Hindu Temple Architecture

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Questions and Answers

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?

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'?

Mixture

Mule (correct)

Hybrid

Unique

During which time period were Vesara-style temples primarily constructed in the Deccan region?

1100-1300 CE Signup and view all the answers

What is characteristic of the design and architecture of Vesara-style temples?

No set guidelines for design and architecture Signup and view all the answers

What is the region between the Vindhyas and the Krishna Rivers often linked to?

Vesara style Signup and view all the answers

Which dynasty built temples in the Deccan region, showcasing the Vesara style?

Chalukyas of Kalyani and Hoysala Signup and view all the answers

Why is it challenging to characterize the Vesara style?

Because the proportion of northern and southern components might change Signup and view all the answers

What is unique about the Shikara in Vesara Style of Temple Architecture?

It is combined with Dravida style Mandaps Signup and view all the answers

What is notable about the temple design in Vesara Style?

It lacks ambulatory passageways around Sanctum Sanctorum Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable feature of the pillars, doorframes, and ceilings in Vesara Style temples?

Intricate carvings Signup and view all the answers

Why is the Vesara Style of temple architecture considered unique?

It is a fusion of art, architecture, mathematics, and philosophy Signup and view all the answers

What is special about the sculptures in Indian temples?

They depict a wide range of subjects Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of temple sculptures in Indian temples?

They convey religious narratives and moral teachings Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the depiction of gods and goddesses in Indian temple art?

It allows devotees to identify and worship them with reverence Signup and view all the answers

What is characteristic of iconography in Indian temple art?

It is highly symbolic Signup and view all the answers

What type of sculptures were mainly found on the outer surface of the Vesara style temple?

High life-size in bold relief Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following supernatural beings were avoided in the Vesara style?

Super-natural beasts Signup and view all the answers

What was added to the capital in the Vesara style?

Kumbha Signup and view all the answers

What was the shape of the abacus below the wide abacus in the Vesara style?

Flower-shape Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the high enclosures in the Pandya style?

To emphasize the sanctity of the temple Signup and view all the answers

What was the characteristic feature of the Pandya Gopuram?

Rectangular in plan and has keel or barrel roof Signup and view all the answers

What was the inspiration behind the design of the Pandya Gopuram?

Chaitya Hall of Buddhist style Signup and view all the answers

What is the shape of the Pandya Gopuram in plan?

Oblong Signup and view all the answers

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.