The document discusses the evolution of Dravidian architecture under different South Indian dynasties. It focuses on architecture during the Chola period from 900-1150 AD. The Cholas developed Dravidian temple architecture to near perfection, building two magnificent temples at Tanjore and Gangaikonda Cholapuram in the early 11th century. The greatest of these was the Brihadeshwara Temple at Tanjore built by Raja Raja Chola I in 1010 AD, which remains a symbol of Chola greatness due to its massive scale and fine sculptural details.

1. EVOLUTION OF DRAVIDIAN
ARCHITECTURE
CHOLAS
(AD 900 - 1150)
PANDYAS
(AD 1100 – 1350)
VIJAYANAGAR
(AD 1350 - 1565)
MADURA
(AD 1600 -)
Imperial Chola rulers of Tanjore
developed the Dravidian style of
temple architecture almost to
perfection.
PALLAVAS
(AD 600 – 900

2. DRAVIDIAN ARCHITECTURE UNDER
CHOLAS(900-1150 AD)
•The two magnificent temples at Tanjore and Gangaikonda Cholapuram
in Tiruchirapalli District built in early 11th century A.D. show the best of
Chola art.
•The cholas desired something granduer in conception to immortalise
their glory.
•Raja Raja Chola built brihadeshwara temple, Tanjore. The size of the
temple was huge and the tower itself 190ft high. It is the greatest step
taken by Rajaraja chola in the evolution of temple architecture in the
south.
•Rajendra Chola built a temple at GangaiKonda Cholapuram which is
also equally famous. King Rajendra Chola added credit to the Chola art
and architecture.
• King Kulothunga I built a temple for Sun God at Kumbakonam. This
temple is first of its kind in the south Indian architecture. Rajaraja II built
Airavatheeswarar temple at Dharasuram.

3. BRIHADESWARA TEMPLE, TANJORE
An artist’s sketch of Vimana and mandapa of
Brihadeshwara temple

4. •The Brihadeswara or Rajarajeswara Temple of Shiva in Tanjore built by Rajaraja Chola in
1010 A.D. is the largest and highest of Chola temples and stands as a symbol of Chola
greatness.

5. Plan of Brihadeshwara temple, Tanjore
GARBHAGRIHA
PRADAKSHINAPATH
ANTHARALA
PILLARED MANDAPA 1
PILLARED MANDAPA 2
ARDHAMANTAPA/
PILLARED PORCH
GOPURAM
NANDI
PAVILION
PRAKARA
N
E

6. Plan of Brihadeshwara temple
Section of Brihadeshwara temple

7. Section of Brihadeshwara temple

9. View of Brihadeshwara temple, Tanjore

10. Nandi, Brihadeshwara temple, Tanjore

11. Pillars , Brihadeshwara temple, Tanjore

12. BRIHADESWARA TEMPLE, GANGAIKONDACHOLAPURAM
•The temple Shiva at Gangaikonda Cholapuram built by Rajendra 1 Chola (1018
to 1033 A.D.) is another line piece of temple architecture.
• Massive grandeur and huge structures decorated with minute sculptures are
characteristics of Chola art.
Plan of Brihadeshwara temple, Gangaikondacholapuram

13. Plan of Brihadeshwara temple, Gangaikondacholapuram

14. Brihadeshwara temple, Gangaikondacholapuram

15. Comparision of temples at Tanjavur, Gangaikondacholapuram
and Darasuram