Major Stages in Evolution of Art and Architecture

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Major Stages in Evolution of Art and Architecture

2020-04-27 12 :08: 55 #review

General Features and Development of Temple Arch

The basic form of Hindu temple comprises :

Grabhagriha : cubicle small room, houses principal deity
Mandapa : entrance to temple, designed to house large no of worshippers.
Shikhara : large spire, shapes vary from pyramidal to curvilinear.
Vahana : mount or vehicle of the main deity, placed just before the Garbhagriha.

1st Stage of Dev of Temple

Temples had flat roof
Square in shape
Portico (porch leading to entrance) was developed on shallow pillars
entire structure was built on low platforms
Ex Sanchi temple

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2nd Stage

two-storied temples
platforms higher or upraised
covered pradakshinapath around garbhagriha
Ex Parvati temple, Nachna Kuthra

![[Pasted image 20220908104608.png |500]]

3rd Stage of Temple Dev

emergence of shikharas, low and almost square.
Panchayatan style of temple making was introduced
- This style had 4 subsidiary shrine aong the temple of the principal deity.
Shrine were placed in a crucified shape.
Ex Dashavtar temple Deogarh

![[Pasted image 20220908104715.png |500]]

4th Stage of Temple Dev

The main shrine became more rectangular.
Most of the features were same as the previous 4 stages.

5th Stage

Introduction of circular temples with shallow rectangular projections.
Ex Maniya Math at Rajgir

![[Pasted image 20220908105255.png |500]]

Odisha/Kalinga School

Exterior walls lavishly decorated; interior walls were plain
Main temple was called Vimana or Deula it is the sanctum around the diety including the assembly hall called Jagamohana which is the place of congregation of devotees.
- Reha, Pida and Khakhara ar the different types of Deula.
It was patronised by the Ganga rulers
No use of pillars in the porch, Iron girders used instead
Shikharas were known as ==rekhadeuls== with sudden inwards curv
Mandap was aka ==Jagmohan==
ground plan of main temple was square
Temples surrounded by boundary wall as in dravida style.
Ex Lingaraj temple at Bhubaneswar, Jagganath temple at Puri, Konark Sun temple

![[Pasted image 20220301210138.png |500]]

![[Pasted image 20220301210701.png |500]]

Khajuraho School

[[1.2 Origin and the Rise of Rajputs#Chandellas -|Chandela]] rulers developed this style.
both interior and exterior walls lavishly decorated w/ carvings
sculptures generally erotic inspired by [[Kamasutra]]
made of sandstone
Some temples had vestibular entrance to garbhagriha aka ==antarala==
generally North or East facing
subsidiary shrines also had rekhaprasad shikharas this gave the impression of a mountain range.
Temples were built on relatively high platform
belonged to both Hindu and as well Jains.

![[Major-Stages-in-Evolution-of-A-image2-23464887.jpg]]

Solanki School Aka Known as Maru Gurjara Style

walls did not have any carvings
garbhagriha connected w/ mandapa both internally ans externally
porticos have decorative arched gateways called torans
unique feature of this school is the presence of ==step-tank aka surya-kund== #important
steps of these tanks had smaller temples w/ carvings on them
Variety of materials were used viz sandstone, black basalt and soft-marble
Most were east facing and get direct sunshine during equinoxes.

![[Major-Stages-in-Evolution-of-A-image3-23464887.jpg]]

Hoysala Art and Architecture

Near Mysore from 1050-1300 AD in areas of Belur, Halebid and Sringeri
Multiple shrines built around a central pillared hall
shrines led out in the shape of an intricately designed star aka ==Stellate plan==
Soft soap stone (Chorite schist) was the main building material.
Massive emphasis on decoration of temple through sculptures
Shikharas interconnected by arrangement of horizontal lines and mouldings
Temples built on upraised platform known as ==Jagati==
walls and stairs followed a zig zag pattern
Noted for fine, delicate, detailed carvings executed on smooth chlorite schist on walls and ceilings
Hoysaleshvara temple : cruciform plan, cruciform shape, two separate shrines,
Keshava temple : at Belur has multiple shrines, finesse in sculptures
Keshava temple : at Somnathpur has complex plan, Shikhara of moderate height, richly carved, has erotic themes

![[Pasted image 20220908105843.png |600]]

![[Major-Stages-in-Evolution-of-A-image4-23464887.jpg |600]]

Pala and Sena School of Architecture:

