Roadmap for Answer Writing

1. Introduction

• Briefly introduce the Kalinga school of architecture.
• Mention its significance in the context of Indian temple architecture.

2. Diversity in Styles

• Subheading: Major Styles of Temples
  • Discuss the three main styles of shrines:
    • Rekha Deula
      • Description: Curvilinear shikhara.
      • Examples: Lingaraja Temple, Jagannatha Temple.
    • Bhadra/Pidha Deula
      • Description: Stepped, compressed pyramid shape.
      • Example: Bhaskareshwar Temple.
    • Khakhara Deula
      • Description: Elongated barrel roof.
      • Examples: Vaital Deula Temple, Varahi Deul Temple.

3. Structural Components

• Subheading: Key Architectural Features
  • Discuss the typical components of Kalinga temples:
    • Main sanctum (deul) and frontal hall (jagmohana).
    • Additional structures: natamandira and bhogamandapa.
    • Example: Ananta Vasudeva Temple showcasing these features.

4. Architectural Plans and Elevation

• Subheading: Plan and Elevation Characteristics
  • Describe the typical ground plan and elevation of Kalinga temples:
    • Square ground plan with cruciform appearance externally.
    • Vertical projections (rathakas) and their classification (e.g., triratha, pancha-ratha).
    • Example: Mukteshvara Temple demonstrating rathaka classification.

5. Conclusion

• Summarize the diversity and richness of Kalinga architecture.
• Emphasize its blend of indigenous styles and artistic innovation.

Relevant Facts

1. Historical Context:
   • Kalinga architecture is predominantly associated with temple architecture that evolved between the 6th and 16th centuries AD. (Source: Historical analysis of Kalinga architecture)
2. Rekha Deula:
   • The Lingaraja Temple in Bhubaneshwar and the Jagannatha Temple in Puri are prime examples of the Rekha Deula, showcasing the curvilinear shikhara. (Source: Architectural studies on Kalinga temples)
3. Bhadra/Pidha Deula:
   • The Bhaskareshwar Temple exemplifies the Bhadra Deula style, characterized by its stepped pyramid roof structure. (Source: Indian temple architecture reviews)
4. Khakhara Deula:
   • The Vaital Deula Temple and the Varahi Deul Temple are noted for their elongated wagon-vault roofs, representing the Khakhara Deula style. (Source: Scholarly articles on Kalinga architecture)
5. Structural Components:
   • Typical Kalinga temples consist of a main sanctum (deul) and a frontal hall (jagmohana), with later additions like the natamandira and bhogamandapa for ritual purposes. (Source: Architectural history texts)
6. Architectural Plans:
   • The temples often have a cruciform plan and feature vertical projections called rathakas, classified into different categories based on their number. (Source: Research on Indian temple architectural styles)