Podcast
Questions and Answers
In which region are Vesara-style temples primarily found?
In which region are Vesara-style temples primarily found?
- Eastern India
- Southern India
- Central India (correct)
- Northern India
What is the distinctive feature of Vesara style of temple architecture?
What is the distinctive feature of Vesara style of temple architecture?
- Purely Nagara style with no Dravidian influences
- A unique style with no influences from other styles
- Combination of Nagara and Dravidian architectural traditions (correct)
- Purely Dravidian style with no Nagara influences
What is the meaning of the term 'Vesara'?
What is the meaning of the term 'Vesara'?
- Mixture
- Mule (correct)
- Hybrid
- Unique
During which time period were Vesara-style temples primarily constructed in the Deccan region?
During which time period were Vesara-style temples primarily constructed in the Deccan region?
What is characteristic of the design and architecture of Vesara-style temples?
What is characteristic of the design and architecture of Vesara-style temples?
What is the region between the Vindhyas and the Krishna Rivers often linked to?
What is the region between the Vindhyas and the Krishna Rivers often linked to?
Which dynasty built temples in the Deccan region, showcasing the Vesara style?
Which dynasty built temples in the Deccan region, showcasing the Vesara style?
Why is it challenging to characterize the Vesara style?
Why is it challenging to characterize the Vesara style?
What is unique about the Shikara in Vesara Style of Temple Architecture?
What is unique about the Shikara in Vesara Style of Temple Architecture?
What is notable about the temple design in Vesara Style?
What is notable about the temple design in Vesara Style?
What is a notable feature of the pillars, doorframes, and ceilings in Vesara Style temples?
What is a notable feature of the pillars, doorframes, and ceilings in Vesara Style temples?
Why is the Vesara Style of temple architecture considered unique?
Why is the Vesara Style of temple architecture considered unique?
What is special about the sculptures in Indian temples?
What is special about the sculptures in Indian temples?
What is the significance of temple sculptures in Indian temples?
What is the significance of temple sculptures in Indian temples?
What is the significance of the depiction of gods and goddesses in Indian temple art?
What is the significance of the depiction of gods and goddesses in Indian temple art?
What is characteristic of iconography in Indian temple art?
What is characteristic of iconography in Indian temple art?
What type of sculptures were mainly found on the outer surface of the Vesara style temple?
What type of sculptures were mainly found on the outer surface of the Vesara style temple?
Which of the following supernatural beings were avoided in the Vesara style?
Which of the following supernatural beings were avoided in the Vesara style?
What was added to the capital in the Vesara style?
What was added to the capital in the Vesara style?
What was the shape of the abacus below the wide abacus in the Vesara style?
What was the shape of the abacus below the wide abacus in the Vesara style?
What was the significance of the high enclosures in the Pandya style?
What was the significance of the high enclosures in the Pandya style?
What was the characteristic feature of the Pandya Gopuram?
What was the characteristic feature of the Pandya Gopuram?
What was the inspiration behind the design of the Pandya Gopuram?
What was the inspiration behind the design of the Pandya Gopuram?
What is the shape of the Pandya Gopuram in plan?
What is the shape of the Pandya Gopuram in plan?
Study Notes
Temple Sculptures and Architecture
- Temple sculptures depend on the deity to which the temple is dedicated, e.g., Siva temples feature bull and bhutas, while Visnu temples depict Garuda or eagle.
- The decoration on the prastara goes around the entire structure, containing miniature vimana-like shrines.
- There are variations in styles of vimanas, including kuta vimana, sala vimana, and panjara vimana.
Vesara Style
- Found primarily in central India, combining elements of Nagara and Dravidian architectural traditions.
- Characterized by a hybrid tower design, blending features of both styles to create unique architectural compositions.
- The style translates to "mule" and is represented by temples built by the Chalukyas of Kalyani and Hoysala in the Deccan between 1100 and 1300 CE.
- Features a mix of Nagara architectural style Shikara and Dravida architectural style Mandaps.
- No set guidelines must be followed in the designs of the plan and superstructure.
- Intricate carvings can be found on the pillars, doorframes, and ceilings.
Temple Sculptures, Iconography, and Ornamentation
- Temple sculptures depict a wide range of subjects, including gods, goddesses, celestial beings, mythical creatures, and scenes from Hindu mythology.
- Iconography in Indian temple art is highly symbolic, with each deity associated with specific attributes, gestures, and motifs.
- The depiction of gods and goddesses follows strict iconographic conventions, allowing devotees to identify and worship them with reverence and devotion.
Pandya Style
- The Pandya style succeeded the Chola period, contributing to the development of Dravidian architecture.
- Temples were surrounded by high enclosures with gateways - 'Gopuram' of imposing size and elegant appearance.
- The 'vimana' over the cella ceased to be constructed, and attention was directed to emphasize the temple entrance 'Gopuram '.
- The Pandya Gopuram is rectangular in plan and has a keel or barrel roof, differing from the Chola Vimana, which is square in plan with a round cupola.
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Description
This quiz covers the architectural features and sculptural decorations of Hindu temples, including the significance of vimanas and the types of sculptures found on temple walls.
