Chola architecture
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The document discusses Chola architecture between 900-1150 AD. It focuses on the Brihadeshwara Temple built by Rajaraja Chola I in Thanjavur around 1000 AD. Some key points: - The temple is considered one of the largest temples in India and a landmark in the evolution of South Indian architecture. It is known for its immense size, precise proportions and intricate sculptures. - The temple features a towering gopuram or temple tower that rises over 180 feet high, making it the tallest in India at the time. Over 130,000 tons of granite was used in its construction. - The temple exemplifies Chola architectural styles like axial symmetry, an elevated
Chola architecture
- 1. CHOLA ARCHITECTURE 900 - 1150 AD Prepared By- Roopa Chikkalgi. BGS SAP
- 2. CHOLA DYNASTY •Pallavas – 600-900 AD •Cholas- 900-1150 AD •The Chola dynasty was one of the longest- ruling dynasties in the history of southern India. •The heartland of the Cholas was the fertile valley of the Kaveri River, but they ruled a significantly larger area at the height of their power from the later half of the 9th century till the beginning of the 13th century. •The whole country south of the Tungabhadra was united and held as one state for a period of two centuries and more. •Under Rajaraja Chola I and his successors Rajendra Chola I, Rajadhiraja Chola, Virarajendra Chola and Kulothunga Chola I the dynasty became a military, economic and cultural power in South Asia and South-East Asia.
- 3. CHOLA ARCHITECTURE – 900 - 1150 AD•The capital of the Chola dynasty was the city of Thanjavur from 836 – 1267 AD •The great temple of Thanjavur was founded by Rajaraja I . •The Cholas ruled the Deccan and emerged victorious among many other kingdoms such as Pallavas, Pandyas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas. •They advanced as far as Bengal, Sri Lanka, Java, Sumatra and had trade links as far as Indonesia. •Their military and economic power was reflected in the grand architectural productions under this period at Thanjavur, Gangaikondacholapuram, Dharasuram and Tribhuvanam. Kambahareswara Temple-Tribhuvanam (Kumbakonam) 1178-1218 Gangaikondacholapuram Temple 1014-1044 AD Airateswara Temple-Darasuram 1146-1173 AD
- 4. CHOLA ARCHITECTURE – 900 - 1150 AD Early Temples Typical Features: •The temples are of modest proportions. •Built entirely of stone. •These show the Dravidian style in its formative stages •Use of well dressed granite •Pallavan influence observed in the vimana - similar to the rathas •Treatment- simplification of the exteriors compared to the Pallavas with elimination of the details. •Absence of the lion motifs and pillar. •The capital is modified to by addition of a neck moulding padmabandham and the pot kalasa.
- 5. BRIHADESHWAR TEMPLE Another Name – PERUVUDAIYAAR TEMPLE Location- THANJAVUR, TAMIL NADU DRAVADIAN ARCHITECTURE Creator- RAJA RAJA CHOLA I Built in- 1010 AD Deity- LORD SHIVA • An artwork achieved by Cholas it is one of the largest temples in India and the most prized architectural sites. • The temple stands amidst fortified walls that were probably added I 16th century.
- 6. BRIHADESHWAR TEMPLE • Brihadeshwara Temple in thanjavur is one of the largest temples in India which is built by emperor Rajendra Chola I and completed in 1010 AD. • This temple is also known as Peruvudaiyar Kovil, Periya Kovil or Big Temple, Raja Rajeswara Temple and Rajarajeswaram. • The temple tower is the tallest one in the world which is 216 ft high. And the kumbam in the tower weighs about 80 tonnes. • For the construction of the temple, more than 130,000 tonnes of granite was used. Surprisingly, these heavy stones were brought down from a place that was located 50 miles away from the Brihadeeshwar temple. • A unique feature about the temple is, it is the only temple wherein the Temple tower’s (Gopuram) shadow does not appear on the ground at noon. • The king Raja Raja Cholan built the temple after his visit to Sri Lanka. The king was inspired after witnessing the Vedic structures built by the Hindu kings.
- 7. CHOLA ARCHITECTURE Brihadeeswara Temple Thanjavur – 1000 AD The Brihadeeswara Temple at Tanjavur was constructed around 1000 AD The largest, highest and most ambitious project at its time – a landmark in the evolution of South Indian Architecture Superb architectural treatment and Proportions The main structure is 180’ long above which is the tower 190’ high
- 8. Brihadeshwara temple • Brihadeshwara Temple (locally known as "Big temple") is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located in Thanjavur in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. • The temple was built in a courtyard measuring 240 X 120m in the ratio of 1:2 • Granite is used for construction. • Inner sanctum is square. • The wall and plinth of the temple are carved out of Chola, Pandya, Vijayanagar, Nayaka and Maratha rulers. • Axial planning.
