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Dravidian Architecture: (600AD-1000AD) Hindu Temple Architecture

The document summarizes the key elements and styles of Dravidian architecture found in southern India between 600-1000 AD. It describes the main characteristics as pyramid shaped towers, use of stone, and influence of empires like Chola and Pallava. The styles are divided into Pallava known for rock cut temples, Chola with large gopurams and monolithic towers, Nayaka with intricate carvings and corridors, and Vijaynagara known for high decoration and geometric patterns. Dravidian architecture is characterized by temples serving as centers of learning with fine artwork.

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Shashwat Gupta
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1K views15 pages

Dravidian Architecture: (600AD-1000AD) Hindu Temple Architecture

The document summarizes the key elements and styles of Dravidian architecture found in southern India between 600-1000 AD. It describes the main characteristics as pyramid shaped towers, use of stone, and influence of empires like Chola and Pallava. The styles are divided into Pallava known for rock cut temples, Chola with large gopurams and monolithic towers, Nayaka with intricate carvings and corridors, and Vijaynagara known for high decoration and geometric patterns. Dravidian architecture is characterized by temples serving as centers of learning with fine artwork.

Uploaded by

Shashwat Gupta
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Dravidian

Architecture
(600AD- 1000AD)
Hindu Temple Architecture
The Dravidian Architectural style is associated
with the temples of southern India or Deccan.
Elements of Dravidian
Architecture
• It consist primarily of temple with pyramid shaped tower.
• Main materials were sandstone, soap stone or granite.
• Constructed on the concept of vastu shastra.
• Most of existing structure are located in the Indian state of
tamilnadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh.
• It has influence of many kingdom and empires ex. Chola, pandayas,
pallavas etc.
• These kingdom impacted on their architectural style.
Elements of Dravidian
Architecture
• It has developed into its own form and traditions.
• Temples were not only place of worship but also used as a
center of learning, for many rituals, dances, dramas.
• Dravidian were the fine crafts man.
• Elegant temples.
• Highly ornamented and fine art work in each and every
part of temple.
Elements of Dravidian
Architecture
• There were two type of monument structure
a. Rock cut monuments
b. Structural monuments
Architectural elements

a. Pyramidal elevation consists multiplication of storey


after storey slightly reduced than the one below and
ending in a domical member technically known as stupi
or stupica.
Architectural elements
Storey in later period became compressed so much so that
they are almost hidden under a profusion of details which
ultimately became characteristics of the subsequent
elevation of the style.
Architectural elements
b. In plan, the Dravidian temples presents a square chamber as a
sanctum cell within the square enclosure serving as the pradakishna
path.
c. Pillared hall and corridors.
d. Gopurams ( entrance gateways).
e. Temple has more than four sides in the sanctum.
f. Tower/ vimana of these temples are in pyramidal shape.
g. Pilaster, pillars are widely used in this architectural style.
Architectural elements
 Dedicated pavilions ex. Shiva temples have dedicated mandapa of
‘nandi’ , Vishnu temples have ‘garuda Mandap’.
 Enclosed compound wall , best example- kailashnath temple,
kanchi.
 Subdivision of Dravidian temple-
 Square, rectangular, elliptical, octagonal, circular.
 Entrance gateway in center in each four side.
 Crowning element on the top of vimana.
Architectural elements
 Cupota ( amalaka/kalash of north indian temple).
 Sculpture of dwarpala/ door keepers on entrance.
 Large water reservoir (in center)
 Subsidiary shrines incorporated with temples.
 Multi shikhara.
Dravidian architecture is subdivided into four
styles
a. Pallava
b. Chola
c. Nayaka
d. Vijay Nagara
Pallava style architecture

a. Oldest dynasty
b. Andhra region
c. 2nd century onwards flourished in tamilnadu also
d. Rock cut building.

Pallavas are further divided into few groups


• Mahendravarman (temples were known as mandapas,
simple rock cut)
• Narsimhavarman ( rock cut with intricate sculpture,
monolithic rocks, different rathas of mandapa)
Biggest ratha- dharmaraja, smallest- draupadi ratha
• Simhavarman- real temple structure ex, shore temple
mahabalipuram
• Nandivarman- small size temples ex. Mukteshwar
temple.

Chola Temples style


100 temples
Extanded version of pallava style architecture
Immense gopuram
Shiva were the main diety
Monolithic shikhara.
Nayaka Architecture

a. 16th century- 18th century


b. Intricate carvings
c. Huge corridors largest
d. Gopurams ex meenakshi temple

Vijay Nagara
a. Highly decorated
b. Carvings and geometrical patterns
c. Higher enclosure walls

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