Dravida architecture, also known as the South Indian temple style, is a Hindu temple architectural form that evolved in the southern Indian subcontinent, notably in South India and Sri Lanka, and peaked in the sixteenth century. The Nagara style is a type of temple building. It is the style of temple construction used in North India. This article will explain to you the concepts related to Dravidian Architecture and Nagara Architecture and the Major Differences between the two which will be helpful in Indian Art and Culture preparation for the UPSC Civil service exam.
Dravida Architecture
- Back in the day, the Chola rulers were like the ultimate supporters of temple construction in South India. They went all out, building hundreds of temples.
- The cool thing is that they kind of continued this old school architecture vibe from the Pallavas, but with a bit of a makeover. Think of it like Pallava architecture 2.0.
- So, the temples down there were all about the Dravidian style. Unlike the Nagara temples, these ones were like secret sanctuaries enclosed by these massive boundary walls.
- Picture this: a grand entrance called the gopuram right at the front. It’s like the ultimate welcome gate to the temple party.
- Now, the temple grounds were like a well-planned neighborhood. There’s the main temple, the superstar, surrounded by four smaller shrines. It’s a whole community vibe.
- The spire, or the fancy top part, in Dravidian temples is not your average pointy thing. It’s more like a step-by-step pyramid that just shoots up in a straight line. They call it a vimana.
- Just to name-drop a bit, there’s the Brihadeswara temple in Tanjore. Raja Raja I was the brain behind that masterpiece in 1011 A.D. Oh, and don’t forget the Gangaikondacholapuram temple. Rajendra I built that one to celebrate his victory in the Gangetic delta.
Nagara Architecture
- From the fifth century A.D Onwards, a distinct form of temple construction known as the Nagara style of architecture emerged in northern India.
- Even within the Nagara school, numerous sub-schools arose in the country’s western, middle, and eastern regions.
- The temples were primarily built in the Panchayatan style, with minor shrines arranged in a crucified ground plan with relation to the main shrine.
- There are meeting halls or mandaps in front of the main shrine.
- Images of the river deities Ganga and Yamuna were placed outside the garbhagriha.
- There were no reservoirs or tanks of water.
- Example: Sun Temple at Konark (also known as Black Pagoda ), Kandariya Mahadeva temple, Lakshman temple at Khajuraho, etc.
Major Differences between Dravida and Nagara Architecture
| Difference | Dravida Architecture | Nagara Architecture |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Dravida temples are those found in southern India. | Nagara temples are those found in Northern India. |
| Central Tower | 1. It has a central pyramidal tower (called Vimana in Dravidian style). 2. There is only one Shikhara or Vimana in this type. 3. The spire in the Dravidian architecture is shaped like a stepped pyramid that rises up linearly rather than curved. 4. It’s called a vimana.The crowning piece, known as shikhara, is formed like an octagon. | 1. It is distinguished by a beehive-shaped curvilinear tower (known as a Shikhara in northern terminology) composed of layer upon layer of architectural features and a cruciform ground plan. There are several Shikharas in this manner. 2. The vertical end of the shikhara terminated in the Amalak, a horizontal fluted disc. On top of that, a spherical shape known as the kalash was placed. 3. Shikharas were generally of three types- Latina or rekha-prasada, Phamsana, Valabhi. |
| Gopuram | The front wall had a high entrance gateway known as the gopuram. | The Shikhara is the most prominent feature of Nagara temples, and the entryway is usually modest or even absent. |
| Entrance | Dwarpalas guard the entryway in this style. The garbhagriha’s entrance was adorned with sculptures of Dwarpal, Mithun, and Yakshas. | The Ganga and Yamuna rivers are personified at the entrance to the Garbhagriha or sanctum sanctorum in this style. |
| Tower | There is usually a single tower in this form. In Dravidian architecture, there is only one vimana on top of the main temple. | There are several towers of this type. |
| Pedestals | In the Dravidian Style, pedestals are at ground level. | Pedestals in Nagara style are taller than the ground. |
| Boundary | Temples of this type feature complex boundaries. | The boundaries are less emphasised in this style. |
| Other features | 1. A vestibular tunnel called as antarala connected the assembly hall to the garbhagriha. 2. The presence of a water tank inside the temple enclosure was a distinguishing element of Dravidian architecture. 3. The temple grounds were designed in the panchayatan style, with a main temple and four smaller shrines. | 1. There are assembly halls or mandaps in front of the main shrine. 2. There were no water tanks or reservoirs on the temple grounds. 3. The pradakshina walk, or ambulatory passageway, encircling the sanctum sanctorum was covered. 4. The temples were primarily built in the Panchayatan style, with minor shrines arranged in a crucified ground plan with relation to the main shrine. |
Conclusion
Most of the ancient, medieval, and modern art and architecture in India has strong ties to religious themes. The Nagara and Dravidian architectural styles, which evolved from the earlier Panchayatana form, went through three key stages of development. In the beginning, there were simple pillars and structures. As things progressed, more carvings were incorporated, and the upper part became more substantial, leading to more elaborate pillars. The third stage saw additional embellishments on the Shikhar (top section) and the pillars, enhancing the overall decorative elements.
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