Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Indian Pallava Architecture
Indian Pallava Architecture
College of Architecture
S.Y. 2020-2021
History of Architecture 3
Submitted by:
2AR-1
INTRODUCTION
As the third largest country in Asia it makes sense that it is also abundant with different
historical architectural structures. Indian architecture has evolved drastically from
buddhist architecture to classical european architecture because of important historical
and political events that have happened.
GEOGRAPHY
India is the second largest country in Asia and the
seventh largest in the world with an area of 1,269,010
square miles and a population of 1,380,004,385. It is
bounded on the southwest by the Arabian Sea and in the
southeast by the Bay of Abgal.
Geographical regions:
1. Northern Regions - himalayas and mountain
ranges
2. Indo-Gangetic plains: Indus, Ganges and
Brahmaputra
3. Central Highland and Deccan Plateau
GEOLOGY
India has a diverse geology depending on the region, people, size and climate. Different
regions show different types of materials for building construction.
Common materials used: ● Scarcity of stone materials lead
● Sandstone (cream and red) - for to getting available timber along
rubble walling the Indus and Ganges valley
● White marble - stone carpentry ○ Teakwood, softwood
works deodar, indian rosewood
● Granite and soapstone ● Bricks
● Rocks - for sanctuaries
CLIMATE
The climate in India has a wide range of weather conditions due to its large geographic
scale and varied topography (Climate of India, n.d). Winter starts in mid-November to
February; the temperature decreases from south to north. The average temperature in
the north is 10 to 15 degrees Celsius, while 24 to 25 degrees Celsius in the south.
Summer starts in March until May; 45 degrees Celsius in the northwest; pre-monsoon
showers are common in Kerala and Karnataka during this time. Rainy season starts in
early June; trade winds from the southern winds bring abundant moisture in the country
and receive very heavy rain-falls. Transition season starts in October until November
where it transitions from rainy season to dry winter season.
RELIGION
Vedic religion
Vedic religion is an ancient religion of India that was believed as the
contemporary composition of the Vedas and was the precursor of Hinduism.
It is a polytheistic system in which involves the worship of numerous male divinities
connected with the sky and natural phenomena. This religion shaped the philosophy of
atman and Brahman: concepts of karma, reincarnation, meditation, etc.
Hinduism
Hinduism is evolved from the Vedic religion. Their beliefs follow the cosmic
concept of Brahman where all creatures undergo rebirth. The hierarchical social
structure of the Hindus made a path for creating Hindu temples for their worship
activities.
Buddhism
Buddhism, which was found in the 5th century, was based on the teachings
ofSiddartha Gautama (Buddha). Some of his principles were taken inspiration from
Hinduism, especially the doctrine on karma. There was a decline in this religion in the
13th century; however, it spread in the south and then flourished in Sri Lanka and some
parts of Asia. Their worship or religious buildings were concentrated in monasteries and
shrines where relics of those who achieved nirvana were deposited.
Jainism
Jainism was established in India by Vardhamana, during the 6th century. Their
beliefs are focused on ahimsa or non-injury to all living things. It opposes the beliefs of
the Vedic religion where they sacrifice their animals for offerings. They have
distinguishable differences from the Hindu temples due to the richness and complexity
of their sculptural ornament.
ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTERISTICS
Hindu Architecture
Hindu architecture began with simple rock-cut cave shrines that evolved to huge,
ornate temples over the centuries. This architecture spread even beyond the Indian
sub-continent and became known as a canonical style. It later became the foundation of
the modern Hindu temples across the globe. Notable features of the style include
precise and harmonious geometry, which can be seen not just from its facades but from
above, as well. Decorate sculptures of the structures are gods, worshippers, erotic
scenes, animals, and floral and geometric patterns. As Bhakti or devotional Hinduism
arose and spread across the Indian subcontinent, deities like Shiva, Vishnu, Krishna,
Brahma, and Devi replaced the old Vedic gods, and became the focus of Hinduism.
Their influences include early Buddhist structures like the stupa, which were
rock-cut caves, but as the Gupta architecture (4th-5th century CE) arrived, free-standing
Hindu temples emerged, as well. On the older temples, the materials used were wood
and terracotta, in which no mortar was used, and then architects transitioned to bricks
and stones. Hindu temple or mandir consists of garbhagriha o r womb-chamber, portico
entrance or ardhamandapa, pillared hall or mandapa, and sikhara or the h uge corbelled
tower above the garbhagriha.
