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Temple at Udaygiri, Sanchi
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Early Influences
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Influenced by early Buddhist structures such as the stupas, the first Hindu temples were built from rock‐cut caves
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The first materials used were constructed with features such as towers and projecting niches
The first materials used were wood and terracotta, but architects gradually moved on to brick and stone especially
sandstone granite marble
sandstone, granite, marble
No mortar was used in the older temples and so precise cutting of stones was required.
GUPTA PERIOD
Introduction –
• Chandraguptha was the founder of imperial Gupta dynasty, who reigned only for 10 years. His kingdom included
the current Bihar, Part of Bengal and Ganges plain. His son Samudraguptha extended the kingdom to distant parts
of India. His son Chandraguptha II conquered Sakas, Afghanisthan and made the empire more powerful.
• The Guptas conquered the whole North India by 4th century AD.
• They reigned for almost two centuries and under their rule the country was peaceful, prosperous and united.
• They believed in brahmanical aspects and gave encouragement to the revival of Hinduism. Art, science and
literature reached its peak in Gupta period.
• This period of their reign was rightly termed as ‘golden age’ of Indian art and culture.
• Their ideals were of great inspiration to the generations even long after the empire perished. The formation of
their principles of architecture, painting and sculpture took place in this period only .
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GUPTA PERIOD
Planning Aspects –
• Hindu temples were not meant for large congregation worship. This is because they worshipped natural forces,
which required an altar, roofed with timber posts and beams and covered with matted reeds. Later they were
influenced by Mahayana Buddhists which encouraged image worship Hence deity worship in the form of
influenced by Mahayana Buddhists, which encouraged image worship. Hence deity worship in the form of
statue was also commenced in Hindu temples. Hindu shrines were small cells to house the statue. All other
rituals were carried out in the open air itself. The earliest of Hindu shrines are once again rock cut caves at
Udayagiri near Sanchi.
• Gupta temples can be classified in to three groups.
1. Square and flat roofed garbhagriha with a shallow porch in the front as a mantapa
2. With covered ambulatory passage around the garbhagriha.
3. With short shikhara built on top of garbhagriha.
3. With short shikhara built on top of garbhagriha.
Distinctive features of the
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Early Gupta Temples –
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•Flat roof and pillared portico
•The shape of the pillars and capitals
•The treatment of the inter‐columnation
•The system of continuing architrave as
a string‐course round the entire building
•The design of the doorway
Distinctive features of the Early Gupta Columns –
•A massive abacus surmounted by a device
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Of lions
•A capital resembling a broad
•conventional vase
•A short shaft of many sides
•A plain square pedestal
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GUPTA PERIOD
Ornamentation and Visual Aspects –
• Guptha temples varied in types and forms as a result of creative experimentation. The columns were square
and plain at the base looking like a pedestal up to 1/3 of the column. The square column later changed to
8 sided and further to 16 sided. It ended with a conventional broad vase capital. A lion finial was provided over
the abacus.
• The column spacing between the central pillars was made wider while the spacing of end columns was
narrower, a typical feature of Gupta style. The architrave surrounded the whole building as a string course.
• In almost all the Guptha temples rich sculptures were carved around the doorway, flanked by carved panels.
The lintel extends on the top of the doorway, reminiscent of wooden construction, which was lightly
decorated.
• In brick temples the surface was smoothened to get an unbroken surface which was later carved. Imitations of
window with patterns like latticework were also done
.• Shikhara development was also started in this period only.. In Dashavathara temple (Brick Temple at
Bhitargaon) we see a fully developed shikhara over garbhagriha by the end of Guptha period.
• Shikharas were built even in brick temples.
Early Temple at Udaygiri, Bhopal (AD 300‐400)
A cave and attached portico at Udaiagiri. True to Indian tradition, the earliest place of Hindu worship was a dark cubic space
A cave and attached portico at Udaiagiri. True to Indian tradition, the earliest place of Hindu worship was a dark cubic space
carved out of living rock.
Early (Gupta) Temple at Sanchi
Early Temple at Tigawa, Jabbalpur
Brick Temple of Bhitargaon (called as Dashavathara temple )
In plan this brick temple at Bhitargaon consist of a
1. Garbhagriha
2. Entrance Portico
BRICK TEMPLE AT BHITARGAON
• The triratha type of plan began in Guptha
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temples. The Dashavathara temple and brick temple at Bhithargaon was good examples
for triratha plan.
• Other types of temples with octagonal plan or circular plan were also built during this period.
• Many shrines were built with chaitya plans. Some chaitya
• Many shrines were built with chaitya plans Some chaitya hall itself were converted in to Hindu
hall itself were converted in to Hindu
shrines like the one at Ter and Chajarla.
• The regular building of structural temples in the brick and dressed stone started in the reign of
Imperial Gupthas.
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• The use of dressed stone in building construction was a significant innovation made in the field of
architecture.
