History of Architecture - Evolution of temples - Dravidian Architecture Part - 1

Evolution of Temples
DRAVIDIAN ARCHITECTURE
Part - 1 : Pallavan, Chola.
Temple Architecture in India

• Introduction
• Dravidian Architecture
• This style of architecture that emerged
thousands of years ago in the Indian
subcontinent.
• They consist primarily of pyramid shaped
temples which are dependent on intricate
carved stone in order to create a step design
consisting of numerous statues of deities,
warriors, kings, and dancers.
• The majority of the existing buildings are
located in the Southern Indian states of
Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and
Karnataka.
• kingdoms which developed this style are:
Pallavas, Cholas, Pandyan, Chera,
Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Hoysalas,
Vijayanagara Empire
• Dravidian styled architecture can also be
found in parts of Northeastern Sri Lanka,
Maldives, and various parts of Southeast
Asia.

DIFFERENT PHASES IN DRAVIDIAN ARCHITECTURE
• The Dravidian Style of architecture can be categorized as a distinct Evolution in Temple
architecture through the various phases
• There is a marked evolution in the planning of the temple and the architectural treatment
• Complexity in planning due to the complexity in the rituals arose by the 12th c. AD (Pandya)
Broadly the classifications would be as follows:
• Pallavan - Rock cut and Structural Temples
• Chola - Development of the Vimana (Shikhara),
Walled enclosures, Gopurams.
• Pandya - Evolution of the Gopuram – number, height, embellishment High walls for
enclosure for security( Muslim invasion)
• Vijayanagara - Addition of Mandapas, Secondary halls and Gopurams
• Nayaks - Temple cities, addition of Gopurams to existing temples
• Pallavan Style 600AD – 900AD
• Chola Style 900AD – 1150AD
• Pandya Style 1100AD – 1350AD
• Vijayanagara Style 1350AD – 1565AD
• Nayak/Madura Style 1600 AD onwards

DRAVIDIAN STYLE UNDER THE PALLAVAS
600 AD – 900 AD
The Pallavas ruled from AD (600-900)
Their first single rock temples in Mahabalipuram and their capital Kanchipuram, now located in
Tamilnadu.
The greatest accomplishments of the Pallava architecture are the rock-cut temples.
These temples are further divided into: excavated pillared halls or mandapas and monolithic
shrines known as rathas.
The five rathas were built by Narasimhavarman I (625-645 AD) and are named after Draupadi,
Arjuna, Bhima,Dharmarajaand Sahadeva.
The Dharmarajaratha is the longest and most complete of these rathas.
Mahabalipuram Kanchipuram

DRAVIDIAN STYLE UNDER THE PALLAVAS
600 AD – 900 AD
There were two phases of architecture under the Pallavas
1st Phase - Rock cut
•Mahendra Group 610 AD – 640 AD Mandapas/ Pillared halls
•Mamalla Group 640 AD– 690 AD Rathas and Mandapas
(Narasimhavarma)
2nd Phase - Structural
•Rajasimha group 690 AD – 800 AD Temples
•Nandivarman group 800 AD – 900 AD Temples
Mandapas
1. Excavated
2. Open pavilion
3. Simple columned hall with
one or more cellas at the rear
Rathas
1. Monolith
2. Shrine/ Temple chariot
3. Simple columned hall with Series of shrines which is an
exact copy in granite of a structural prototype
Temples built under Pallavas
• Mahendravarman : Mandagapattu rock cut temple.
• Rajsimha (Narsimhamvaraman/Kalasamudra/Mammalla) : Kailasanathar Temple, Kanchipuram,
Shore Temple Mahabalipuram (Mammallapuram)

1ST PHASE OF PALLAVAN
ARCHITECTURE – 610 – 690 AD
MANDAPAS - Mahabalipuram
There were a total of 10 mandapas at Mahabalipuram
Features:
• Similar proportions to earlier Mandapas
• Architectural treatment and sculptures combining
with architecture.
• Façade contains- roll cornice decorated with KUDUS,
above this a parapet or attic member formed of
miniature shrines, a long one alternating with a short
one
• The executor was primarily a sculptor
• Basement was so planned and executed to provide a
long and narrow receptacle for water for ablutions
• Pillars are the main contributions of this period
• Beginning of the Pallava order of column
Eg. Varaha, Krishna, Mahishasuramandapa,
Adivaraha
Krishna Mandapam
Varaha Mandapam