Buddhist Architecture
While Asoka’s structures were emerging that time, West India was developing a
whole different style, as well. It was the ones carved out of living rocks or well known as
cave temples.
Main types of structures that are related with Buddhism are Stupas, Viharas,
Chaityas, and there’s Stamba, which is not a building but pillars that share equal
importance with the aforementioned.
Jain Architecture
Jain architecture was born because of Hindu and Buddhist architectures. It may
have some differences with those mentioned styles, but it cannot take credit with all the
styles they have exhibited. The first temples of Jains were even based on Brahmanical
Hindu temple plans and monasteries. Also, compared to Hindu and Buddhist temples,
its structures are much fewer but mostly located in temple-cities.
The materials for early Jain architecture were mostly rock cut but they later
favored the usage of bricks. It is also known for using rich materials such as marble and
ornamentation. Though similarities from previous architectures are greatly seen in Jain
temples, its icons are its own. Its core building elements are garbhagriha or image
chamber, mandapa or hall, and porch. It also has antarala, a small hall used for
appreciation or worship of their icon. Jain temples were mostly built on a platform which
r vedi to obtain that sacred presence in the temple and its
is referred to as jagati o
temples are surrounded by high standing compound walls referred to as prakara.
HISTORY
Badami Chalukyas (543 AD - 763 AD)
Badami Chalukyas architecture was “the starting point” of beautiful and intricate
ancient Indian Architecture. Mostly built in river banks, the nature and calm look of the
rivers adds to the beauty of the temples and structures.
The pillars can be studied and understood as part of three stages of development:
1. First stage : This belongs to the pillars of rock cut mantapa with 7 feet
height approximately. Here, brackets are seen towards the upper part of
the pillar. Here, the pillar has a square shaft.
2. Second stage : Here, pillars were around 50 feet height with more ornate
design. It shows the combination of shaft and capital. The lion motiff is seen
in the base of the shaft as well as in the capital.
3. Third stage : Here, pillars come under the mandapa of ratha temples. In
this case, malasthana, a motiff with a bend of pearl festoon is seen in the
shaft. It rises up to the pillar separated by an indentive structure called
kumbha or melon capital above which a padma flares up to the palagai or
abacus.
Pallava architecture first started with rock cut temples then to monolithic shrines
and eventually, temples built with stones. One of the earliest examples of rock cut
temple is Mandagapattu rock cut temple.
Mandagapattu Rock cut temple was one
of the earliest monuments in
Mahendravarman. It was a rock cut
temple built without the use of any wood,
brick, or metal. It has icons of large
Dwarapalas which became a
characteristic in southern Indian temples;
after Mahendravarman, Narsimhavarman
or Rajismha. During his era, massive
boulders were carved to become one of
the earliest temples, or style of temples in
Southern India. Next was the rise of the monolithic Rathas and Mandapas that were
found at Mamallapuram. The five Rathas were popular because it showcased five
different styles of temple architecture and that the temples were filled with beautiful
sculptures. Lastly was the trend of Structural temples; temples that were built using soft
sand rocks. One of the most famous structural temples of the Pallava Dynasty was the
Shore temple and the 7 Pagodas at Mahabalipuram. The Shore temple that was granite
made was built during the era of Narsimhavarman. It’s said that there were 6 more
temples in the area but are now submerged in water.
It is during the Pallava Dynasty that the Dravidian style of temple architecture
began, it was an evolution from rock-cut temples, to monolithic rathas, to magnificent
structural temples. The Pallava Dynasty is the one of the greatest era in terms of temple
building in Ancient Indian architecture that it was known as the era of “Poetry in Stone”
because of its beautiful temples that showcased the masterful craftsmanship of Ancient
Indian Architecture.
