Chalukyan Temples: Architectural Marvels of South India

April 18, 2024 2621 0

Introduction

Chalukyan temples, dating back to the 6th to 12th centuries, exhibit architectural excellence in South India. They showcase intricate carvings, towering vimanas, and elaborate sculptures, reflecting Chalukyan artistic prowess.

Important Characteristics of Chalukyan Temples

  • 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.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

Key Temples

Chalukyan temple

  • Aihole
    • The Ravana Phadi cave showcases a distinctive sculptural style, featuring a significant depiction of Nataraja surrounded by larger-than-life saptamatrikas.
    • The Lad Khan temple in Karnataka is inspired by wooden-roofed hill temples but constructed entirely in stone.
    • The Durga temple at Aihole is unique, with an early apsidal shrine reminiscent of Buddhist chaitya halls with a stylistic nagara shikhara.
    • Huccimalligudi temple is rectangular in shape.
    • Megudi Jain temple was constructed under the Chalukyas. It has Sanskrit inscription (634-635 AD) composed by  poet Ravikriti which is a prashasti of the Chalukyas especially the reigning king Pulikesin II, referred to as Sathyasraya (the abode of truth). It highlights the history of the dynasty, defeat of all his enemies, especially Harshavardhana
    •  The mandapa-type caves are preserved at Aihole.
  • Badami (Vatapi)
    • There are four cave temples in Badami. Two temples are dedicated to Vishnu and one each to Siva and to the Jaina Tirthankaras. 
    • The largest cave temple built by Mangalesa is dedicated to Vishnu. The reclining posture of Vishnu on the snake bed and Narasimha are exquisite examples of Chalukya art.
  • Pattadakal
    • Pattadakal was a centre for performing royal rituals. 
    • The Virupaksha temple was built at the order of Queen Lohamahadevi to commemorate the conquest of Kanchipuram by her husband Vikramaditya II
      • The Chalukyas here adopted the distinctive characteristic of the temple constructed by Rajasimha at Mamallapuram. 
      • The east porch of the Virupaksha temple has a Kannada inscription eulogising the architect who designed the temple who was given the title Tribhuavacharya (maker of the three worlds).
    • The Papnath temple at Pattadakal is dedicated to Lord Shiva and exemplifies the Dravida tradition.
    • Eastern Chalukyan temples, like Mahakuta and Swarga Brahma temples, show the assimilation of northern styles from Odisha and Rajasthan.

Must Read

Current Affairs Editorial Analysis
Upsc Notes  Upsc Blogs 
NCERT Notes  Free Main Answer Writing

Conclusion

  • Chalukyan temples stand as majestic testaments to South Indian architecture, blending innovation with tradition. 
    • Their intricate beauty and cultural significance endure, captivating visitors with their timeless charm and spiritual grandeur.
Related Articles 
Badami Chalukya Temples and Inscriptions Buddhist Monuments Of South India
Sangam Age – Political History of South India Mauryan Empire (322-185 BCE)
Jainism and Buddhism Vedic Period: History Notes

 

Know about Physics Wallah

Physics Wallah is an Indian online education platform, that provides accessible & comprehensive learning experiences to students of classes 6 to 12 and those preparing for JEE and NEET exams. We also provide extensive NCERT solutions, sample papers, NEET, JEE Mains, BITSAT previous year papers, which makes us a one-stop solution for all resources. Physics Wallah also caters to over 3.5 million registered students and over 78 lakh+ Youtube subscribers with 4.8 rating on its app.

We Stand Out because

We successfully provide students with intensive courses by India's qualified & experienced faculties. PW strives to make the learning experience comprehensive and accessible for students of all sections of society. We believe in empowering every single student who couldn't dream of a good career in engineering and medical field earlier.

Our Key Focus Areas

Physics Wallah’s main focus is to create accessible learning experiences for students all over India. With courses like Lakshya, Udaan, Arjuna & many others, we have been able to provide a ready solution for lakhs of aspirants. From providing Chemistry, Maths, Physics formulae to giving e-books of eminent authors, PW aims to provide reliable solutions for student prep.

What Makes Us Different

Physics Wallah strives to develop a comprehensive pedagogical structure for students, where they get a state-of-the-art learning experience with study material and resources. Apart from catering students preparing for JEE Mains and NEET, PW also provides study material for each state board like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and others.

Aiming for UPSC?

Download Our App

# #
Quick Revise Now !
AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD SOON
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध
Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

<div class="new-fform">






    </div>

    Subscribe our Newsletter
    Sign up now for our exclusive newsletter and be the first to know about our latest Initiatives, Quality Content, and much more.
    *Promise! We won't spam you.
    Yes! I want to Subscribe.