discuss the growth of various styles of temple architecture during the early medieval period.(about 500 words)
Answers
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.