FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE AND

PLANNING,AKTU

Chola Temple
Architecture
900-1150 AD
P R E S E N T E D B Y : -
S U D E E P S R I V A S T A V A
N I V E D I T A S H A R M A
S H I V A M K E S H R I
S H U B H A N G I S O N K A R
V I N I V E R M A
S H I V A M S R I V A S T A V A
U R V A S H I S E T H
S H A I L E S H K U N W A R
S A U R A B H P A T E L
R I Y A V E R M A
R E N U K A S O N I
S R A S H T I G A U T A M
S A U M Y A P A N D E Y
V R I T T I K A
Table of Contents
Topics to be Covered

Temple Theory
Characteristic Features of Chola
Architecture
Comparison between Pallava and
Chola Architecture
Brihadeshwaratemple at Thanjavur
Gangaikonda Cholapuram

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 Introduction
After the Pallavas, Chola dynasty became the main power
of Southern India and emerged victorious among other
kingdoms.
The period of Chola was an age of continuous
improvement of Dravidian art and architecture .
Main site of Chola architecture are Tiruchirapally , Tanjore
, Kumbhakonam .
They built about 2,300 temples in Kaveri belt .
They are small but beautiful Temples .

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ARCHITECTURAL
FEATURES:
A Brief Discussion

Chola temples can be categorized in two groups – Early Temples

and Later Temples; early temples are influenced with Pallava
architecture while later have Chalukya influence.
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 buildings at Patadakkal.
The temples are of modest proportions.
Built entirely of stone.
They show the Dravidian stylt in its formative stages.
Use of well dressed granite.

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ARCHITECTURAL
FEATURES:
A Brief Discussion

Circular and Square Sanctums.

Beautified inner side of the external walls.
Special vimanas on the upper side of the sanctum.
Dome shaped sikhara and kalasa on the top of Gopurams.
Intricate sculptures and inscriptions on the walls of these temples.
Pillared mandapams namely ardha mandapa, maha mandapa
and nandi mandapa.
Treatment-simplification of the exteriors compared to the Pallavas
with elimination of the details absence of the loin motif and pillar.

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 TEMPLE THEORY
The Dravidian temple architecture started by the Pallavas got matured at
the hand of the Cholas. Some prominent features of temple architecture in
the Chola dynasty are enunciated here.

Niche :These are characteristic architectural designs of Chola temples carved in

temple walls.

Devakusthas :These are decorative niches of chola temple walls where deities
are sculpted.

Pilasters :These magnificent architectural designs are carved as projection in

walls with placing of deities within it. The pilasters are positioned in both sides of
the main devakusthas.

Parivardevatas :Besides the main shrine, Chola temples were evidences of

subsidiary shrines for other deities called parivardevatas which were highly
decorative.

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 TEMPLE THEORY
Kudus :These are two lion heads which crowns the curved roof of the pilasters.

Mythical motif: Makar along with warrior heads positions below all the decorative

devices.
Torus: It is a rounded structure placed on the basement of temple sculpture or

motiff sometimes decorated with ribs.

Yazhi :The base of the walls of chola temples are decorated with lines of mythical

animals called yazhi.

Mandapa features : Arthamandapa, nandi mandapa with special decoration are

characteristics of Chola temple architecture.

Kumbhapapanjara and kushtapan: These are narrow niches in chola temple walls

with special design for placing sculpted images.

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 TEMPLE THEORY
Dikapalas :These are some prominent directions transparent in Chola temple with
architectural design for placing of deities.
Inscription :The walls of Chola temples are seen with inscriptions with architectural design.

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 CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF CHOLA
PERIOD :
Size was smaller or modest compared with temples of
previous period .
Most of then are constructed entirely of well dressed
granite stone blocks ,accurately coursed and bonded .
Influence of monolithicrathas of Mamallapuram of earlier
Pallava period is observed on the Vimana.
Influence of early Chalukyan style is seen in the shape of
the domical finial of shikhara , similar to that of temples
of Badami and Pattadakal .
In the exterior , these was simplification of facade .
Decoration was reduced .

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 CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF CHOLA
PERIOD :
The dominating element ,the lion motif of pillars of earlier period is gone . The Chola
Dravidian order had a change in its capital and abacus.
The wall surfaces of the vimana were covered with sculptures . Human figures in full size
are shown in these sculpture . Separate niches are provided for each sculpture of various
deities.
The use of string course as a decorativeelement, containing a row of gryphon heads is
done . This element continues the through later period of Dravidian style .
The lowest portion of vimana Is very interesting , the verticals molding visually support the
massive structure of vimana . It given a sense of stability , its proportions are massive
without being unduly heavy .

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 COMPARASION BETWEEN CHOLAS AND
PALLAVAS ARCHITECTURE:
Yali – Pallava used yali or lion motif at the base of the pillar Chola abandoned it and used yazhi at
base or kudus in other parts of the pillar.
Dwarapala – In pallava architecture dvarapalas are comparatively benign. In chola architecture
dwarapala became fierce with protruding tusk.
Gopuram – The gopurams in pallava dynasties were comparatively dwarfed. But in chola dynasty
they became enlarged with high enclosure walls.
Finial – The finial in Pallavadynasy was a little swelling in the top of the vimana. But in Chola
dynasty it became beautiful vase with artistic design.