The Chola Dynasty was one of the longest ruling dynasties in Southern India. It
originated from the river of Kaveri when Vijayalaya conquered Thanjavur and reigned
over the Pallavas around 850 AD (Chandwani, 2019). During this era, a lot of temples
were built throughout different kingdoms; most of these structures were found in the
Pudukottai region which showed the evolution of the Chola art and architecture. The
Cholas followed and enhanced the Dravidian style of the Pallavas in making their
temples. Most of their temples are both circular and square in plan (ART AND
ARCHITECTURE UNDER THE CHOLAS, n.d). They simplified their exteriors through
the elimination of details like lion motifs and pillars compared to the Pallavas; they
mostly use stone and well dressed granite as their material (Chikkalgi, 2017).
The Hoysala Dynasty was known for the richness of their art, culture, and
especially, architecture (RC, 2016). They ruled Karnataka from 10th to 14th centuries
and were believed to be the most prominent South Indian Kannadiga empire. From
there, the kingdom started spreading across Madurai and Lakkundi. Vishnuvardhana
defeated the Cholas which created a path for supporting construction of ornate temples
of stone throughout the kingdom (HOYSALA DYNASTY, n.d). The Chennakesava
temple in Belur was constructed in commemoration of the victory against the Cholas.
Sculptures are very prominent and abundant in each temple under this dynasty;
granite and soapstones are used for their sculptures and temples. Kesava Temple at
Somanathapura, Chennakesava Temple at Belur and Hoysaleswara Temple at
Halebidu are the most well-known temples in the reign of the Hoysala (RC, 2016). The
Kesava Temple has three shrines that are dedicated to Vishnu; is known for its
symmetrical lathe turned pillars, and intricate designs. Chennakesava Temple on the
other hand was built in commemoration of the conversion of King Vishnuvardhana from
Jainism to Hinduism; it is known for its 48 pillars that could be found in the interior.
Lastly, the Hoysaleswara Temple is known for its intricate carvings (Mudde, 2017).
During the 1311 CE, invasions from Delhi and Madurai ended the dynasty of the
Hoysalas; however, despite the death of the Hoysala monarch, their exquisite eye for
detail and skilled craftsmanship contributed greatly in the culture, particularly in the
architecture of India.
Vijayanagar (1343 AD - 1565 AD)
The temple architecture was prominent during this era, small temples would have
a sanctum sanctorum and a porch while the larger temples have an ante chamber also
known as the Sukanashi, Navranga a corridor that connects to the Mandapa and a
Rangamantapa. Pillars are carved with hindu mythology and some have smaller pillars
around it. The mantapas are built on a square plant that are 4 to 5 feet high with highly
ornate frieze and steps. The palace buildings are built on a platform that faces towards
the east or north and have a proper plan for the entrances. Decorations inside the
palace are made from wood, concrete, bricklime, or copper. The sculptures vary from
demonic faces, animals, and floral patterns. (Sadyulay, 2014).
French’s architectural influence with India can be traced back in the 17th century
when a French traveler physician named Francois Bernier became Mughal emperor
Auranzangeb’s personal physician. The French colonized a fishing village, Pondicherry,
in Tamil Nadu and transformed it into a port-town along the seaboard. The French
colonies in India’s formal name were Établissements français dans l’Inde or French
Establishments in India.
106 years after Vasco de Gama of Portuguese, which was about the early 17th
century, the Dutch landed at Malabar Coast for the purpose of spice trade. The thought
of colonizing India only came afterwards. Some areas along the Southern Coromandel
Coast and Gujarat were also ruled by the Dutch. Though the time of Dutch having the
power over India was a lot shorter compared to other colonizers, some of their
contributions still stand today and serve as tourist attractions.
Since the Dutch first came for trade, the first structures that were erected by
these colonizers were factories and trading stations along the coast of East India. The
Dutch also made East India a walled city or intra muros as a defense against other
colonies that time. There, it became a city of commerce, which explains why most of the
Dutch architecture there is non-domestic.
Anwar, S,. (n.d.). Cultural History Vijaynagar Empire: Architecture, Literature & Art. retrieved from
https://www.jagranjosh.com/general-knowledge/cultural-history-vijaynagar-empire-architecture-literatur
e-and-art-1492780525-1
Brown, T. (2020, January 28). Three Crowned Kings of Tamilakam. National Geographic. Retrieved from
https://www.nationalgeographic.org/article/three-crowned-kings-tamilakam/
Chandwani, N. (2019, March 15). Brief history of Chola Dynasty. Retrieved from
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/desires-of-a-modern-indian/brief-history-of-chola-dynasty/
Datta, S. (2020, September 03). Rashtrakuta Dynasty. Retrieved September 05, 2020, from
https://www.ancient.eu/Rashtrakuta_Dynasty
Foekema, Gerard. A Complete Guide to Hoysaḷa Temples. New Delhi: Abhinav Publ, 1996. ISBN
8170173450.
