Dravida Style Temple Architecture
India is rich in cultural
diversity and architectural marvels that tell stories of ancient craftsmanship
and spiritual devotion. The Dravida style is one of the many styles that have
adorned the subcontinent and is a monument to the creative excellence and
cultural importance of South Indian temple architecture. Dravidian architecture
employs shorter, more pyramidal towers over the garbhagriha, or sanctuary,
known as a vimana, in contrast to North Indian temple designs, which have
higher towers, known as shikhara, that typically bend inward as they climb. But
as their standout feature, place a tall gopuram or gatehouse at the compound's
boundary. We explore the origins and distinctive characteristics of Dravida-style
temples in this investigation, revealing the fundamental elements of this
marvel of architecture.
Origins and Historical Context:
Dravida-style
architecture has ancient roots and rose to prominence in the 7th century during
the Pallava dynasty. The Dravida style, which flourished in southern India,
particularly in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, developed over
centuries under the support of several rulers, including the Cholas, Cheras,
and Vijayanagara Empire. Three temples have inscriptions from approximately 100
BCE to 100 CE, the oldest of which is the Srirangam Ranganathaswamy Temple,
which dates from 5 CE to 5 BCE. hence, "making it one of the oldest
surviving active temple complexes in South India" . Another such temple is
the three-layered Subrahmanya Temple in Saluvankuppam, which was discovered in
2005. The lowest layer is the oldest shrine found devoted to Murukan and is
made up of one of the earliest brick shrines in South India. It is one of the
state's only two brick shrine pre-Pallavi Hindu temples; the other being the Lord
Vishnu-focused Veetrirundha Perumal Temple at Veppathur.
Pallava Period: (6th–9th
centuries CE)
The rock-cut cave temples
of Mahabalipuram, particularly the Shore Temple, are early examples of the
Dravida style. During this time, the Pallava kings helped shape the Dravida
style.
Dynasty of Chola
(9th–13th centuries CE):
The Chola empire greatly aided the development and popularization of the Dravida style. Notable instances of Chola Dravida architecture include the temples Brihadeshwara in Thanjavur and Airavatesvara in Darasuram.
Empire of Vijayanagara
(14th–17th century CE):
Notable temples like the
Virupaksha Temple in Hampi exemplify how the Vijayanagara Empire carried on the
Dravida legacy. The blending of Dravida and other architectural styles is
another result of the empire's impact.
Nayak Period (16th–17th
century CE):
The Meenakshi Amman
Temple in Madurai is one of the magnificent temples built by the Nayak dynasty,
who ruled over Thanjavur and Madurai. With further ornamental features, these
temples carried on the Dravida style.
Post-Vijayanagara period (17th
century onward):
Following the fall of the
Vijayanagara Empire, the building of colossal temples decreased, although
smaller temples and regional monuments continued to be built in the Dravida
style.
Important Aspects of
Dravida Style:
Vimana (tower):
The vimana, the tower
over the sanctum sanctorum, is the most notable feature. Dravida vimanas are
made out of several stacked tiers and have a pyramidal form. There is a stepped
or pyramidal appearance since each layer is smaller than the one behind it.
Shikhara (Spire):
Dravida shikharas are
usually pyramidal and have a square base, in contrast to the curved shikharas
of the Nagara style. They show a clear, progressive increase in size, and are
frequently capped with a finial or kalasha (holy pot).
Mandapa (Hall):
The mandapa, a pillared
hall used for assembly or meetings, is a feature of Dravida temples. Typically,
the mandapa is located in front of the main temple.
Gopurams at the entrance:
Dravida temples include
imposing entry towers called gopurams and are frequently surrounded by compound
walls. These gopurams, which act as entrances to the temple complex, are
decorated with elaborate sculptures.
Wall sculptures and
pilasters:
Dravida temple walls are
decorated with intricate sculptures and pilasters featuring depictions of
dancers, deities, and legendary creatures. These beautiful engravings tell
tales from Hindu mythology.
Prakara (Enclosure):
Prakara walls enclose
Dravida temples, defining a specific sacred area. There might be narrative
panels, reliefs, and sculptures on the exterior walls.
Overall, the Dravida
style of Indian architecture is a witness to the creativity and dedication of
the builders who created these enormous temples, adding to the vast fabric of
Indian architecture. The architecture of the Dravida style is still revered
today, drawing pilgrims and fans alike to marvel at its ageless beauty.
Features of the style include towering vimanas and exquisite carvings that tell
tales of gods and goddesses. Not only do these temples have amazing
architecture, but we also feel a strong connection to India's rich cultural and
spiritual past as we walk through their hallways.
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