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Dravida Architecture

Dravida Architecture Dravida architecture is a South Indian style of Hindu temple architecture characterized by its towering gateway towers called gopurams, a pyramidal tower called the vimana over the sanctum, and the use of large granite blocks and intricate carvings. It is known for its enclosed temple complexes with multiple courtyards (prakaras), pillared halls (mandapas), and often includes large temple tanks (pushkarinis). This style flourished under dynasties like the Pallavas, Cholas, and Vijayanagar rulers. Kailashnath temple at Ellora is a famous example of a temple built in complete Dravidian style. Features of Dravida architecture The Dravidian style of temple architecture of South India was pioneered by the Pallavas who reigned in parts of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and northern Tamil Nadu until the ninth century. Although they were mostly Shaivite, several Vaishnava shrines also survived from their reign. The early buildings are generally attributed to the reign of Mahendravarman I, a contemporary of the Chalukyan king, Pulakesin II of Karnataka. Narasimhavarman I, also known as Mamalla, who acceded the Pallava throne around 640 CE, is celebrated for his architectural works. The main features of this style of temple architecture are: Gopuram: A monumental, ornate gateway tower that marks the entrance to the temple complex. In later periods, these often became taller than the vimana. Vimana: The stepped-pyramidal tower that sits directly over the central shrine (garbhagriha). It rises in a linear, stepped fashion with each tier smaller than the one below. Compound walls and enclosures: Temples are typically enclosed by high compound walls with multiple concentric enclosures called prakaras. Shikhara: In the South Indian temple, the word ‘shikhara’ is used only for the crowning element at the top of the temple which is usually shaped like a small stupika or an octagonal cupola— this is equivalent to the amalak and kalasha of North Indian temples. Dvarapalas: Fierce Dvarapalas or the door-keepers guarding the temple adorn the entrance to garbhagriha Mandapas: Pillared halls for rituals, gatherings, and a vestibular tunnel called the Antarala connects to the sanctum. Intricate carvings: Walls and pillars are often adorned with detailed carvings of mythological stories, deities, and motifs. Temple tanks: Many complexes feature a large water reservoir or temple tank (pushkarini) within the complex. Classification of Dravidian temples Just as there are many subdivisions of the main types of Nagara temples, there are subdivisions also of Dravida temples. These are basically of five different shapes: square, usually called kuta, and also caturasra; rectangular or shala or ayatasra; elliptical, called Gaja-Prishta or elephant-backed, deriving from wagon-vaulted shapes of apsidal chaityas with a horse-shoe shaped entrance facade usually called a nasi; circular or vritta; and octagonal or ashtasra. The above classification is a simplistic one since several different shapes may be combined in specific periods and places to create their own unique style. Famous Dravidian temples in India The magnificent Shiva temple of Thanjavur, called the Rajarajeswara or Brihadeshwara temple, built in the Dravidian style was completed around 1009 by Rajaraja Chola, and is the largest and tallest of all Indian temples. Other famous Dravidian temples in the south areBrihadeeswara Temple in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, Shore Temple in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, Virupaksha Temple in Hampi, Karnataka, Hoysaleswara Temple in Halebidu, Karnataka, etc. The contribution of Pallavas to Dravidian architecture In the south the Pallavas created beautiful monuments in the 7th CE. Mahendravarman and his son Narasimhavarman were great patrons of art and architecture. The shore temple at Mahabalipuram was built later, probably in the reign of Narasimhavarman II, also known as Rajasimha. It has shrines dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu The contribution of Cholas to Dravidian architecture The Cholas perfected the Dravidian temple style inherited from the Pallavas. During this time, the architecture style became more elaborate by moving away from the early cave temples of the Pallavas. Stone came to be used as the predominant material for the construction of the temples during this time. Gopurams became more prominent. They were decorated with carvings representing various Puranas. The Vimanas attained a greater grandeur during the Chola period.