1ST PHASE OF PALLAVAN ARCHITECTURE – 610 – 690 AD
• The early pillars were the rudimentary type of beam
and bracket
• This was modified to a sophisticated design of the
capital and the shaft
• Finally the introduction of an element- lion.
This lion symbolized
the ruling dynasty
“Simhavishnu”
• Mahabalipuram temples are cave temples also known as mandapas.
• Rock-cut cave temples are sanctuaries or temples covered with bas-
reliefs.
• The earliest period of use of these caves as sanctuaries can be traced to
the Buddhist and Jain periods. They were excavated on rock faces which
were cut and then carved using chisels and iron mallets.
Nasik Vihara
• This figure was
incorporated into the
lower portion of the shaft
and later at the capital.
• Sq. shaft where the middle third is
chamfered into an octagon ht. 7’0” ,The
dia of the column – 1’0”-2’0”

1ST PHASE OF PALLAVAN ARCHITECTURE – 610 – 690 AD
• Of the eleven mandapas or cave temples
seen in Mahabalipuram, the most notable
are the Varaha Cave Temple, Krishna Cave
Temple, Tiger Cave Temple, Panchapandava
Cave Temple, and the Mahishasuramardini
mandapa.
• Cave temples existed prior to the 7th
century, which were predominantly Buddhist,
the first free standing rock cut temples were
built by the Pallava Kings in Tamil Nadu.
Pandava Caves
Tiger Caves
Thirumurthi Caves

PALAGAI – Wide abacus
IDAIE- Lotus Form
KUMBHA – Melon Capital
TADI – Refined Necking
KALASA – Inverted Lotus
SIMHA-LION
PARTS OF DRAVIDIAN
ORDER
• The principal elements in the façade
of the Mamallapuram group is the
lion pillar which rests on the animals
head
• The crude block bracket is obvious in
early examples, later gets more
refined and graceful
A natural leonine figure – a deviation
from a grotesque horned lion in the
mandapas
Fluted banded shaft- Stambham

• In first phase we come across ‘RATHAS and MANTAPAS.
• RATHAS are small shrines carved out of a monolithic rock. In
• Generally Ratha is known as chariot used for carrying the image of the deity during religious
procession.
• But here in Pallava style it commonly refers to a monolithic shrine which contains all the
essential features of a temple including domed storey to shikhara.

Draupadi Ratha Arjuna Ratha
Dharmaraju Ratha
Sahadev Nakula
Ratha
Ganesh Ratha
Bhima Ratha

2ND PHASE OF PALLAVAN ARCHITECTURE – 690 - 900 AD
• The Shore Temple was constructed in 700 AD
by Narasimha Varma II Rajasimha
• Constructed of dressed Granite
• The complex consists of 2 shrines dedicated
to Shiva and 1 shrine dedicated to Vishnu
• Located near the shore of Mamallapuram the
temple was constructed with the intention of
the cella facing the east so that the first rays
of the sun would illuminate the shrine
• Among the breakers stood a stone pillar to
act as a light house
• This concept led to the different arrangement
of the parts in the layout
STRUCTURAL TEMPLES
SHORE TEMPLE – Mahabalipuram
Planning:
• The placement of the cella in the east left no space for the mandapas, forecourts and gateway
• These were hence placed in the rear of the shrine
• The central structure is surrounded by a massive enclosure wall, with the entry on the western
side of the courtyard
• The layout was further complicated by the addition of 2 shrines added asymmetrically on the
west

• The addition of the shrine on the west with the smaller
spire gives the impression that it is the main entrance
• The 2 supplementary shrines have converted the Shore
temple into an unconventional double towered monument
Verticality of the temple accentuated with a slender
monolithic stupi
• The central building seems to be a development off the
Rathas with a difference in the treatment.
STRUCTURAL TEMPLES

Details:
• Square lower storey
• Pyramidal tower in diminishing tiers
• Change in the shape of the tower seeming to rid of the
vihara
• Rhythmic, buoyant composition than the rathas giving
the temple a lightness and soaring quality
• Appearance of a pilaster- rampant lion as a relief found
wherever a structural form with an ornament was
required
• The lion pillar with the Dravidian capital projects at
every angle and is also introduced at intervals around
the lower part of the entire structure
• As the style progressed the Leogriff motif is frequently
used
• Identifying symbol of the Pallavan period
STRUCTURAL TEMPLES

Water Chambers:
• Surrounded by an outer rectangular enclosure.
• Portions of the ground floor of the enclosure consisted
of a system of shallow cisterns which could be flooded
on certain occasions.
• The space could hence be resolved into a water temple
• Some of the conduits and receptacles can be traced.
• The water was fed into the system by means of canal
and conveyed by sluices.
• Overflow was carried through the rear of the shrine to
the sea.
Enclosure:
• Surrounding wall had a parapet and coping with figures
of kneeling bulls.
• Bold projecting lion pilasters on exterior wall.
• Entrance through a richly ornamented doorway on the
western side Leading to a corridor on one side.
STRUCTURAL TEMPLES

