The document provides an overview of Vijayanagar architecture in Tamil Nadu from the 14th to 18th centuries. It discusses the historical background of the Vijayanagar Empire and its four ruling dynasties. It then summarizes the main phases and characteristics of Vijayanagar architecture, highlighting elaborate temple structures, gopuras, and mandapas constructed during this period. Numerous examples of important Vijayanagar architectural sites in Tamil Nadu are described in detail, including temples in Kanchipuram, Vellore, Virinchipuram, Thiruvannamalai, Chidambaram, Thanjavur, Srirangam, Madurai, and Srivilliputtur. The

1. Vijayanagar Architecture
By
Dr. S. Kannan, Asst. Prof. of History, Annamalai University,
Deputed to Raja Doraisingam Govt. Arts College, Sivagangai

2. Introduction
• In Tamil Nadu, the Pallavas, Pandyas and Cholas laid down a
rich architectural tradition for about nine centuries ( from 6th
to 14th century A.D.). Their architecture and sculpture
expressed simplicity and liveliness.
• Remarkable changes in the treatment and execution of
architecture, sculpture and painting took place in the
succeeding Vijayanagar and Nayak periods (from 15th to 18th
century A.D.).
• This lecture highlights the main features of the Vijayanagar
architecture in Tamil Nadu. It will discuss the elaboration ,
ornamentation, exuberance, magnificence and brilliance of
the Vijayanagar architectural vestiges in Tamil Nadu.

3. Historical Background
• Harihara and Bukka were treasury officials under Kakkatiyas of
Warrangal.
• When Warrangal kingdom was attacked by the forces of Delhi
Sultanate, both took service under the Petti Raya of Anegundi
or Kampili.
• The defeat of the Kakkathiyas, Anegundi principality and the
Hoysalas left a political vacuum in Kanada and Andhra regions.
• Harihara and Bukka with help of Vijayanagar kingdom on the
southern bank of the river Tungabadra in 1336 A.D. with
Hampi as its capital with a sole aim of saving the region form
the onslaught of Islam.

4. Historical Background
Four dynasties of the Empire
Sangama
(period of
emergence)
Harihara , Bukka, Kumara
Kamphana and Devaraya II
(1432-1446)
Saluva
(period of
consolidation)
Saluva Narasimha
Tuluva
(period of
climax and
downfall)
Vira Narasimha (1505 – 1509),
Krishna Devaraya (1509 – 1529),
Achyuta Raya, Sadasiva Raya
(Regent Rama Raya) – Battle of
Talaikotta 1565 A.D.
Aravidu
(period of
emergence of
successor
states and
their
supremacy)
Tirumala, Venkata I, Sri Ranga III
(1642 – 1649) lived till 1672

5. Phases of Vijayanagar Architecture
Early Phase (1336-1500 A.D)
(Sangama & Saluva periods)
• Activities more on the northern regions of the empire.
• Major centres of architecture – Hampi, Thirupathi, Thirumalai
and Melkotta.
• Regional architectural style - later Chalukya and Hoysala.
• Moderate temples were constructed.
• In Tamil Nadu, Varadhamana temple, Kanchipuram-
Sangeetha mandapa – built by Irugappa in 1387-88 A.D. and
brick superstructure over the entrance gopura was also the
work of Irugappa.

6. Phases of Vijayanagar Architecture
Middle Phase (1509-1565 A.D.)
(Tuluva period )
• Vijayanagar empire as well as its architecture reached zenith of its
power and glory.
• Largest and most splendid temples, gopuras and mandapas were
built.
• Mixed style.
• Major centres of architecture
Hampi (Virupaksha, Krishna, Hazara Rama, Vittala temples)
Hospet (Anantasayana temple)
Lepakshi (Virabhadra temple)
• In Tamil Nadu, goddess shrine and Thiruvoymoli mandapa of the
Parathasarathy temple, Chennai – gopuras at Kanchipuram,
Chidambaram, Srirangam, Madurai, etc. –temples and mandapas
at various places in the region stretching from Sriperumpudur to
Kanyakumari.

7. Phases of Vijayanagar Architecture
Late Phase (1550-1736 A.D.)
(Aravidu period 1565-1650 A.D. & Nayak period 1550-1736 A.D)
• Vijayanagar architecture witnessed declining trend in quantity and
quality.
• Viceroys (Nayaks) became prominent in power and patronage.
• Mainly corresponds with the Nayak architecture.
• Major centres of architecture
Sriperumpudur Kanchipuram Vellore
Virinchipuram Thiruvannamalai Senji
Chidambaram Srimushnam Kumbakonam
Thanjavur Srirangam Madurai
Srivilliputtur Tirunelveli

8. Chief Characteristics of Vijayanagar Architecture
• Known for their magnificence, vast size and ornamental
exuberance.
• Stupendous fortification, magnificent city planning, impressive
military establishments.
• Introduction of new forms and popular themes besides
continuing and elaborating the already existing one.
• Mixed style
Northern dominions – architectural traditions of later Chalukyas
and Hoysalas
Southern dominions – architectural traditions of Cholas and
Pandyas.