In Bengal b/w 8-12 century AD.
Primarily Buddhists built lots of Viharas, Chaityas and Stupas. But shows a confluence of both the religions
Universities of Nalanda, Jagaddala, Odantapuri and Vikramshila were built
Monastery at Somapura
buildings had a curve or sloping roof as in bamboo roof was later adopted by Mughal rulers.
terracotta bricks, was the principal building material used.
temples of this region had a tall, curving shikhara crowned by a large amalaka.
sculptures were made of both stone and metals.
figures has a lustrous finish
Ex : Dhakeshwari temple in Bangladesh

![[Pasted image 20220908110105.png |600]]

![[Major-Stages-in-Evolution-of-A-image5-23464887.jpg]]

[[Temple Architecture in India Nitin Singhania 1.pdf]]

PYQs and Answers

Discuss the ancient Indian contacts with South-East Asia with reference to causes, chronology and original home of the migrants. What was the impact of these contacts on the art of Kambuja and Java? [1980, 60m]

The ancient Indian contacts with South-East Asia were mainly due to trade, migration and cultural diffusion. They began around the 4th century BCE and continued until the 15th century CE. They involved various regions of India, especially Bengal, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, and various countries of South-East Asia, especially Indonesia, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam123.

The causes of these contacts were:

The demand for spices, gems, gold, ivory and other exotic products from South-East Asia by the Mediterranean world and China. This stimulated Indian merchants to explore new markets and routes in South-East Asia14. The political instability and social unrest in India due to foreign invasions, dynastic conflicts and religious persecutions. This prompted some Indian groups to seek refuge or opportunities in South-East Asia12. The missionary zeal of Indian religions, especially Buddhism and Hinduism. This motivated some Indian monks, teachers and pilgrims to spread their faiths and teachings in South-East Asia13. The chronology of these contacts were:

The earliest phase (4th century BCE - 3rd century CE) was marked by sporadic trade contacts between India and Funan (Cambodia-Vietnam), Srivijaya (Sumatra) and Java. Some Indian traders settled in these regions as colonists or intermediaries19. The second phase (4th century CE - 7th century CE) was marked by increased trade contacts between India and Kambuja (Cambodia), Champa (Vietnam), Dvaravati (Thailand), Malayu (Malay Peninsula) and Bali. Some Indian rulers established political alliances or suzerainty over these regions as patrons or overlords19. The third phase (8th century CE - 15th century CE) was marked by intensified cultural contacts between India and Angkor (Cambodia), Sailendra (Java-Sumatra), Mataram (Java), Majapahit (Java-Bali) and Pagan (Burma). Some Indian culture bearers influenced these regions as artists, architects, poets or teachers. The original home of the migrants were:

The early migrants were mostly merchants from Bengal, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh who settled along the coastal areas of South-East Asia as traders or colonists19. The later migrants were mostly Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Buddhists and Jains from various parts of India who moved to the interior areas of South-East Asia as priests, rulers, monks or teachers19. The impact of these contacts on the art of Kambuja and Java were:

The art of Kambuja was influenced by both Hinduism and Buddhism from India. It developed a distinctive style of temple architecture that combined pyramidal towers, carved stone walls, moats and causeways. Some examples are Angkor Wat, Bayon and Banteay Srei. It also developed a rich tradition of sculpture that depicted Hindu gods, Buddhist bodhisattvas, kings and apsaras. Some examples are Vishnu reclining on Ananta Sesha at Angkor Wat, Avalokiteshvara with multiple arms at Bayon and Devi at Banteay Srei. The art of Java was also influenced by both Hinduism and Buddhism from India. It developed a unique style of temple architecture that combined stupa-like domes, terraced platforms, niches and reliefs. Some examples are Borobudur, Prambanan and Mendut. It also developed a splendid tradition of sculpture that depicted Hindu epics, Buddhist stories, animals and demons. Some examples are the Ramayana panels at Prambanan, the Jataka tales at Borobudur and the Kala heads at Mendut.

Discuss the cultural impact of India on the South-East Asia during the ancient period. [1982, 60m]

Spread of Theravada B in Myanmar :
- produced literature, Burma Pegu called Suvarnabhumi, Java Called Suvarnadwipa,
- Jataka mentions B traders going to SEA, Fa Hien mentions Brahmanical religion present there,
- Pallava colonies - formation of Sri Vijaya, Kamboja at Champa founded in 6 C - Shavia kings,
- Sanskrit off lang, temples, Dravidian arch influences, Angkor Vat, Ramayana pop in Indo, Borobodur temple in Indo,
- Buddha head sculp from Thai, Chola bronze sculp In Sumatra locally produced, Pali Tamil influence, city named after Ayodhya, tamil insc

[[10.11 Art and Culture#Buddhist Culture spread to SE Asia |Buddhist Culture spread to SE Asia]]