Kailasanatha Temple -
Kanchipuram
• The temple has retained the Pallava
architecture in its original stylized form with
influence of the later styles developed by
the Chola Dynasty and Vijayanagara
Emperors
• It is of stone built architecture unlike the rock
cut architecture built into hallowed caves or
carved into rock outcrops as
in Mahabalipuram. The tall gopuram (tower)
is to the left and the temple complex is to
the right.
• The temple's foundations are made of granite, which could withstand the weight of the temple,
while the super structure including the carvings are all made of sandstone. Initially, only the
main sanctuary existed with pyramidal vimana and a detached mandapa(main hall)
• The temple complex is complete in all respects as it has garbagriha (sanctum
sanctorum), antarala (inner enclosure), mandapa, a high compound wall, and an entrance gate,
the gopuram. The mandapa, which was initially detached, was made part of the main shrine by
interposing an ardhamantapa(smaller hall). The pillars of the mandapa have the repetitive
features of mythical lion mounts.

Kailasanatha Temple - Kanchipuram
• The structure has a simple layout. with a
tower or shikara at the center of the
complex. The shikara of the temple, above
the main shrine (sanctum sanctorum), is
square in plan and rises up in a curvilinear
style or pyramidal shape. The tower has
many levels rising proportionately.
• The top of this tower, there is a small roof
in the shape of a dome. The pillar elements
with mythical animal shapes (lions on the
base) are extra features in Pallava style.
• At the entrance, the gopuram walls are
plastered. Its entrance wall has eight small
shrines and a gopura, precursor to the
main gopura. At some later stage, the
mandapa and the sanctuary were joined by
an intermediate hall called
the ardhamantapa, which is reported to
have marred the beauty of the temple to
some extent. The temple is enclosed within
walls in a rectangular layout.

Kailasanatha Temple -
Kanchipuram
• The outstanding feature of sculptures is the
profusion of depiction of the erect lions projecting
out in several directions.
• There are two sculptures of Shiva here which are
seen holding the Veena] (musical string instrument)
in the hand. There is a lot of difference between the
Veena found in the said sculptures and the present
day
• A circumambulatory passage, with a symbolic
meaning is situated along the compound wall. In
order to make the circumambulation, there is a
narrow entry passage which devotees must crawl
through. Seven steps must be climbed in order to
reach the passage. Passing through the narrow
passage is indicative of passage through life. After
the circumambulation, the exit is through a pit or
another narrow passage symbolic of death.It is
believed that making the circumambulation round
the various deities would usher the same blessings
as visiting paradise.

CHOLA ARCHITECTURE (900 AD - 1150 AD)
• The capital of the Chola dynasty was the city of Thanjavur
from 836 AD – 1267 AD
• The great temple of Thanjavur was founded by Rajaraja I
• The Cholas ruled the Deccan and emerged victorious among
many other kingdoms such as Pallavas, Pandyas, Chalukyas,
Rashtrakutas
• They advanced as far as Bengal, Sri Lanka, Java, Sumatra and
had trade links as far as Indonesia
• Their military and economic power was reflected in the grand
architectural productions under this period at Thanjavur,
Gangaikondacholapuram, Dharasuram and Tribhuvanam
Gangaikondacholapuram Temple Airateswara Temple
Kampaharesvara temple

Typical Features :
• The temples are of modest proportions
• Built entirely of stone
• Egs. At Pudukottai- Sundareswara at Tirukattalai,
Vijayalaya at Nartamalai
• These show the Dravidian style in its formative stages
• Use of well dressed granite
• Pallavan influence observed in the vimana - similar to
the rathas
• Similarities to the Chalukyan in shape of the domical
finial of the shikhara, which is similar to bldgs at
Patadakkal.
• Treatment - simplification of the exteriors compared
to the Pallavas with elimination of the details.
• Absence of the lion motif and pillar.
• The capital is modified to by addition of a neck
moulding padmabandham and the pot kalasa. The
Palagai is expanded to combine the Idaie underneath.
Pudukottai Temple
Vijayalaya Temple

Brihadeeswara Temple
Thanjavur – 1000 AD

• The Brihadeeswara Temple at Tanjavur was
constructed around 1000 AD
• The largest, highest and most ambitious project at its
time – a landmark in the evolution of South Indian
Architecture
• Superb architectural treatment and Proportions
• The main structure is 180’ long above which is the
tower 190’ high
Planning:
• Dedicated to Shiva Surrounded by 2 walled precincts,
• The first one measures 270m x 140 m consisting of a
high wall running along the banks of the river Kaveri.
• The 2nd wall consists of a portico with a double row
of pillars, measures 150m x 75m.
• The Temple is entered through.
• The perimeter wall forms a rectangular cloister which
could be divided into 2 squares.