- 9. Planning: Dedicated to Shiva Surrounded by 2 walled precincts The first one measures 270m x 140 m consisting of a high wall running along the banks of the river Kaveri The 2nd wall consists of a portico with a double row of pillars, measures 150m x 75m The Temple is entered through The perimeter wall forms a rectangular cloister which could be divided into 2 squares The center of the 1st square contains the Nandi Pavilion and the 2nd contains the Cella Over the cella is the main Gopuram 60m high and 15m at its base
- 10. Plan The Garbhagriha is a mere 5m square surrounded by a thick wall with a narrow corridor. Axial planning The main cella is preceded by 2 hypostyle halls and a narrow vestibule Entered through a pillared portico on the west
- 12. THE Great Brihadeshwar Temple , Tanjore The Great Nandhi: • Big statue of Nandi(sacred bull), carved out of a single rock, at the entrance. • The Nandhi-12 feet high, 19.5 feet long and 18.25 feet wide. • Weighing about 20 tones. • Stone was brought over from the bed of the River Narmada in the north
- 13. CHOLA ARCHITECTURE Brihadeeswara Temple Thanjavur – 1000 AD Components of Vimana: The main Vimana is a huge solid block consisting of 3 parts: 1. Square vertical base 2. Tall tapering body 3. Domical finial Vertical base: • Square of 82’ rising to a ht. of 50’ • The square vertical base rises for 2 stories to accommodate the Linga which was increased in ht. • An upper gallery was hence added creating a 2nd storey, with the 2 levels of the tower receiving the same treatment Pyramidal portion: 13 diminishing stories until the width of the apex is 1/3 base Cupola: On the square platform stands the cupola, the inward curve of the neck breaking the rigid outlines of the composition
- 15. The magnificent Vimana (temple tower) stands to a height of 216 feet (66m).
- 21. CHOLA ARCHITECTURE Brihadeeswara Temple Thanjavur – 1000 AD Architectural treatment: Vertical face: The wall is divided into 2 stories by means of an overhanging cornice which is the only horizontal member Contains pilasters and niches with sculptures In the middle of each recess is a figure subject The mastery of the sculptors is seen in the Dvarapalas which stand guard at the gate The entire periphery of the temple base consists of mythical animals – lions Pyramidal roof: The surfaces are adorned with the horizontal lines of the diminishing tiers The Cupola at the summit is contrasted with the niches on all the 4 sides
- 25. CHOLA ARCHITECTURE Brihadeeswara Temple Thanjavur – 1000 AD
- 26. The key inscription on the base of the vimana where Rajaraja Chola says he built the stone temple and records the gifts that he, his sister, his queens and others gave the temple. Pichard called the vimana an “architectural audacity”.
- 27. Brihadeeswarar Temple has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the list of ‘Great Living Chola Temples’. An approximate of 130,000 tons of granite was used in the formation of this temple. The holy shrine has a temple tower (vimana) that is built at a height of 216 feet. Being the tallest in the world, it symbolizes Mount Peru. ‘Gopuras’ or the two gateways are located at the eastern entrance of the temple. The temple’s entrance has a large statue of Nandi (sacred bull) that measures about 16 feet in length and 13 feet in height. This statue has been carved out of a single stone.
- 28. ‘Kumbam’ is the topmost component of the holy shrine and weighs about 60 tons. It has been also carved out from a single granite stone. A huge idol of Lord Shiva with three eyes is present inside the temple along with the 108 dance forms or ‘karmas’. The exterior part on the other end is decorated with sculptures. There are 250 lingams in the entire temple compound. This famous sanctuary is made up of a pillared hall and an assembly hall which is known as mandapas and many sub- shrines.
- 29. The inner part of the mandapas is highly significant and is divided into various categories with the help of sculptures and pilasters. Being one of the rarest temples in India, the idols of ‘Ashta-dikpaalakas’ or guardians of directions can be found here. The six feet effigies of Agni, Varuna, Indra, Yama, Isana, Kubera and Nirriti are placed in a separate temple. Being a masterpiece in itself, the shadow of the tower over the gateway of the shrine never falls on the ground, more significantly in the premises of the temple. The altar situated at the entrance of this holy shrine has two idols of Lord Ganesha. When a person taps on any one of the idols, a sound occurs that travels towards the other idol slanting through the stone at one end and the metal to another. There are many pillars of the temple that produce such musical sounds.
- 30. CHOLA ARCHITECTURE Brihadeeswara Temple Thanjavur – 1000 AD The double portico of 450 m perimeter running all around the structure contains 252 lingas in black stone arranged under corbelled vaults carried on 400 pillars all around The wall behind the portico is beautifully painted
- 33. Brihadeshwara temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram
- 34. • Gangaikonda Cholapuram was built during medieval India and was erected as the capital of the Cholas by Rajendra Chola I, the son and successor of Rajaraja Chola. • It follows the same structural base as of Brihadeshwara temple at tanjavore. Gangaikondacholisvaram Temple •The second Brihadisvara temple complex, built by Rajendra I, the son and successor of Rajaraja I, was completed in 1035. The temple of Gangaikondacholisvaram is approached through the northern entrance from the road. •The passage moves through the enclosure wall and leads on to the inner court. The 53 m Vimana has recessed corners and gracefully upward curve, which is in contrast with the straight and severe tower at Thanjavur. As it rises to a height of 160 feet and is shorter than the Thanjavur tower, it is often described as the feminine counterpart of the Thanjavur temple. •The shrine of Chandikeswara is near the steps in the north. In the northeast are a shrine housing Durga, a well called lion-well (simhakeni) with a lion figure guarding its steps and a late mandapa housing the office. Nandi is in the east facing the main shrine. •In the same direction is the ruined Gopura, the entrance tower. The main tower surrounded by little shrines truly presents the appearance of a great Chakravarti (emperor) surrounded by chieftains and vassals. Brihadeshwara temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram