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?

<p>1100-1300 CE (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>No set guidelines for design and architecture (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Vesara style (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Chalukyas of Kalyani and Hoysala (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it challenging to characterize the Vesara style?

<p>Because the proportion of northern and southern components might change (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>It is combined with Dravida style Mandaps (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is notable about the temple design in Vesara Style?

<p>It lacks ambulatory passageways around Sanctum Sanctorum (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Intricate carvings (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the Vesara Style of temple architecture considered unique?

<p>It is a fusion of art, architecture, mathematics, and philosophy (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is special about the sculptures in Indian temples?

<p>They depict a wide range of subjects (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of temple sculptures in Indian temples?

<p>They convey religious narratives and moral teachings (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>It allows devotees to identify and worship them with reverence (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is characteristic of iconography in Indian temple art?

<p>It is highly symbolic (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>High life-size in bold relief (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Super-natural beasts (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was added to the capital in the Vesara style?

<p>Kumbha (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Flower-shape (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>To emphasize the sanctity of the temple (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the characteristic feature of the Pandya Gopuram?

<p>Rectangular in plan and has keel or barrel roof (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Chaitya Hall of Buddhist style (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the shape of the Pandya Gopuram in plan?

<p>Oblong (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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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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