• The Garbagriha is a mere 5m square
surrounded by a thick wall with a narrow
corridor.
• Axial planning.
• The main cella is preceded by 2
hypostyle halls and a narrow vestibule
• The center of the 1st square contains the Nandi Pavilion and the 2nd
contains the Cella
• Over the cella is the main Gopuram 60m high and 15m at its base
• Entered through a
pillared portico on the
west.

Components of Vimana:
The main Vimana is a huge solid block on the
western end consisting of 3 parts:
Square vertical base
Tall tapering body
Domical finial
Vertical base:
Square of 82’ rising to a ht. of 50’
The square vertical base rises for 2 stories to
accommodate the Linga which was increased
in ht.
An upper gallery was hence added creating a
2nd storey, with the 2 levels of the tower
receiving the same treatment
Pyramidal portion:
13 diminishing stories until the width of the
apex is 1/3 base

Cupola:
On the square platform stands the cupola, the
inward curve of the neck breaking the rigid
outlines of the composition
• The hollow interior of the vimana, a view
from below. Built of interlocking stones
without any binding material, the vimana
has not developed a crack or tilted even a
few centimetres in all these years despite
six earthquakes.

• The basic unit of the temple's layout, was taken from the main
deity, the linga itself. The inner sanctum, the height of the
vimana
• the intermediate space between the vimana and the cloistered
enclosure and the distance to the two gateways were all
proportionate to the linga in a remarkable way. For instance,
the height of the vimana is exactly twice the width of the
outer base of the adhistana (plinth) of the sanctum. “The
mathematical calculations were advanced to a great extent at
the time of Rajaraja Chola.”

Architectural treatment:
Vertical face:
• The wall is divided into 2 stories by means of an
overhanging cornice which is the only horizontal
member
• Contains pilasters and niches with sculptures
• In the middle of each recess is a figure subject
• The mastery of the sculptors is seen in the
Dvarapalas which stand guard at the gate
• The entire periphery of the temple base consists of
mythical animals – lions
Pyramidal roof:
• The surfaces are adorned with the horizontal lines
of the diminishing tiers
• The Cupola at the summit is contrasted with the
niches on all the 4 sides

Brihadeeswara Temple Thanjavur – 1000 AD
The key inscription on the base of the
Vimana where Rajaraja Chola says he built
the stone temple and records the gifts that
he, his sister, his queens and others gave
the temple.
Pichard called the Vimana an “Architectural
Audacity”.

Brihadeeswara Temple Thanjavur – 1000 AD
• Brihadeeswarar Temple has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the list of
‘Great Living Chola Temples’.
• An approximate of 130,000 tons of granite was used in the formation of this temple.
• The holy shrine has a temple tower (vimana) that is built at a height of 216 feet. Being the
tallest in the world. ‘Gopuras’ or the two gateways are located at the eastern entrance of the
temple.
• The temple’s entrance has a large statue of Nandi (sacred bull) that measures about 16 feet in
length and 13 feet in height. This statue has been carved out of a single stone.

Brihadeeswara Temple Thanjavur –
1000 AD
• Kumbam’ is the topmost component of the holy shrine and weighs about 60 tons. It has
been also carved out from a single granite stone.
• The exterior part on the other end is decorated with sculptures. There are 250 lingams in
the entire temple compound.
• This famous sanctuary is made up of a pillared hall and an assembly hall which is known as
mandapas and many sub-shrines

1000 AD
• Kumbam’ is the topmost component of the holy shrine and weighs about 60 tons. It has
been also carved out from a single granite stone.
• The exterior part on the other end is decorated with sculptures. There are 250 lingams in
the entire temple compound.
• This famous sanctuary is made up of a pillared hall and an assembly hall which is known as
mandapas and many sub-shrines
Subrahmanyar shrine in the north part of
the courtyard

1000 AD
• The inner part of the mandapas is highly significant and is divided into various categories with
the help of sculptures and pilasters.
• Being a masterpiece in itself, the shadow of the tower over the gateway of the shrine never
falls on the ground, more significantly in the premises of the temple.
Separate Ganesha shrine with temple
corridor in the back
Chandeshvara shrine. On right is the
wall of main temple, in back the eastern
gopuram.

Temples that have built during the period of
Chola
•Brihadisvara Temple At Thanjavur
•The Temple Of Gangaikonda Cholapuram
•The Airavatesvara Temple At Darasuram
•Vijayala-Cholesvaram
•Ayikudi Balasubramanya Swami Temple
•Nageswaraswamy Temple
•Moovar Koil
•Koranganatha
•Valisvara Temple
•Kampaheswarar Temple

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