The temple architecture in the Deccan region, particularly in Karnataka, exhibits a blend of North and South Indian influences. Scholars acknowledge a hybridized style called vesara, which emerged around the mid-seventh century, distinct from the nagara and Dravida styles.

Rashtrakutas and the Kailashnath Temple

Time Period: In the late seventh or early eighth century, the Rashtrakutas took control of the Deccan, showcasing grand architecture at Ellora.

• Kailashnath Temple: At Ellora, dedicated to Shiva (with a Nandi shrine and a gopuram-like gateway, surrounding cloisters, subsidiary shrines, staircases and an imposing tower or vimana rising to thirty metres), is a complete dravida building carved entirely from living rock.
• Carving: One portion of the monolithic hill was carved patiently to build the Kailashnath temple.
• Rashtrakuta sculptures at Ellora display dynamism, grandeur, and overwhelming energy.

Chalukyan Legacy and Experimental Styles

Founder: Pulakesin I founded the western Chalukya kingdom around Badami in 543 CE.

• Chalukyas: The early western Chalukyas dominated most of the Deccan until the mid-eighth century, eventually succeeded by the Rashtrakutas.
• Architect: In Karnataka, the western Chalukyas blended various styles, leading to experimental hybrid vesara architecture.
• Evolved Structures: Early Chalukyan architecture activity included rock-cut caves, which evolved into structural temples.
• Ravana Phadi Cave: At Aihole showcases a distinctive sculptural style, featuring a significant depiction of Nataraja surrounded by larger-than-life saptamatrikas, characterized by graceful, slim bodies and unique attire details.
• Hybridised Style: Chalukyan buildings showcase a hybridization of styles, with the Virupaksha temple at Pattadakal being a notable example, exhibiting elaborate Dravida tradition.

• Papnath Temple: At Pattadakal is dedicated to Lord Shiva and exemplifies the Dravida tradition.
• Blended Style: Eastern Chalukyan temples, like Mahakuta and Swarga Brahma temples, show the assimilation of northern styles from Odisha and Rajasthan.
• Durga Temple:  At Aihole is unique with an early apsidal shrine reminiscent of Buddhist chaitya halls, surrounded by a later veranda with a stylistically nagara shikhara.
• Lad Khan Temple: At Aihole in Karnataka is inspired by wooden-roofed hill temples but constructed entirely in stone.

Hoysalas and the Stellate-Plan Temples

Hoysalas: Succeeding the Cholas and Pandyas, became prominent patrons in South India.

• Region: In the southern Deccan, approximately a hundred temples have been discovered, with the Hoysaleshvara temple at Halebid, Karnataka, standing out among them. 
• Importance: Constructed in 1150 CE by the Hoysala king using dark schist stone, it is one of the three most frequently discussed temples, alongside those at Belur and Somnathpuram.
• Commonality: Temples at Belur, Halebid, and Somnathpuram are characterized by stellate-plan, growing extremely complex with soapstone carvings, feature a unique vesara style, blending dravida and nagara elements.
• Halebid Temple: Dedicated to Shiva as Nataraja, is a dual structure with a mandapa for music and dance, featuring intricate carvings of animals and deities.

Vijayanagara Synthesis

Foundation: Founded in 1336 CE, Vijayanagara, the ‘city of victory,’ drew international travelers like Niccolo di Conti, Domingo Paes, Fernao Nuniz, Duarte Barbosa, and Abd al-Razzaq, who provided vivid accounts of the city. 

• Additionally, Sanskrit and Telugu works attest to the vibrant literary tradition within this kingdom.
• Blending of Style: Vijayanagara synthesized Dravida temple architecture with Islamic styles from neighboring sultanates.
• Fusion Period: The ruins from the late fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries reflect a period of cultural fusion, wealth, and exploration.
• Cultural Continuity: Vijayanagara’s eclectic architecture embodies a synthesis of centuries-old traditions with occasional foreign influences.

Conclusion

The Deccan region fostered a unique blend of architectural styles. Rashtrakutas carved the Kailashnath temple, showcasing a complete Dravidian structure. Chalukyas experimented with hybrid vesara styles, evident in the Virupaksha and Papnath temples. Hoysalas constructed stellate-plan temples in Halebid, exemplifying the vesara style. Vijayanagara synthesized Dravidian with Islamic influences, reflecting a rich cultural exchange.

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