Dravidian Temple Architecture
(Relevant for Historical section of General Studies Paper Prelims/Mains)
Dravida Temple
In contrast to the nagara temple style, the dravida temple style is enclosed within a compound wall. The frontal wall features a central entrance gateway, referred to as a gopuram. The primary temple tower, known as vimana in Tamil Nadu, takes the form of a stepped pyramid that ascends geometrically, differing from the curving shikhara characteristic of North India. It is a common practice to discover a spacious water reservoir or temple tank encompassed within the complex. Subsidiary shrines are either integrated into the primary temple tower or positioned as distinct and separate small shrines adjacent to the main temple.
Kanchipuram, Thanjavur (also known as Tanjore), Madurai, and Kumbakonam stand out as the most renowned temple towns in Tamil Nadu. During the 8th-12th centuries, these towns witnessed temples assuming a role that extended beyond religious matters alone. Temples evolved into affluent administrative centers, exercising control over extensive land areas. Much like there are various subcategories of the principal nagara temple styles, analogous subdivisions exist within the realm of dravida temples as well.
These shapes can be categorized into five distinct forms:
- Square, often referred to as “kuta” or “caturasra.”
- Rectangular, known as “shala” or “ayatasra.”
- Elliptical, labeled as “gaja-prishta” or “elephant-backed,” also named “vrittayata,” deriving from wagon-vaulted shapes of apsidal chaityas with a horse-shoe-shaped entrance facade, commonly referred to as “nasi.”
- Circular, termed “vritta.”
- Octagonal, denoted as “ashtasra.”
The Pallavas stood as one of the ancient South Indian dynasties. They extended their dominion to various regions of the subcontinent, occasionally stretching their influence to the boundaries of Odisha, and their ties with South-East Asia remained robust.
While predominantly followers of Shaivism, traces of Vaishnava shrines also persisted during their rule, and their connection to the extensive Buddhist history of the Deccan is evident. The prevalent belief is that their initial constructions were hewn from rock, while later ones adopted a structural approach.
These earlier edifices are generally attributed to the reign of Mahendravarman I, who lived concurrently with the Chalukyan king, Pulakesin II of Karnataka.
Narasimhavarman I, renowned as Mamalla, spearheaded most of the construction projects at Mahabalipuram, which eventually became known as Mamallapuram.
The shore temple at Mahabalipuram was constructed later, likely during the rule of Narasimhavarman II, also known as Rajasimha, reigning from 700 to 728 CE.
The temple encompasses three shrines, two dedicated to Shiva, facing east and west, and a central one devoted to Vishnu.
Within the complex, remnants of a water tank and an early version of a gopuram (ornate entrance tower) can be observed, along with numerous other sculptures.
Carvings of the bull, Nandi, the mount of Shiva, adorn the temple walls. These, along with the engravings on the temple’s lower walls, have suffered significant erosion due to exposure to salt-laden air over centuries.
The splendid Shiva temple in Thanjavur, known as the Rajarajeswara or Brahadeeshwarar temple, was finalized around 1009 under the patronage of Rajaraja Chola. This temple stands as the most expansive and tallest among all Indian temples. Within this temple, one can observe a remarkable feature – two sizable gopurams (entrance towers) adorned with intricate sculptures. This elaborate sculptural program was envisioned in conjunction with the temple’s design.
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