What are the salient features of a nagara type temple architecture ?
Answers
Architecture of a Hindu temple (Nagara style). These core elements are evidenced in the oldest surviving 5th-6th century CE temples. The Meenakshi temple complex of Madurai, mostly built between 1623 and 1655 CE, a large complex in the Dravidian architecture of South India, dominated by gopuram gatehouse towers.
HINDU TEMPLE ARCHITECTURE
NOVEMBER 26, 2015Posted in ARCHITECTURE, HISTORY, UNCATEGORIZEDTagged BASIC FORM OF HINDU TEMPLE ARCHITECTURE, CHOLAS, DRAVADIAN STYLE OF TEMPLE ARCHITECTURE, FUNCTION OF TEMPLES, HINDU TEMPLES, INDIAN TEMPLES, NAGARA STYLE OF TEMPLE ARCHITECTURE, PALLAVAS, SHIKHARA, SHORE TEMPLE MAHABALIPURAM, VIJAYANAGAR, VIMANA6 COMMENTS
In ancient India, temple architecture of high standard developed in almost all regions. 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. Functions of Temples- Religious, Administrative centres, Centre of education.
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
Perhaps the most important part of the ancient Indian temples is 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 garba-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. On the other hand 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.
Some of the best examples of the north Indian style (Nagara style) of temple architecture are the Khajuraho Group of temples, Sun temple, Konark, Sun temple at Modhera, Gujarat and Ossian temple, Gujarat. The finest examples of Dravidian style (south Indian style) are temples of Tanjore, Madurai, Mahabalipuram, Badami, Pattadakal and Kanchipuram.
Answer:
Architectural features of the temples of Bengal:
1. Double roofed or dochala, four roofed (chauchala).
2. Comparative more complex-four roofed structures-four triangular roofs placed on four walls moved up to coverage on curved line or a point.
3. Built on a square platform.
4. Interior plain.
5. Outer walls decorated with paintings, ornamental tiles or terracotta tablets.