The Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty was an imperial power which ruled much of Northern India from the mid-8th to the 11th centuries on the Indian subcontinent during the late Classical period. They ruled first in Ujjain, then in Kannauj. The temples built under this rule share certain characteristics as well as distinctive designs and decorative schemes. The Malwa Pratihara temples are distinguished by a low short plinth, a simple and relatively stunted spire, and a wall decorated with a single band of sculptured niches. The Naresar temples in Gwalior have a square sanctum with a curvilinear 'tri-ratha' and are the earliest temples in this style of architecture. The 'Teli-Ka-Mandir' in Gwalior, the 'Mahadeva Temple' in Amrol, the 'Kutakeshvara Temple' in Pathari, and the Jain temples in Deogarh are all outstanding examples of the Pratihara temple style. In this article, we will discuss the Art and Architecture during the Pratihara dynasty which will be helpful for UPSC exam preparation.

Temple Architecture of Pratiharas

Art and Architecture of Pratiharas - Features

• From the mid-seventh to the eleventh centuries, the Gurjara-Pratiharas, also known as the Pratihara Empire, ruled much of Northern India.
• They were crucial in keeping Arab armies east of the Indus River at bay.
• During the Caliphate campaigns in India, Nagabhata I defeated the Arab army led by Junaid and Tamin.
• The sculptures, carved panels, and open pavilion style temples of Gurjara-Pratihara are well-known.
• The most significant advancement in their temple-building style occurred at Khajuraho, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Art and Architecture of Pratiharas - Background

• The Gurjara-Pratihara rulers were avid supporters of the arts, architecture, and literature. Mihir Bhoj was the dynasty's most notable ruler.
• Viswaroopa form of Vishnu and Marriage of Siva and Parvati from Kannauj are two notable sculptures from this period.
• Beautifully carved panels can also be found on the walls of temples in Osian, Abhaneri, and Kotah.
• Sursundari, a female figure exhibited in Gwalior Museum, is one of the most charming sculptures of Gurjara-Pratihara art.
• The most important architectural groups generally attributed to early Pratiharas are at Osian in the heart of Gurjara, to the east in the great fort at Chittor, and at Roda in the south by the border of modern Gujarat - which the Pratiharas had absorbed by the end of the 8th century.
• They had also made their way to north-central India, where several temples near Gwalior are comparable to the later works at Osian.
• The extraordinary Teli-ka-Mandir in Gwalior fort is the oldest large-scale Pratihara work still standing.

Early Works at Osian

• Early works at Osian include five-bay mulaprasadas with porches and open halls but no vestibules or ambulatory, and several have five-shrine complexes (pancha-yatana), such as Hari-Hara I.
• Open halls are surrounded by vedika with seat-back coping supporting truncated purna-kalasha columns and their internal pillars, square with projections, frequently have purna-kalasha for both capital and base to provide the extra height needed in the centre of halls, as in the Surya Temple and Hari-Hara I.
• Surya's richly incised pilasters support a prasada, whereas Hari-Hara III's shrine portal is typical of non-architectonic compositions, with lotus, pearl, and mithuna jambs rising from Ganga and Yamuna and dikpalas.
• Hari-Hara III's porches and balconies have flat roofs, and even the later halls have two or three superimposed slabs with no additional superstructure.
• Early ceilings are flat, later ones are corbelled and adorned with carving, and Hari-Hara III's nine-square hall is unique in that it has curved side vaults.

Temple Structure at Osian

Teli ka Mandir

• The Teli-ka-Mandir in Gwalior is dedicated to a Shakti cult and consists of an elevated rectangular mulaprasada, a double oblong shikhara, and a closed portico.
• The sides have three bays, though there are small intermediate recessions and the central zone steps out in diminishing planes below the shikhara's two levels' bizarre superimposed horseshoe window motifs.
• There are two major projections on the back, each with ghana-dwaras bearing tiered kapotas and miniature lunettes, flanked by aedicule with various shikhara-like superstructures.
• The unorthodox dado has a double recession with kaiasha and kapota on a simple platform and stepped base.
• The stepped superstructure over the portico is modern, but the Kameshvara at Auwa, the Teli-ka-Mandir has one of the earliest surviving examples of a Phamsana roof, with precedents most likely found in the Maitraka tradition.

Teli ka Mandir

Ambika Mata Temple

• The Ambika Matha in Jagat is an early and exquisite example of further elaboration and synthesis of previously encountered elements.
• A five-bay mulaprasada with ambulatory and equilateral projections implying a diagonal as well as an octagonal grouping of facade elements in response to the clustered composition of its Sekhari shikhara.
• Some of the important features of this temple are:
  • Phamsana-roofed, cruciform closed hall with richly detailed aedicule matching those of mulaprasada; porch with high vedika, seat-like coping, prominent chadya, elaborately carved purna-kalasha pillars with prominent bracket capitals;
  • Five-jamb portal with niches virtually obscured by vibrant figures spilling from them; gorgeous ceilings;
  • A base distinguished by major and minor padmas, karnaka or kumbha, and friezes of elephants and krittimukhas beneath a dado with superimposed khura, kumbha, kalasha, and kapota.

