DRAVIDIAN ARCHITECTURE

UNDER CHOLAS (900 TO 1150 C. E )

INTRODUCTION
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 .
Brihadeshwar temple

Gopuram of Brihadeshwar temple complex

TEMPLE OF KORANGNATH , Shrinivasanulur , Trichinapally
CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF CHOLA PERIOD
1) Size was smaller or modest compared with temples of previous period .

2) Most of then are constructed entirely of well dressed granite stone blocks ,accurately
coursed and bonded .

3) Influence of monolithic rathas of Mamallapuram of earlier Pallava period is observed on

the Vimana

4) 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 .

5) In the exterior , these was simplification of facade . Decoration was reduced .

6) 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.
figure of capital ….

7) 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.

8) The use of string course as a decorative element, containing a row of gryphon heads is
done . This element continues the through later period of Dravidian style .
9) 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 .
• Example- Brihadeshwara temple at Thanjavur, or Tanjore (1010 C.E.)

• 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 .

• Temple is dedicated to lord Shiva

• Year of completion 1010C.E. , completed with in 6 year

• Built by king Raja raja 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.
PLAN
•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

•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 Garbhagruha.

• 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 .

•Sharing the same stone plinth is a small open madapa dedicated to Nandi .

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 -
1 – Jagganath temple , Puri (61m height ) built in 1100 C.E.
2 – Gol Gumbaj , Bijapur , (61m height) built in 1660 C.E. ,
EXTERIOR FEATURES continued-

•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.

•The pyramidal Shikhara has 13 diminishing tiers .

•The outer wall of the upper storey is carved with 81 dance postures of bharatnatyam,
the classical dances of Tamilnadu.

• Multifaceted columns with projecting square capital.

•The Kalasha (rounded cupola) and the Nandi , which are carved out of single stone
are each 80 tons in weight.

• Width of vimana’s apex is 1/3 its base . The shikhara is richly ornamented by
multiple horizontal lines of tiers and rows and miniature shrines , producing a visual
effects of great beauty .

• On top of shikhara is the rounded cupola a monolithic piece of 80 tons.

 BRIHADESHWAR TEMPLE COMPLEX PLAN

Inner
Assembly hall

Garbhagriha
Assembly
hall Nandi
Pillared pavilion
portico
gopuram
Vestibule

Inner Prakaram (Courtyard) Enclosure wall with cloister

BRIHADESHWAR TEMPLE
BRIHADESHWAR TEMPLE GOPURAM
BRIHADESHWAR TEMPLE FRONT WITH NANDI PAVILLION
Gangaikondacholapuram
-temple
second example of chola
style temple