Critically examine the development of temple architecture during the early medieval india
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The Indian Medieval period began around 550 AD and lasted till the late 1700s.
Several magnificent temples came up during this period and Hindu emperors and rulers, spared no efforts in building such beautiful structures and encouraging the Hindu religion.
The prominent style of temple architecture called ‘Maru Gurjara’ was believed to have developed during this time in northern India. This style had two further prominent but different styles, known as ‘Maha Maru’ and ‘Maru Gurjara’.
In the South, the architectural styles included Kalinga, Chalukya, Dravidian styles. Historians and archaeological experts are of the opinion that both the northern and southern styles were connected with both influencing each other.
The temples in India were built on a grand scale, with delicate carvings and beautiful sculptures. They had high domes, gopuras and large courtyards. Examples of this kind of grand architecture are found at the Brihadeeswarar Temple at Thanjavur, Meenakshi Amman Temple at Madurai, the Sun Temple at Konark, the Lingaraj Temple at Bhubaneswar etc.
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Answer:
Temple Architecture early medieval
Temple architecture of high standard developed in almost all regions during ancient India. The distinct architectural style of temple construction in different parts was a result of geographical, climatic, ethnic, racial, historical and linguistic diversities. Ancient Indian temples are classified in three broad types. This classification is based on different architectural styles, employed in the construction of the temples. Three main style of temple architecture are the Nagara or the Northern style, the Dravida or the Southern style and the Vesara or Mixed style. But at the same time, there are also some regional styles of Bengal, Kerala and the Himalayan areas.
One important part of the ancient Indian temples was their decoration. It is reflected in the multitude details of figured sculpture as well as in the architectural elements. Another important component of Indian temples was the garbha-griha or the womb chamber, housing the deity of the temple. The garbha-griha was provided with a circumambulation passage around. However, there are also many subsidiary shrines within temple complexes, more common in the South Indian temple.
In the initial stages of its evolution, the temples of North and South India were distinguished on the basis of some specific features like sikhara and gateways. In the north Indian temples, the sikhara remained the most prominent component while the gateway was generally unassuming. The most prominent features of South Indian temples were enclosures around the temples and the Gopurams (huge gateways). The Gopurams led the devotees into the sacred courtyard. There were many common features in the Northern and the Southern styles. These included the ground plan, positioning of stone-carved deities on the outside walls and the interior, and the range of decorative elements.
Design
The very essence of a Hindu temple is believed to have developed from the ideology that all things are one and everything is associated. The four essential and significant principles which are also aims of human life according to Indian philosophy are the quests for artha - wealth and prosperity; kama - sex and pleasure; dharma - moral life and virtues; and moksha - self knowledge and realisation. The mathematically structured spaces, intricate artworks, decorated and carved pillars and statues of Hindu temples illustrate and revere such philosophies. A hollow space without any embellishments situated at the centre of the temple, usually below the deity, may also be at the side or above the deity symbolises the complex concept of Purusha or Purusa meaning the Universal principle, Consciousness, the cosmic man or self without any form, however, omnipresent and associates all things. The Hindu temples suggest contemplations, encouragement and further purification of mind and prompt the process of self-realisation in devotees; however the preferred process is left to the convention of individual devotees.