Structural Temples of Gujarat

SR No.: 006728
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Kantilal F Sompura
Publisher: Gujarat University Ahmedabad
Publication Year: 1968
Total Pages: 868
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 31 MB

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The Structural Temples of Gujarat necessary to enter into details of the final phase dating after 1600 A. D. (c) The Later Chālukyan or Hoysala Phase (c. 1050-1300 A, D.)
The temples built in Karnataka and Mysore during the reign of the later Chalukyas and the Hoysalas respectively represent a peculiar school of architecture which cannot be classed under the Indo-Aryan or Dravidian School. The special features of this school seem to have resulted from an admixture of Indo-Aryan detail to Drāvida building. In otherwards these temples are of the Southern or Dravidian Phase in their plan but contain architectural ornamentation of the Northern or Indo-Aryan phase. In terms of Indian architecture this type may be classed as the Vesera type which is produced by an admixture of the Dravida plan (Vinyāsa) and Nāgara ornamentation (Kriyā). Naturally, the effect of the Southern style is more eminently marked in Mysore in comparision to the northern region showing the influence of the Dravidian overlaping and interpretation over the Indo-Aryan style.
The typical Hoysala temple stands on a High polygonal plinth, conforming in shape to the main building which is wide enough to be used as processional passage. The main structure in its simplest unit comprises a cell, a vestibule, a pillared hall, the last often fronted by an open pillared pavilion. But many of the temples contain from two to five such open pillared pavilions. The stellate plan of the sanctum or other parts is another notable feature of this type. But the most distinctive feature of this style is the lavish sculptural decoration.
The typical examples of this style are the Keśava temple48 (c. 1268 A. D.) at Somnāthapur (Mysore State ), The group of temples at Belur4 9 (c. 1117 A.D.) and the shrine of Hoysaleśvara50 at Halebid (c. 1150 A, D ) in Mysore State. 48. IABH plt. CVII. opp. p. 162. 49. JABH plt. CX. Fig. 1 opp. p. 165. SO. IABH plt. CVI. Fig. 1 opp. p. 161.