9. Chief Characteristics of Vijayanagar Architecture
• Bold emphasis on stately gopuras.
• Ornamental spacious mandapas (pavilions) with tall columns.
• Special attention on the outer premises of the temples also.
• Ornamental pavilions such as
Kalyana mandapa Unjal mandapa Vasantha mandapa
Vahana mandapa Ranga mandapa Kannadi mandapa
• Use of hard granite stone instead of soft stone used by
Kakkatiyas and Hoysalas in Kannada region.
• Southern tradition is followed in gopura and mandapa.
• Northern tradition is adopted in the sculptural themes and
decorative motifs, but the intricate carving and delicate
fineness are missing because of hard medium.

10. Gems of Vijayanagar Architecture
Virupaksha Temple, Hampi
Gopura and mandapa

11. Gems of Vijayanagar Architecture
Krishna Temple, Hampi
Mandapa

12. Gems of Vijayanagar Architecture
Hazara Rama Temple, Hampi
Vimana and mandapa

13. Gems of Vijayanagar Architecture
Vittala Temple, Hampi
Stone chariot

14. Gems of Vijayanagar Architecture
Vittala Temple, Hampi
Mandapa and composite pillars

15. Gems of Vijayanagar Architecture
Ananthasayana Temple, Hospet
Front view

16. Gems of Vijayanagar Architecture
Virabhadra Temple, Lepakshi
Vimana

17. Gems of Vijayanagar Architecture
Virabhadra Temple, Lepakshi
Entrance mandapa

18. Ekambaranatha Temple, Kanchipuram
Front view of the gopura

19. Ekambaranatha Temple, Kanchipuram
Water tank and gopuras

20. Ekambaranatha Temple, Kanchipuram
Pillared corridor

21. Ekambaranatha Temple, Kanchipuram
Interior of kalyana mandapa

22. Varadaraja Temple, Kanchipuram
Front view of gopura

23. Varadaraja Temple, Kanchipuram
Four pillared mandapa and kalyana mandapa in the outer prakara

24. Varadaraja Temple, Kanchipuram
Kalyana mandapa Stone chain

25. Varadaraja Temple, Kanchipuram
Interior of kalyana mandapa

26. Varadaraja Temple, Kanchipuram
Warrior mounted horse pillars in kalyana mandapa

27. Jalakandesvara Temple, Vellore
View of Vellore fort and gopura in the backdrop

28. Jalakandesvara Temple, Vellore
Gopura

29. Jalakandesvara Temple, Vellore
Kalyana mandapa

30. Jalakandesvara Temple, Vellore
Yali pillar in kalyana mandapa

31. Margabandhu Temple, Virinchipuram
Kalyana mandapa

32. Margabandhu Temple, Virinchipuram
Warrior mounted horse pillars in kalyana mandapa

33. Venkataramana Temple, Senji
Aerial view

34. Venkataramana Temple, Senji
Interior of kalyana mandapa

35. Ranganatha Temple at Top Hill, Senji
View of temple and mukamandapa

36. Arunachalesvara Temple, Thiruvannamalai
Aerial view

37. Arunachalesvara Temple, Thiruvannamalai
Front view of the gopura

38. Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram
Rear view and profile of northern gopura

39. Bhuvaraha Temple, Srimushnam
Mandapa with ornated ceiling

40. Subramanya Shrine , Big Temple, Thanjavur
Southern view

41. Nandhi Mandapa , Big Temple, Thanjavur
Front view

42. SriranganathaTemple, Srirangam
Fornt view of south outermost gopura

43. SriranganathaTemple, Srirangam
Horse court (Shesharaya mandapa)

44. SriranganathaTemple, Srirangam
Close view of horse pillars in Shesharaya mandapa

45. Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai
Aerial view South gopura

46. Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai
1000 Pillared mandapa in day light

47. Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai
Aerial view South gopura
1000 Pillared mandapa in night light

48. Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai
Sculpted pillar in 1000 pillared mandapa

49. Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai
Front and inside view of pudhumandapa in front of Meenakshi Amman temple

50. Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai
Musical pillars in Meenakshi Amman temple (near northern gopura)

51. Teppakulam, Madurai
Overall view

52. Kudal Alagar Temple, Madurai
Southern view

53. Kudal Alagar Temple, Madurai
Eastern view of the vimana in the night

54. Kallalagar Temple, Alagarkoyil, Madurai
Front view of kalyana mandapa

55. Kallalagar Temple, Alagarkoyil, Madurai
Interior of kalyana mandapa

56. Subramanya Temple, Thiruparankundram, Madurai
Front view of gopura (post – Nayak) Entrance of mukamandapa

57. Vatapatrashayi Temple, Srivilliputtur
Front view

58. Andal Temple, Srivilliputtur
Sculpted pillars of entrance mandapa

59. Contributors on Vijayanagara Art
George Michell (Australia) Anna L Dallapiccola (Italy)
K V Raman (India)John M Fritz (USA) B A Saletore (India)

60. “Men may come and men may go; but I go on for ever” – A.L.Tennyson
Thank You
Indian postage stamp issued in commemoration of Krishnadevaraya