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 Comparison between Nagara and Dravidian style
of Temple Architecture
Nagara style of architecture has multiple shikharas, Dravida style adorns one single shikhara.
In Nagara style, the central tower is curvilinear in shape whereas in Dravida style, it is shaped
like a pyramid.
Nagara style does not give much importance to the temple boundaries, and the deities are
kept inside. In the Dravidian style, the temple boundaries are given high importance, and
the deities are kept outside.
In Nagara style, the most prominent element is the Shikhara, In Dravidian Style, the
prominence is shifted towards the Gopuram.
In Nagara style, pedestals are higher than the ground. Pedestals are at ground level in the
Dravidian Style.

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 Brihadeshwara temple at Thanjavur:

It is one of the earliest temple which was largest and

highest , it is landmark in the evolution art building of
south India in terms of architecture ,sculpture, paintings
and bronze casting .
Dedicated to lord Shiva, year of completion 1010C.E. ,
completed with in 6 year
Built by king Rajaraja Chola –I .
The temple stands with in a fort like wall .
It is the largest, highest temple in granite , which is not found
locally but brought from 60m distance.

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 Brihadeshwara temple at Thanjavur:

The inner Prakaram (Courtyard) of temple is 241 meters

long 122 meters wide with a gopuram on east ,three
ordinary torana on other sides . The main structure is 55
meters long and the Sikhara is 60 metres high.

The temple complex is on river banks , a moat around

the fortress like outer wall ,protected the temple
complex .Cloisters encircle on the inner face of the
enclosure wall in which number of smaller shrines are
accommodated .Surrounding the main temple ,
subsidiary shrines were built

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 Brihadeshwara temple at Thanjavur:
The main temple contains several structures
combined axially and placed in the center of
spacious walled inner enclosure (courtyard) from
east to west . The compartments are
Nandi pavilion
Pillared portico (verandah)
Assembly hall (outer mandapa)
Inner Assembly hall ( inner mandapa )
Vestibule Garbhagriha
Front hall has four rows of pillars on either side
,closely set and the inner hall has three rows of
pillars . Vestibule is opened on either side having
steps down to the outer court . Beyond the
vestibule is the sanctum the Garbhagriha.

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 Brihadeshwara temple at Thanjavur:
The pradakshina path moves around the
garbhagruha and is repeated in the upper
storey .

Garbhagruha is a square ,sits on plinth, its

location is calculated to be a point of
equilibrium and harmony , as it the
representative of the microcosm of the
universe . In the center is placed the lingum or
the image of the deity (Lord Shiva).

The inner mandapa (inner assembly hall ) leads

to rectangular outer mandapa (assembly hall)
and then to 20 columned (pillared portico)
(verandah) with three staircase leading down .
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 Brihadeshwara temple at Thanjavur:
EXTERIOR FEATURES:
The main feature of temple complex is the grand
pyramid tower of vimana ,rising to about 60m in height .
Some of the comparable buildings are -
Jagganath temple , Puri (61m height ) built in 1100 C.E.
Gol Gumbaj , Bijapur , (61m height) built in 1660 C.E. ,
Vimana has double walled to carry heavy load . It is a
square of 25 m side . Square vertical of vimana is 15 m
height . Its plinth is 5 m high ,and extensively molded
and sculptured . The vertical portion is divided into 2
storyes by 2 massive cornices.
The wall have deep niches and pilasters . Each niche
contains a statue.

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 Brihadeshwara temple at Thanjavur:
SPECIAL FEATURES:
The entire temple constructed with only granites weight of
1,30,000 Tons.
The 216 feet Monument made with Interlock & puzzle technique
means keeping one stone & above one stone no cement or stucco
& adhesive used.
Do you think since the height is 216 feet so the basement or
foundation is at least 10% on that. No, there is no foundation for
this structure, constructed on only plain land or surface Its plinth is
5 m high ,and extensively molded and sculptured . The vertical
portion is divided into 2 stories by 2 massive cornices.
The shadow of the main tower is never falling on Ground, that's the
magic of this architecture

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 Gangaikonda Cholapuram:
Rajendra I built from 1018 to 1033 AD.
Within twenty years of the completion of the Great Big temple this
temple was built.
Rajendra I built great city called Gangaikonda-Cholapuram due to
memory of the conquest of the Gangetic plains.
Name of the god is Gangaikondacholisvarar.
He shifted his capital from Tanjore to Gangaikonda-Cholapuram.
Height 185 feet
Gigantic dwarapalakas or gate-keepers also one of the feature of
this temple.
It is more beautiful than temple at Tanjore.
Rajendra I donated huge amount for the construction of this
temple.

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 Gangaikonda Cholapuram:
Rajendra I built from 1018 to 1033 AD.
Within twenty years of the completion of the Great Big temple this
temple was built.
Rajendra I built great city called Gangaikonda-Cholapuram due to
memory of the conquest of the Gangetic plains.
Name of the god is Gangaikondacholisvarar.
He shifted his capital from Tanjore to Gangaikonda-Cholapuram.
Height 185 feet
Gigantic dwarapalakas or gate-keepers also one of the feature of
this temple.
It is more beautiful than temple at Tanjore.
Rajendra I donated huge amount for the construction of this
temple.

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