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Home/upsc: temple architecture/Page 3

Mains Answer Writing Latest Questions

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TeamSupreme
Asked: September 10, 2024In:
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Describe the Nagar style temples’ architectural elements. 200 words [UPPSC 2023]

upsc: temple architecture
  1. Neel Patel
    Neel Patel Begginer

    The Nagar style, prevalent in North India from the 7th to the 12th century, is a distinctive form of Hindu temple architecture. Its architectural features include: Shikhara (Spire): The most prominent feature of Nagar temples is the towering, curvilinear shikhara, which is often intricately adorned.Read more

    The Nagar style, prevalent in North India from the 7th to the 12th century, is a distinctive form of Hindu temple architecture. Its architectural features include:

    1. Shikhara (Spire): The most prominent feature of Nagar temples is the towering, curvilinear shikhara, which is often intricately adorned. The shikhara, rising in a series of diminishing tiers, symbolizes Mount Meru, the axis of the universe in Hindu cosmology.
    2. Garbhagriha (Sanctum Sanctorum): The central part of the temple, where the main deity’s idol is enshrined. It is usually square or rectangular, with a plain, solid form, emphasizing the sanctity of the deity.
    3. Mandapa (Pillared Hall): An assembly hall or portico in front of the garbhagriha, often supported by intricately carved pillars. It serves as a space for rituals and congregation.
    4. Aisles and Inner Walls: The temple complex features a series of subsidiary shrines and surrounding corridors. The inner walls are richly decorated with sculptural reliefs depicting deities, mythological scenes, and intricate patterns.
    5. Entrance and Torana: The entrance of the temple is elaborately carved, often with a torana (archway) that is decorated with auspicious symbols and divine figures.
    6. Horizontal Projections: Multiple horizontal projections or projections (like balconies) enhance the temple’s façade and provide aesthetic grandeur.

    The Nagar style reflects the rich artistic and religious traditions of medieval North India, with its emphasis on verticality, sculptural detail, and sacred symbolism

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Team
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TeamSupreme
Asked: August 1, 2024In:
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Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction Objective: Introduce the significance of medieval Indian temple sculptures as reflections of social life. Key Points: Mention how these sculptures capture various aspects of daily existence, cultural practices, and societal structures. 2. Testament to Social Hierarchy A. Depiction of ...

upsc: temple architecture
  1. Team
    Best Answer
    Team Supreme

    Model Answer Introduction Medieval Indian temple sculptures vividly depict the social life of the era, encapsulating various aspects of daily existence, cultural practices, and societal hierarchy. These intricately carved figures on temple walls and pillars provide valuable insights into the lives oRead more

    Model Answer

    Introduction

    Medieval Indian temple sculptures vividly depict the social life of the era, encapsulating various aspects of daily existence, cultural practices, and societal hierarchy. These intricately carved figures on temple walls and pillars provide valuable insights into the lives of people from different strata of society.

    Testament to Social Hierarchy

    At the Brihadeshwara Temple in Thanjavur, sculptures of kings and nobles adorned with elaborate jewelry contrast with depictions of commoners in simpler attire. This visual differentiation illustrates the social hierarchy that characterized medieval India, highlighting disparities in wealth and status (Source: Temples of South India by V. S. R. Sarma).

    Architectural Styles and Cultural Diversity

    The diverse architectural styles of temples reflect regional and dynastic influences, showcasing a variety of cultural expressions. The Kailasa Temple at Ellora, Maharashtra, exemplifies unique rock-cut architecture, emphasizing the artistic innovation of the period (Source: Indian Rock-Cut Architecture by R. S. Sharma).

    Significance of Political Power

    The Hoysaleswara Temple in Halebidu, Karnataka, features intricate carvings of rulers and warriors, underscoring the importance of political power and martial prowess in medieval society. These sculptures commemorate the valor and achievements of local rulers (Source: The Hoysala Empire by S. K. Srikantiah).

    Depiction of Various Occupations

    The Sun Temple at Konark, Odisha, illustrates scenes of various occupations, including potters, blacksmiths, and weavers. This highlights the significance of these professions in medieval India, revealing the economic activities and societal roles of different groups (Source: The Sun Temple of Konark by J. C. Harle).

    The Role of Women

    Sculptures depicting women as dancers and musicians emphasize their cultural contributions. The Khajuraho Temples showcase women engaged in music and dance, reflecting their importance in the social and cultural fabric of medieval India (Source: Khajuraho: The Temples of Love by K. C. Jain).

