Vesara style

• Temple architecture evolved slightly differently in different regions, such as the distinct features of Orissa, Kashmir and Bengal temples, but it can be generally classified under three categories- Nagara (North), Dravida (South) and Vesara styles. • The shikhara tower in Nagara temples has a sloping curve as they rise and are topped by an amalaka (a large fluted disk) and also a small spherical pot known as the kalash. • • The Nagara style of temples were generally built on upraised platforms. • Kandariya Mahadeva temple at Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh is one of the best expression of Nagara temple architecture. • In contrast, Dravida towers (known separately as vimana) are in the form of a stepped pyramid that rises up linearly rather than curved. • There is only one vimana in the Dravidian architecture on top of the main temple. The subsidiary shrines do not have vimanas, unlike in Nagara architecture. • The presence of water tank inside the temple enclosure is a unique feature of the Dravidian style. • Southern Indian temples are typically enclosed within a walled courtyard with a gate (gopuram) which over time had become even more massive and ornate than the temple itself. • The 11th century A.D. Brihadishwara Temple complex (built by Rajaraja I of Imperial Cholas) at Tanjavur is a wonderful example of Dravida temple which incorporates all of these features. • Vesara style of temple architecture flourished under the later Chalukya rulers in the 7th century A.D. • Ve...

Echoes from the past The antiquity of architecture in India is vivid, especially in the temples, which opens the doors to the past of India, representing the culture and life of the people. Temples reveal the artistic and sculptural expertise of people and are of aesthetical and cultural significance. In India, temple architecture is based on Hindu philosophical and metaphysical concepts. The architectural styles in India are an outset of the cultural, political, and social beliefs of the region. One such style of temple architecture prevailed in Deccan and Central India, between the Vindhayas and the river Krishna, called the ‘Vesara’ architecture. The Vesara style of architecture does not have an independent origin of its own but it is said to have been influenced by both the ‘Nagara’ and ‘Dravidian’ style of temple architecture. The Nagara style prevailed in north and central India and the Dravidian style prevailed in south India, giving birth to the Vesara style, also described as the ‘Central Indian temple’ or ‘Deccan architecture’. Being said that, many historians think that the Vesara style originated in Karnataka. The Vesara style’s genesis of development happened during the reign of Chalunkyan rulers of Badami in the 7 th and 8 th centuries A.D., but it flourished during the period of Rashtrakutas of Manyakheta (750-983 AD) in Ellora and other places and was later epitomized by Hoysala empire. The main important feature of the Vesara style is that they have the Na...

What is Vesara architecture, and how it was originated? Vesara architecture is a combination or hybrid form of Indian temple architecture, mainly of the north Indian Nagara and south Indian Dravidian styles that developed during the medieval period in India. It emerged during the 7th to 13th centuries CE and was popular in the Deccan region, particularly in the Chalukya and Rashtrakuta empires. This style features North Indian details, plans, and shapes originated is Karnataka. The Chalukyas of Badami (500–753 AD) promoted this style of The term “Vesara” is believed to be taken from the Sanskrit word “ Vishra,” which means an area to take a long walk. Vesara architecture is one of the six major types of Nagara, Dravida, Bhumijia, Kalinga, and Varata. Today, Vesara architecture is recognized as an important contribution to Indian architecture and has had a significant influence on later styles of Indian architecture, such as the Vijayanagara style and the Mughal architecture. Types of Temple Architecture in India In the Gupta period, they started a new phase of the development of temple architecture. They patronized the arts and architecture, resulting in the construction of several temples and monuments. The architectural texts that were present at the beginning of the mediaeval period are known as Shilpa shastras. There are three different types of temple architecture:- • Dravida Style • Nagara Style • Vesara Style Fig. 1 Kallesvara temple at Kukkanur (1000-1025 CE) Vesar...