Gautam, U. (2017, May 08). France within India: Architectural ties to a common heritage. Retrieved
September 04, 2020, from
https://www.architecturaldigest.in/content/france-within-india-architectural-ties-to-a-common-heritage/
Giduthuri, Viswanadha. (2012). Salient Architectural features of Selected Colonial Built Heritage in
Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India. International Journal of Engineering Research and
Development. 4. 24-34.
GKToday. (2013, May 23). Pallava Architecture. Retrieved September 05, 2020, from
https://www.gktoday.in/gk/pallava-architecture/
GKToday. (2013, May 23). Temple Architecture of Chalukyas of Badami. Retrieved September 05, 2020, from
https://www.gktoday.in/gk/temple-architecture-of-chalukyas-of-badami/
History of the Chalukyas of Badami. (2015, August 08). Retrieved September 05, 2020, from
https://www.historydiscussion.net/empires/history-of-the-chalukyas-of-badami-history-of-southern-india
/604
Kamath, Suryanath U. (2001) [1980]. A concise history of Karnataka : from pre-historic times to the present.
Bangalore: Jupiter books. LCCN 80905179. O
CLC 7796041.
Largest Countries In Asia 2020. (n.d.). Retrieved September 06, 2020, from
https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/largest-countries-in-asia
Menon, K., & Al, E. (n/a). Dutch Contribution to Kerala. Retrieved September 04, 2020, from
http://dutchinkerala.com/article20.php?id=06
Mudde, R. (2017, April 11). Hoysalas: History of Hoysalas: Hoysala Empire: Hoysala Kings. Retrieved
September 05, 2020, from https://www.karnataka.com/history/hoysalas/
Nainwal, R. (2018, February 02). British Colonial Architecture [Scholarly project]. In Slideshare. Retrieved
September 04, 2020, from
https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https://www.slideshare.net/rajatrmr/british-colonial-architecture?fbclid=I
wAR2XkEkI9Aft57YPUW3x2wgLoqDcJdyBC27-e3O2jGFlaXkTmUfdj9TJbSs&h=AT2cNBaM-aED1FR
ewiKOSaPF0HtgAVIzGvYRPL0fTQsFZGQEgXLoD_5Mg37eriBDIb02rF71vZHMTfHTthST_QXZJolgRr
cjkarzbwQx1DkkAivuBkog3oXJjlGXe9pq8lz3
NISHA, T., & JAYASUDHA, P. (2017). Microsoft Word - 27-NISHA [PDF]. Thanjavur: Indian J.Sci.Res.
Pallava - Education, Literature, Pallava Art and Architecture. (n.d.). Retrieved September 05, 2020, from
https://www.brainkart.com/article/Pallava---Education,-Literature,-Pallava-Art-and-Architecture_1248/
RC, D. (2016, May 04). Hoysala Architecture. Retrieved September 05, 2020, from
https://www.ancient.eu/article/898/hoysala-architecture/
Sariya, T. (2020, July 28). Exploring Colonial Architecture in India – Part II. Retrieved September 04, 2020,
from https://www.caleidoscope.in/art-culture/exploring-colonial-architecture-in-india
Says, J., & Jagir. (2016, February 09). Hindu Temple Architecture: Pallava. Retrieved September 05, 2020,
from https://www.clearias.com/hindu-temple-architecture-pallava/
Srivastava, S. (n.d.). Features and Developments of Architecture and Literature during Mughal Period Golden
Period of Architecture. retrieved from
https://www.academia.edu/26353078/Features_and_Developments_of_Architecture_and_Literature_d
uring_Mughal_Period_Golden_Period_of_Architecture
Szczepanski, K. (2019, July 3). History of India's Chola Empire. Retrieved from
https://www.thoughtco.com/the-chola-empire-195485
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2016, August 15). Chalukya dynasty. Retrieved from Encyclopædia
Britannica: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Chalukya-dynasty