical creatures (yalis) and horsemen.
- Tall gopurams became highly prominent.
- Secular buildings also show influence.
- Examples: Vittala Temple (Hampi - stone chariot, musical pillars), Virupaksha Temple (Hampi).
- Nayakas (c. 16th-18th CE):
- Successors to Vijayanagara, primarily in Madurai region.
- Known for massive temple complexes (temple-cities).
- Huge gopurams dominating the skyline.
- 'Thousand-pillared' halls.
- Example: Meenakshi-Sundareshwarar Temple (Madurai).
- Pallavas (c. 600-900 CE):
6. Vesara Style (Deccan Architecture)
- Region: Deccan region, primarily Karnataka.
- Key Features:
- A hybrid style incorporating elements from both Nagara and Dravida traditions.
- The vimana shape is often a blend – neither purely pyramidal nor purely curvilinear.
- Ground plans can be complex, sometimes star-shaped (stellate).
- Emphasis on intricate carving and decoration.
- Evolution under Dynasties:
- Early Chalukyas (Badami, c. 543-753 CE):
- Experimentation phase. Rock-cut caves (Badami).
- Structural temples at Aihole (Lad Khan Temple, Durga Temple - apsidal plan), Pattadakal (Virupaksha Temple - Dravida style; Papanatha Temple - Nagara influence). Pattadakal is a UNESCO site showcasing both styles.
- Rashtrakutas (c. 753-982 CE):
- Famous for the Kailasa Temple at Ellora – a monolithic rock-cut marvel, carved top-down, imitating a structural temple (Dravida influence).
- Later Chalukyas (Kalyani, c. 973-1189 CE) & Hoysalas (c. 1026-1343 CE):
- Developed a highly distinct, ornate style.
- Use of soft soapstone (chloritic schist) allowing for intricate carving.
- Star-shaped (stellate) ground plans for temples.
- Highly polished, lathe-turned pillars.
- Complex vimanas combining elements.
- Lavish sculptural decoration covering almost all surfaces.
- Examples: Hoysaleswara Temple (Halebidu), Chennakesava Temple (Belur), Kesava Temple (Somanathapura).
- Early Chalukyas (Badami, c. 543-753 CE):
7. Buddhist and Jain Architecture
- While the chapter focuses on Hindu temples, remember the parallel development of Buddhist structures (Stupas, Chaityas, Viharas) and Jain temples.
- Jain temples often adopted prevailing regional styles (e.g., Nagara style in North, Dravida in South).
- Known for intricate marble carvings (Dilwara, Ranakpur) and colossal statues (Gomateshwara/Bahubali at Shravanabelagola, Karnataka).
8. Temple Sculpture
- Sculpture is integral, not merely decorative.
- Depicts deities (main and attendant), mythological narratives (Puranas, Epics), celestial beings (apsaras, gandharvas, yakshas), animals (yali, makara, elephants, lions), floral and geometric patterns.
- Also shows scenes from contemporary life, royal figures, patrons.
- Iconography (rules for depicting deities) is crucial.
- Style, material (stone, stucco, metal), and themes vary significantly by region and period.
Key Takeaways for Exams:
- Know the fundamental differences between Nagara, Dravida, and Vesara styles (Shikhara/Vimana shape, Gopurams, Tanks, Platform).
- Associate major temples with their locations, styles, and ruling dynasties (e.g., Konark-Odisha-Nagara, Brihadeeswarar-Thanjavur-Chola-Dravida, Hoysaleswara-Halebidu-Hoysala-Vesara).
- Understand the key architectural terms (Garbhagriha, Mandapa, Amalaka, Gopuram, etc.).
- Recognize the unique features of sub-schools (Odisha, Khajuraho, Solanki, Pallava, Chola, Hoysala, etc.).
- Be aware of significant examples like Kailasa Temple Ellora (rock-cut), Mamallapuram Rathas (monolithic).
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
-
Which of the following architectural features is characteristically found in North Indian (Nagara) temples but generally absent or less prominent in South Indian (Dravida) temples?
a) Gopuram
b) Vimana
c) Jagati (raised platform)
d) Large temple tank within the complex -
The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple at Khajuraho, known for its elaborate sculptures and clustered shikharas, belongs to which style of temple architecture?
a) Dravida Style
b) Vesara Style
c) Nagara Style (Chandela School)
d) Odisha School -
The Brihadeeswarar Temple at Thanjavur, built by Rajaraja I, is a prime example of temple architecture under which dynasty?
a) Pallavas
b) Cholas
c) Pandyas
d) Vijayanagara -
What is the term for the towering gateway, often highly ornate and prominent in later South Indian temples?
a) Shikhara
b) Vimana
c) Gopuram
d) Mandapa -
The Kailasa Temple at Ellora is unique because it is:
a) Built entirely of bricks
b) A monolithic rock-cut temple carved top-down
c) The earliest example of Nagara style
d) Famous for its large temple tank -
The Vesara style of temple architecture, considered a hybrid style, primarily flourished in which region of India?
a) Tamil Nadu
b) Odisha
c) Rajasthan
d) Karnataka -
Which feature is characteristic of Hoysala temples (e.g., Belur, Halebidu)?
a) Flat roofs and simple mandapas
b) Use of hard granite and minimal sculpture
c) Star-shaped ground plans and intricate soapstone carvings
d) Tallest Gopurams in South India -
The Sun Temple at Konark is designed in the form of a colossal chariot dedicated to the Sun God. It belongs to which regional school of Nagara architecture?
a) Solanki School
b) Khajuraho School
c) Odisha School
d) Gupta School -
In Dravida style architecture, the pyramidal tower over the Garbhagriha, consisting of stepped tiers, is known as:
a) Shikhara (Nagara terminology)
b) Amalaka
c) Vimana
d) Jagati -
The 'Panchayatana' style of temple layout refers to:
a) A temple with five shikharas
b) A main central shrine surrounded by four subsidiary shrines
c) A temple complex with five concentric walls (prakaras)
d) A temple built on five raised platforms
Answer Key for MCQs:
- c) Jagati (raised platform)
- c) Nagara Style (Chandela School)
- b) Cholas
- c) Gopuram
- b) A monolithic rock-cut temple carved top-down
- d) Karnataka
- c) Star-shaped ground plans and intricate soapstone carvings
- c) Odisha School
- c) Vimana
- b) A main central shrine surrounded by four subsidiary shrines
Study these notes thoroughly, focusing on the distinctions and key examples. Visualizing the temple layouts and features will also help immensely. Good luck with your preparation!