• Hence the architects had to face fresh problems of stability, proportion and balance that arose
from the usage of stone Many temples were built with dry wall masonry using dressed stones with
from the usage of stone. Many temples were built with dry wall masonry using dressed stones with
out mortar joints.
• Bricks were also used in temple construction in this period, like one at Bhitargaon and Lakshmana
temple at Sirpur. Brick arches were used with radiating bricks over openings. Shikharas were also
built using bricks.
Deogarh (Dashavatara) Temple, near Jhansi (6
th Century)
Deogarh Temple Plan
DASHAVATARA TEMPLE, DEOGARH
• This is an example for the final phase of the basic Hindu temple, which was built at the end of
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Guptha period.
• It is earliest known example of shikhara over garbhagriha. The whole temple is elevated by a
square platform 1.5m high with steps in the middle of each side.
• The cella walls are carved with high relief sculptures
• The cella walls are carved with high relief sculptures.
• The doorway is so highly decorated that the projection of the lintel is almost hidden.
• The plan has a square cella, measuring 5.15m each side with projections on three sides and
vestibule in the front. The projections are pillared porticoes with typical Guptha
p j p p yp p intercolumnation
• The triratha projections have sculptured panels framed between richly carved pilasters
topped by architrave. The main doorway is also equally decorated with pilasters, architrave
displaying chaitya motifs, leafy scrolls and lion heads.
• The shikhara might have reached 12m height since exact figure can not be given because of its
• . The shikhara might have reached 12m height, since exact figure can not be given because of its
ruined condition. The shikhara was supposed to be straight edged with diminishing tiers of stone
courses. The finial is missing, which was an amalaka
• The continuos frieze around the platform are carved with scenes from Ramayana.
• Though this temple is ruined, there are proofs to show excellence in architectural composition,
technical skill and elegant sculptural ornamentation.
Source – Percy Brown, Indian Architecture (Buddhist and
Hindu)
Experiments at Aihole
EARLY CHALUKAN PHASE – AIHOLE, BADAMI & PATTADAKAL (AD 600 – 750).
Introduction –
• AIHOLE IN DHARWAR – One of the cradles of Indian Temple Architecture. Capital of Chalukyan
dynasty (5th – 6th century AD). Most of these temples are flat roofed.
• Primitive with shrine inside the body of building. Later on tower added above to distinguish this
P i iti ith h i i id th b d f b ildi L t t dd d b t di ti i h thi
building from other buildings.
• Later shrine or cells was in a structure projected from west end of temple and
surrounded by tower.
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• Thus the sanctuary became a kind of annex and shrine + tower = vimana.
• Earliest shikara was an early phase of tower like a stepped pyramid, truncated and crowned by a
ribbed stone – series of mouldings or courses of masonry of very simple order diminishing as they
ascend) –
d) Durga
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Temple.
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EARLY CHALUKAN PHASE – AIHOLE, BADAMI & PATTADAKAL (AD 600 – 750).
Planning –
• Since the Chalukyan monarchs were liberal patrons of art, architecture and sculpture, the
architectural style of that period was unique. Hence it is well known as Chalukyan style.
• The Chalukyan
Th Ch l k architecture can be broadly classified in to rock cut and structural buildings. The
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rock cut caves are mainly located at Aihole and Badami.
• More than the exterior decorations, dimensions or planning, the interiors are rich with
sculptures. Also the bright sunlight outside is a strong contrast to the Interior.
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• Since the temple plans were still under experimentation stages there was no definite type as
such. The temples at Aihole are so many in numbers and at the same time different from each
other. This indicates that the period was in the experiment stage as for as temple plan was
concerned d
• Hence as for as planning aspects are concerned, it can be concluded that the Chalukyas tried
different types of styles at a single place. The temples constructed served as a model for the
future temple plans for both North (Indo aryan) and South Indian (Dravidian) styles.
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EARLY CHALUKAN PHASE – AIHOLE, BADAMI & PATTADAKAL (AD 600 – 750).
Visual Aspects –
• During Chalukyan period the temples were still under experimental stage and only
during the last phase a definite shape has been evolved.
• The simple forms were adopted to get an elegant structure. Hence in the beginning the timber
Th i l f d t dt t l t t t H i th b i i th ti b
influence was more as in Ladkhan temple, which is nothing but a
stone imitation of a village assembly hall (santagara) built in wood.
• The pilasters (single, double or triple), carved windows, extensive use of Kutas, Salas, chaitya
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arches, typical Chalukyan columns, sculptured interiors etc were the salient features.
• Figure sculptures were extensively used in all temples including the rock cut architecture.
• Carved stone jali was also a common feature in the temples. Normally the pillars had plain
square shafts with bracket capitals.
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• Cushion capital with open flower abacus upholds the bracket. Similar capital form with minor
variations was used in most of the Dravidian temples.
