Examine the nagara and dravida style of temple architecture which was evolved during the early medieval period
Answers
The Nagara style has its origin in the structural temples of the Gupta Period, especially the Dashavtara Temple of Deogarh and the Brick Temple of Bhitargaon. The two distinct features of Nagara temples are planning and elevation. The plan is square with a number of gradual projections in the middle of each side which imparts it a cruciform shape. When there is one projection on each side, it is called 'triratha', two projections - 'pancharatha', three projections - 'saptaratha' and four projections - 'navaratha'. These projections can occur throughout the height of the structure.
In elevation, it exhibits a tower ('Shikhara') gradually inclining towards in a convex curve. The projections in the plan are also carried upwards to the top of the shikhara. It is also called the 'rekha shikhara'.
In Nagara style of temples, the structure consists of two buildings, the main shrine taller and an adjoining shorter 'mandapa'. The main difference between the two is the shape of shikhara. In this style, the temples mainly are formed of four chambers, first the 'Garbhagriha', then second, the 'Jagmohan', third, 'Natyamandir' and the fourth, chamber 'Bhogmandir'.
The Lingaraja Temple, dating from 11th century, is one of the grandest and is regarded as a gem of Nagara architectural style. Jagannatha Puri temple is another example of this style.
Dravida Style of Temple Architecture :-
The Dravidian architectural style is associated with the temples of Southern India or Deccan. The outstanding and the common characteristics of the Dravida style is the 'pyramidal elevation' of the tower, which consists of a multiplication of a storey after storey slightly reduced than the one below, ending in a dome shaped portion. The storey in the later period became more and more compressed. In plan, the Dravida temple presents a square chamber as the sanctum cell within the square enclosure serving as the 'pradakshina' (circulatory passage).
The pillared hall and corridors, and the immense 'gopurams' (gateways) are the additions of the later period to the Dravia temples. The two most important characteristics of Dravida temples architecture are - the temples of this style has more than sides in the sanctum and tower or 'vimana' of these temples are pyramidal. Pillars and pilasters are vastly used in this architectural style of temples.
The Kailashnatha temple is a major example of Dravidian style of architecture.
The Nagara style is essentially amalgamated with the area within the Himalayas and Vindhyas.
The fundamental plan of Nagara temple is rectangular, with a number of registered prognostications or rathakas in the center of each face which provides it a cruciform pattern in the exterior. A pagoda tower or a pointed or curved shikhara indicates the height of the temples. The shikhara consists of numerous layers of patterned courses ordinarily established by an amalaka or notched ring stone.
In the Dravidian style construction the principal shrine of the pantheon act as the chief goddess. From 12 th century, it can be recognized that the temples which made on the basis of Dravidian style were fortified with three square concentric walls and with entrances on four sides.
The entry gate of the temple was recognized as Gopuram. The Gopuram has also the tower like Vimana over the chief memorial of the temple. This was due to the Authority of the Padian kingdom and later on, the pantheon becomes more splendid.