    Conclusion

    Medieval Indian temple sculptures serve as a rich visual record of social life, capturing the cultural and societal aspects of the era. Through various examples, these sculptures reveal the complexity and diversity of medieval Indian society, offering insights into its traditions, hierarchies, and everyday life.

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Veer Singh
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Veer SinghBegginer
Asked: July 25, 2024In:
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Describe how the convergence of Dravidian and Nagara temple building is symbolized by the distinctive qualities of the Vesara style.

upsc: temple architecture
  1. ADDA VAMSI KRISHNA
    ADDA VAMSI KRISHNA Begginer

    Indian Temples are an expression over space and time. Mainly 3 styles of temple architecture: Nagara,Dravida and Vesara. Vesara style is a mix of Nagara and Dravidian styles. It was flourishered mainly in the Karnatak region Unique features of Vesara Style: Emphasis on Vimana and mandapa. Open ambulRead more

    Indian Temples are an expression over space and time. Mainly 3 styles of temple architecture: Nagara,Dravida and Vesara.

    Vesara style is a mix of Nagara and Dravidian styles. It was flourishered mainly in the Karnatak region

    Unique features of Vesara Style:

    1. Emphasis on Vimana and mandapa.
    2. Open ambulatory passageway
    3. The pillars,doorways and the ceilings were decorated with intricate carvings.

    Vesara’s features: symbolises Dravidian and Nagara Architecture:

    1. Curvilinear Shikara and Square base of Vesara temples —>influenced from Nagara style.

    2. Intricate Carvings and Sculptures, design of Vimana and stepped/terraced shikara —-> inspired from Dravidian styles.

    Some examples of Vesara style Temples were : Ladhak Temple at Aihole, Badami Temples. These Ancient temples not only remains as an inspiration for craftsmanship and detailing but also remains as a symbolism to show the Unity in diversity in the Indian subcontinent.

     

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Kiran Srivastava
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Kiran SrivastavaBegginer
Asked: July 10, 2024In:
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What architectural changes did Indian temples undergo over history?

upsc: temple architecture
  1. Aashna Diyi
    Aashna Diyi Begginer
    This answer was edited.

    Indian temple architecture has undergone significant changes during various historical periods, reflecting developments in religious beliefs, cultural influences and artistic expressions. Below is a brief overview of key developments: 1. Ancient period (300 BC - 500 AD): - Early temples had simple sRead more

    Indian temple architecture has undergone significant changes during various historical periods, reflecting developments in religious beliefs, cultural influences and artistic expressions. Below is a brief overview of key developments:

    1. Ancient period (300 BC – 500 AD):
    – Early temples had simple structures, often rock-cut or cave-like (e.g. Karla Caves, Ajanta Caves).
    2. Gupta period (320 – 550 CE):
    – Marks the beginning of grand temple architecture, with intricate carvings.
    – Examples include Deogarh Temple and Dashavatara Temple.
    >3. Medieval period (600 – 1200 CE):
    – Saw the rise of regional styles, such as:
    – Nagara style (North India), characterized by spires majestic towers (e.g. Khajuraho temples).
    – Dravida style (South India), marked by pyramidal towers (e.g. Brihadeeswarar temple).
    – Decorative details and sculpture became more complex.
    4 . Hoysala period (1100 – 1300 CE):
    – Characterized by intricate carvings, engravings and ornate decoration (e.g. temples at Belur and Halebidu).
    – Introducing the concept of “temples in protected areas”.
    5 . Vijayanagara Period (1300 – 1600 CE):
    – Witnessed the construction of large, intricate temples with intricate carvings.
    – Examples include the Hampi temple complex and the Vitthala.
    6 . Mughal and Colonial Period (1500 – 1900 CE):
    – Influenced by Islamic and European architectural styles, leading to the development of:
    – Indo-Islamic Architecture religion (e.g. Taj Mahal).
    – Colonial – temples of this period, often mixing Indian and European elements.
    7. Modern period (1900 CE – present):
    – Witnessed a revival of traditional temple architecture, with an emphasis on regional styles and materials.
    – Contemporary temples often incorporate modern elements, such as sustainable design and innovative materials.
    This brief overview highlights significant changes and developments in Indian temple architecture in different historical periods, reflecting the rich cultural and artistic heritage of the country.

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