5. List the differences between the kingdoms of North and South on the basis of following aspects.
opment of art and
a. Administration
b. Society
C. Economy
d. Religion
e. Education
f. Art and Architecture.
Answers
Explanation:
North - South is a very broad distinction. India has three types of temple architectures (broadly speaking). Nagara (between Himalayas and Vindyas), Dravida (South of Deccan) and Vesara (Deccan region). But for the purpose of this question, I will combine Dravida and Vesara as "South Indian". Here are the differences:
Size of Temples:
The first obvious difference you would see between North and South Indian temples is the sheer size. Southern temples are much larger in comparision. It is fair to say that, South Indian kings invested a lot in temples than their palaces, which is quite the opposite in the North. Srirangam Ranganathar temple in Tamilnadu occupies an area of 156 acres, making it the largest working worship place in the world. In perspective, the entire area of the country of Monaco (2 sq. km) can only hold three Srirangam temples. Vatican City can only hold 2/3rd of Srirangam temple. None of the North Indian temples are as grand as these structures.
For a person travelling from South, the first impression of North Indian temples is “wait… that’s it?!”. South Indians aren’t simply accustomed to temples being in modest sizes.
But who needs a grand structure when you have a backdrop with the million dollar view?! North Indian temples are truly gifted in the sense they have more natural beauty to them. The majestic Ganga flowing through Rishikesh, or the breath taking backdrop of Himalayas in Kedarnath and Badrinath adds serenity to these temples. In Sanskrit there is a beautiful word called ‘sanidhyam’ – which means feeling closer to God. North Indian temples are naturally gifted in sanidhyam.
Agamam (ritual modality):
South Indian temples follow very strict agamam culture. Agamam is a set of text that defines the worship, temple traditions and ritual protocols. There are three agamams: Saiva (for Shiva temples) and Vaikanasam & Paancharaatram (for Vishnu temples). Shaiva agamam are quite simple and less formal. In my opinion, rituals in Paancharatra agamam is very elaborate than Vaikanasa agamam. The exception to this agamic culture is Kerala temples where they perform tantric rituals.
North Indian temples don't follow this agamic system. From what I have seen, North Indian temples have relaxed rituals. Moreover, the modality of rituals is not unified in all North Indian temples. This even allows common people to touch the idols. In Kashi, you can do abhishekam to Shiva Lingam, and even better, you can hug the idol of Pandurangan in Pandharpur. In south, only temple priests are allowed to touch the idols and perform the rituals because of strict agamam.
Forms of divinity in temples:
All South Indian temples have idols being both moolavar (made of stone) and utsavar (usually made of panchalogam - 5 metals - gold, silver, copper, iron, lead). Moolavar stays in the temple and is usually made of hard rock and is represented in black colour. Utsavar is used for temple processions and can be carried outside the temple during festivals.