In the previous posts, we have read the Vesara and Hoysala Style of Temple Architecture. Vesara Style of Temple Architecture The Vesara Style is a hybrid temple architecture. It has features of both the Nagara and Dravidian style of temple architecture. As we know that the Nagara Style is prevalent in North and Central India Dravidian Style is prevalent in South India. So as the hybrid that is the Vesara style of temple architecture is mainly found in Deccan and Central India region. Vesara Style of Temple Architecture The Vesara Style emerged during the reign of Chalunkyan Rulers. Though the trend of the Vesara Style of temples started by the Chalukyan Rulers. But it flourished during the Rashtrakutas Period. Rashtrakutas were the feudatories of Chalukyas. So, after the decline of Chalukya Empire, they captured the throne. Features of Vesara Style of Architecture The main important feature of the Vesara Style is that they have Northern Indian Style ( Shikhara and the Mandap was designed in Southern Indian Style ( Shikhara (top of the temple) and Mandap (main shrine) are joint by the Antarala. So, the temples do not have ambulatory passageways around Sanctum Sanctorum. Dodda Bassapa Temple at Dambal These temples do not have ambulatory passageways around Sanctum Sanctorum. The pillars, door frames, and ceilings of the temples are intricately carved. Examples: • Dodda Bassapa Temple at Dambal. • Ladkhan Temple at Aihole. • Temples at the Chalukyan Capital Badami etc. Badami...

• • Menu Toggle • Current Affairs • History • Economy • Geography • Environment • Polity & Administration • Government Schemes • Districts • Menu Toggle • Current Affairs • History • Governance • Government Schemes • Economy • Environment • Menu Toggle • Guide • Syllabus • Test Series • Menu Toggle • GS Paper 1 • GS Paper 2 • GS Paper 3 • GS Paper 4 • Syllabus • Menu Toggle • RAS Pre Books • RAS Mains Books • Rajasthan Sujas • Books for Spare Time • Online Libraries • Menu Toggle • RAS Pre PDF s • RAS Mains PDFs • Free PDF for RAS • Hindi PDF The Hindu temples fall into three basic categories depending on their architecture. Hence, Temple Architecture of India includes: B. Cave Temples: • Cave Temples form the earliest form of surviving temples in India. B. Rock Cut Temples: • These followed Cave temples. C. Structural (Free Standing) Temples • Prominent types included Nagara, Dravida, Vesara • Latest and most easily visible form of temple architecture. A. Hindu Cave Temples: These form the earliest form of surviving temples. Ellora Caves • There are 17 Hindu Caves from Cave 13-29. • The first nine caves were constructed during 6th century. • The later caves such as 14, 15 and 16 were constructed during the Rashtrakuta period. • Cave 29, also called Dhumar Lena, is one of earliest excavations in Ellora and among the largest. Dhumar Lena is integrated with a natural waterfall, called “Vale Ganga” Udayagiri Caves – Vidisha MP • They were constructed in Gupta Period during re...

Excavation of the huge Temple of Remains of early elliptical shrines discovered in In Besnagar, the temple structures have been found in conjonction with the garbhagriha (sanctum), pradakshinapatha (circumambulation passage), antarala (antechamber next to sanctum) and mandapa (gathering hall) – were found. The ancient temple complex discovered in Classical period (4-6th century) [ ] Dashavatara Temple, Though there are hardly any remains of stone Hindu temples before the Examples of early major North Indian temples that have survived after the No pre-7th century CE South Indian free-standing stone temples have survived. Examples of early major South Indian temples that have survived, some in ruins, include the diverse styles Medieval Period (7th to 16th century) [ ] By about the 7th century most main features of the Hindu temple were established along with theoretical texts on temple architecture and building methods. nagara and the dravida styles, for example using both the northern The earliest examples of Pushkarni) which served as ritual bathing places, many of which are well preserved in Lakkundi. Their stepped well designs were later incorporated by the Hoysalas and the Vijayanagara empire in the coming centuries. In the north, South-East Asian Hindu temples [ ] Possibly the oldest Hindu temples in South East Asia dates back to 2nd century BCE from the The earliest evidence trace to Sanskrit stone inscriptions found on the islands and the mainland Southeast Asia is t...

