HISTORY OF

ARCHITECTU
RE

MADE BY
SURBHI DHIR
SURBHI SHARMA
VERNIKA JAIN

CHOLA DYNASTY TEMPLES

INTRODUCTION

The Great Living Chola Temples(AD 900-1150) are temples built during the Chola
rule in the south of India and neighboring islands. These sites includes 3 temples
of 11th and 12th century. These 3 temples are the Brihadisvara Temple at
Thanjavur, the Temple of Gangaikonda Cholapuram and the Airavatesvara Temple
at Darasuram. These temples were influenced by the DRAVIDIAN art and

SPECIAL FEATURES OF CHOLA TEMPLES

The dvarapalas, or guardian figures, at the entrance to the mandapa, or hall which
started from the Palava period became a unique feature of the Chola Temples.
The Dravidian Style got fully developed after a transition from the rock cut
structures of the Pallava Period.
Early Chola temples at the Bank of river Kaveri were smaller and brick made, in
comparison to the colossus buildings of the Imperial Cholas.
The temples of the Imperial Cholas are covered with exquisite well composed
sculptures and frescoes.
Largest and tallest of all Indian temples i.e. Siva Temple of Thanjore was built in
Chola Period.
Ganas, among the sculptures at the temple, are the most memorable figures made
in Chola temples

TEMPLE OF GANGAIKONDA CHOLAPURAM, 1033

C.E.

BRIHADISVARA TEMPLE AT THANJAVUR

PLAN OF THE TEMPLE

SECTION OF THE TEMPLE