• Some pillars had figure sculptures too.
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• The local sand stone used was good for masonry as well as for ornamental
purposes.
• They gave special effects to their building during sun set and in moonlight.
EARLY CHALUKAN PHASE – AIHOLE, BADAMI & PATTADAKAL (AD 600 – 750).
Construction Techniques –
• Chalukyas were expert both in rock cut as well as structural buildings.
• The locally available sand stone of fine grain and quality was the major material for their
construction. They were helpful not only as large blocks but also for decorate sculptures.
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• Flat roof was used extensively by using large stone slabs.
• In Ladkhan temple the shallow sloping slabs are arranged in two tiers. Long and narrow strips
covering their entire length, protect the joints of these slabs. This system adopted from timber
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construction was continued for a long period.
• For the walls large stone blocks were used with out mortar.
• The thickness of the wall, pillar size etc was much more than the required thickness and thus
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they gave more importance for safety.
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• Gradually at other stages the thickness was reduced and the columns became thinner and
ornamental.
• The sloping roofs were commonly used in two levels almost a sort of clear storey but not exactly
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with a clear storey window.
The Lad Khan Temple, Aihole (mid 5th Century)
LADKHAN TEMPLE
• It is a niradhara type with a square mantapa
yp q p like structure.
• It has a Garbhagriha located at the end of the square hall.
• There was no pradakshina patha.
• In the centre amidst the 4 pillars Nandi was placed.
• These pillars raised above to the upper floor for a small cell, a first instance or a cue for the
These pillars raised above to the upper floor for a small cell a first instance or a cue for the
development of a shikhara The whole building is influenced by the village assembly hall or
santagara. It is a stone prototype of a wooden structure.
• Even rock cut architecture influence can be seen at many places. The whole temple is raised over
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a moulded Adhishtana.
• Even though exterior is very simple with least ornamentation, but with stone screens between
pilasters along north and south walls.
• Each jali
Each jali has been carved out of a single massive stone. The wall behind the garbhagriha
has been carved out of a single massive stone The wall behind the garbhagriha is solid.
is solid
• The main structure has shallow pyramidal roofs in three tiers with a sort of clear storey space
between them.
• The central flat portion above Nandi shrine has been modified by adding or trying a square
shikhara like structure at a later date.
• Probably this was the first instance of experimenting a shikhara for a temple.
• The porch too has a flat roof and shallow sloping roof slightly at a lower level for the rest.
• The pillars have massive square shaft with bracket capitals.
The pillars have massive square shaft with bracket capitals
• Only the corner columns of the main structure have cushion capitals with 4 brackets above.
The Durga Temple, Aihole (6
th Century)
CONJECTURAL
3 2 1 LEGEND
1. Entrance
2 Mandapa
2.
3. Garbha griha
DURGA TEMPLE
• Earliest Shikara.
• Straight sided elongated pyramid.
• A large ribbed stone (now lying below).
• Hindu tower on an apsidal structure (derived from Buddhist Chaitya hall).
• Indo Aryan style (mostly)
• Indo Aryan style (mostly).
• In contrast to Ladkhan temple Durga temple is a Gajaprishtakriti in plan i.e. an apsidal end
resembling a chaitya.
• It is also raised on an Adhishtana (platform).
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• The plan has a garbhagriha with a pradakshina patha.
• The sabha mantapa has nave and aisles like a chaitya.
• Even though it resembles Buddhist Chaitya in plan it has got different features in the structural
aspects The barrel vault of Chaitya is replaced here with flat stone slab roof in two tiers.
aspects. The barrel vault of Chaitya is replaced here with flat stone slab roof in two tiers
• The roof above the open corridor all round the temple has a shallow slope. The whole temple
stands over a moulded adhisthana.
• The pillars have square shaft with bracket capital. Many decorated figure sculptures can be seen
over pillars, piers etc.
• The wall around pradakshina patha has stone jali work and between these jaalis beautiful
sculptures adorn the niches.
• Over garbhagriha a square pyramid shikhara has been tried out at later stage which is not
• Over garbhagriha a square pyramid shikhara has been tried out at later stage, which is not
harmonious with the rest of the structure.
Source – Percy Brown, Indian Architecture (Buddhist and
Hindu)
Experiments at Badami
Cave 3 Cave 4
Badami Shivalaya, Bagalkot District
Upper ‐ Shivalaya Lower ‐ Shivalaya
Temple at Badami Lad Khan Temple, Aihole
Sectional view of Typical framework
Badami temple for Bamboo Shelters
A typical Santhagar Lad Khan Temple,
Aihole
Reference –
2. Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu) – Percy Brown
Chapter IX – Buildings in Brick
Chapter X – The Gupta Period (c. AD 350 – 650)
Chapter XI – Chalukyan Architecture: Its beginnings at Aihole and Badami (c. 450 AD to c. 650 AD)