Vesara Style of Temple Architecture: A Fusion of North and South Indian Traditions The Vesara style of temple architecture is a unique blend of North and South Indian architectural traditions, and is one of the most significant styles in India’s rich cultural heritage. The term Vesara means “mixed” or “blended,” which accurately describes the style that combines elements from both North and South Indian temple architecture. The Vesara style originated in the Deccan Plateau region of India, which encompasses the present-day states of Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh. The style is characterized by its ornate and elaborate sculptures, intricate carvings, and the use of intricate geometric patterns and shapes. The Main Shrine The main shrine in a Vesara temple is typically square in shape, with a pyramidal roof that represents the mountains and a spire that symbolizes the reaching towards the heavens. The walls of the main shrine are adorned with intricate carvings, depicting scenes from Hindu mythology and religion. In the Vesara style, the main shrine is typically more elaborate and ornate compared to other styles, with intricate sculptures and carvings covering the walls and ceilings. The Audience Hall The audience hall, or mandapa, is a large open structure attached to the main shrine. The hall serves as a gathering place for devotees and is also used for conducting religious ceremonies and rituals. In the Vesara style, the audience hall is typically more elabora...

• Vesara style of temple architecture emerged and flourished mainly in the Karnataka region. • It is a hybrid form of temple architecture formed by an amalgamation of the northern Nagara style and the southern Dravida style of temple architecture. • It uses the plan and shape of the southern India temples, whereas the details resemble that of Northern Indian temples. • Origin and evolution: • The Vesara style has roots in the styles prevalent in the Dharwar region, between the Krishna and Tungabhadra rivers. • The experimentation of mixing north Indian temple elements with those of the southern India temples started in the 7th century, specifically under the Chalukyas of Badami (500-753 CE). • Examples: Pattadakal Temple, Mahakuta Temple (near Badami), the Swarga Brahma temple at Alampur, and the Durga temple at Aihole. • The hybridization and incorporation of several styles was the hallmark of Chalukyan buildings. • • This style developed further under the Rashtrakutas of Manyakheta (750-983 CE). Examples: • Kailashnath temple at Ellora. • The Vesara style took its own identity under the later Western Chalukyas of Kalyani (983-1195 CE). By this time, it was not a simple mixing of the two styles but rather an architectural invention formed by their creative synthesis. • Under the Hoysalas, the Vesara style reached its climax. They used soft soapstone to build temples, which enabled them to carve out brilliant sculptures. Examples: • Chennakeshava Temple, Belur, • Hoysalesw...

Vesara is a combination of Nagara and Dravidian style of temple architecture styles. The term Vesara is believed to have been derived from the Sanskrit word vishra meaning an area to take a long walk. Many historian agree that the Vesara style originated in the what is today Karnataka. The trend was started by the Chalukyas of Badami (500-753AD) who built temples in a style that was essentially a mixture of the Nagara and the Dravida styles, further refined by the Rashtrakutas of Manyakheta (750- 983AD) in Ellora, Chalukyas of Kalyani (983-1195 AD) in Lakkundi, Dambal, Gadag etc. and epitomized by the Hoysalas (1000-1330 AD) The Hoysalas temples at Belur, Halebidu and Somnathpura are prime examples of this style. • Ornamentation: In case of ornamentation of temple walls and pillars, Chalukyan temple shows indigenous quality. • Transformation of Dravida tower: The Chalukyan builders modified the Dravida towers by minimizing the height of each storey and arranging them in descending order of height from base to top with much ornamentation in each storey. • Transformation of Nagara tower: Instead of inclined storey here modification is seen in the vertical shape of the tower • Two special features of Chalukya temples – Mantapa and Pillars: • • Mantapa: The mantapa has two types of roof – domical ceilings (the dome like ceilings standing on four pillars are very attractive) or Square ceilings (these are vigorously ornamented with mythological pictures). • Pillars: the miniatur...