Although the Nagara and Dravida styles of temple building share many similarities, they also diverge greatly from one another. (Answer in 200 words)
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Answer: Over a period of time, prominent styles developed in Indian temple architecture and were divided into Nagara Style along with the variations in Northern, Eastern and Western India and Dravidian Style which emerged in Southern India. Similarities between Nagara and Dravidian styles of temple architecture:
Differences between Nagara and Dravidian styles of temple architecture:
Apart from the Nagara and Dravida styles, the Vesara style, an independent style created through selective mixing of the Nagara and Dravida orders can also be found in the Deccan region. Both Nagara and Dravida styles of architecture play a vital role in contributing to the vibrant history of temple architecture in India. Also, many of them have their place on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list.
Nagara and Dravida are two distinct styles of temple architecture in India, each with unique features that reflect regional and cultural differences.
Nagara Style:
Dravida Style:
Answer– The evolution of different styles of temple architecture in various parts of India was an important cultural development. The two significant styles of temple architecture evolved in India such as Nagara style in North India and Dravidian style in South India. Another important style of temple architecture which comprised the features of both Nagara and Dravidian style of temple architecture, emerged know as Vesara style of temple architecture.
• Nagara Style of Temple Architecture:
Tye basic firm of the temple architecture comprises the following features:
1. Garbhagriha – literally meaning ‘womb -chamber, is the sanctum of temple in which the main deity of the temple is kept.
2. The pillared hall in front of the Garbhagriha which also incorporates space for a large number of worshippers and is known as mandap.
3. The upper structure of temple is known as Shikhar .
4. The vahan is the vehicle of the temple’s main deity.
Dravidian style of temple architecture :
1. The Dravidian style of temple construction was confined largely to southern region of India and it reached it’s zenith under the periods of Cholas.
2. The Dravidian temples are enclosed within a compound wall.
3. The front wall has an entrance gateway in it’s center, which is known as a gopuram.
4. The shape of the main temple tower known as vimana is like a stepped pyramid that rises up geometrically rather than the curving Shikhara of North India .
While both styles share the purpose of serving as religious centers, their architectural elements, regional influences, and design aesthetics set them apart. The Nagara style’s curvilinear spire differs from the Dravidian style’s pyramid-shaped towers, showcasing the rich diversity and cultural heritage of temple architecture in India.
Indeed, Nagara and Dravida are two prominent styles of temple architecture in India, and while they share some common features, they also have significant differences.
Common Characteristics :-
1. Central Shrine (Garbhagriha): Both styles feature a central sanctum where the main deity is housed.
2. Mandapa: Both styles often include a hall or pavilion (mandapa) in front of the sanctum.
3. Vimana/Shikhara: Both styles have towering structures above the sanctum, although they differ in design.
4. Use of Elaborate Sculptures: Both styles use intricate carvings and sculptures to adorn the temples.
Differences:-
Nagara Style
1. Location: Predominantly found in Northern India.
2. Shikara: The tower above the sanctum is curved, often resembling a beehive or a mountain peak.
3. Base Plan: Generally square-shaped with various projections.
4. Garbha Griha: Often has a single central chamber without any additional subsidiary shrines.
5. Sub-styles: Includes variations like the Latina, Phamsana, and Valabhi.
6. Examples: Temples in Khajuraho, Odisha, and Gujarat.
Dravida Style
1. Location: Predominantly found in Southern India.
2. Vimana: The tower above the sanctum is pyramidal, consisting of progressively smaller storeys stacked on top of each other.
3. Base Plan: Generally rectangular or square with intricate boundary walls.
4. Gopurams: Large, ornate gateway towers often accompany the main temple structure.
5. Water Tanks: Usually includes a temple tank or a water body within the complex.
6. Sub-styles: Includes variations like Chola, Pallava, and Pandya styles.
7. Examples: Temples in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.
These architectural styles not only reflect the regional variations but also the cultural, religious, and historical influences that have shaped temple architecture in India over centuries.
While there are many notable differences in the Nagara style and the Dravidian style of temple building, here is an infographic that highlights the major differences by giving a much more better understanding through visuals.
While there are many notable differences in the Nagara style and the Dravidian style of temple building, here is an infographic that highlights the major differences by giving a much more better understanding through visuals.
While there are many notable differences in the Nagara style and the Dravidian style of temple building, here is an infographic that highlights the major differences by giving a much more better understanding through visuals.
While there are many notable differences in the Nagara style and the Dravidian style of temple building, here is an infographic that highlights the major differences by giving a much more better understanding through visuals.