Ambika Mata Temple

Ghateswara at Baroli

• The Ghateshwara at Baroli has a Phamsana in two registers over its square, portico with parapets bearing elaborate aedicule and miniature Latina shikharas at the corners.
• The Baroli temple anticipates the sumptuous practise of the Chandellas in several ways: the shikhara is taller, more elegantly curved than previously, and has central bands that penetrate up into the zone of the amalaka's base.
• There is now a vestibule crowned by a high and elaborate gable composition in which a variety of miniature shrine forms play an important role.
• Apsaras adorn various facets of octagonal pillars, the capitals of which include graded rings, stepped friezes, and convoluted brackets; undulating arches hang from the columns at the entrance.

Gyaraspur Temple

• Gyaraspur Temple, which has been partially excavated, has a more advanced plan, with an ambulatory as well as a vestibule and a closed hall with balconies and a porch, making it cruciform.
• Its shikhara, with nine miniature Latina forms clustered around its base, is possibly the oldest surviving Sekhari example in the Pratihara Empire's central domain.
• Both the hall and the porch have Phamsana roofs. A high podium holds the dado with kaiasha and kapota.

Other Temples

• Similarly, the Vishnu and Someshwara Temples at Kiradu may be viewed as a more sumptuous culmination of the Pratihara tradition.
• The latter is distinguished by the octagonal arrangement of its many-faceted pillars that define the hall's central space.
• It also has one of the earliest known seven-bay mulaprasadas, with a socle that has been expanded to include three friezes of human figures, horses, and elephants.
• The slightly earlier but equally magnificent Vishnu Temple is also notable for the Samvarana roof of its hall, which is one of the earliest known examples of the type, clearly demonstrating its evolution from the Phamsana form.

Conclusion

The artistic remains of the Pratihara period can be found in a large area that includes Haryana and central India, as well as the entire state of Uttar Pradesh, a portion of Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Rajastha. The decorative idiom of temple art and architecture raised under the Pratiharas is notable for its harmony with the structural medium employed. Aside from the carver's skill, it has drawn inspiration from pre-existing cultural and artistic traditions. During the Pratihara period, the earlier temples' simple plan and elevation evolved into a more elaborate format consisting of a mukha-mandapa, antarala, and garbha-griha, as well as an elevation with profusely carved adhisthana, jangha, and sikhara. Chandelas, Parmaras, and Kachchhapaghatas, as well as other regional schools, closely followed this architectural tradition.

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Examine the significance of the Pratihara Dynasty in the context of medieval Indian art and architecture.

Answer: The Pratihara Dynasty played a pivotal role in the evolution of medieval Indian art and architecture, showcasing a unique synthesis of cultural influences. Their architectural style, particularly in temple construction, reflects a harmonious blend of Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist elements, characterized by elaborate carvings and intricate sculptures. The Pratiharas were instrumental in promoting the construction of monumental temples, such as the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple in Khajuraho, which remains a testament to their artistic achievements. This dynasty not only contributed to the architectural heritage of India but also influenced subsequent dynasties in terms of artistic expression and religious patronage. Furthermore, the Pratihara period witnessed a flourishing of artistic activities, including sculpture, painting, and metalwork, marking a high point in Indian cultural history.

Q2: Discuss the architectural innovations introduced during the Pratihara Dynasty.

Answer: The Pratihara Dynasty introduced several architectural innovations that significantly impacted medieval Indian architecture. One of the most notable features was the use of stone as a primary building material, which allowed for the creation of intricately carved temples that have withstood the test of time. The introduction of the "shikhara" style, characterized by towering spires, became a defining feature of Pratihara temple architecture. Additionally, the meticulous attention to detail in sculpture work, depicting mythological narratives and deities, demonstrated advanced craftsmanship. The Pratiharas also emphasized the importance of temple complexes, often integrating water bodies and gardens, which enhanced the overall aesthetic and spiritual experience. These innovations laid the groundwork for future architectural endeavors in India, influencing subsequent dynasties and contributing to the rich tapestry of Indian art and architecture.

Q3: Analyze the impact of the Pratihara Dynasty on regional art forms and their legacy in modern India.

Answer: The Pratihara Dynasty had a profound impact on regional art forms, fostering a rich cultural milieu that influenced various artistic expressions. Their patronage of temple construction led to the proliferation of distinctive architectural styles across northern and western India, blending local traditions with broader artistic trends. The intricate carvings and sculptures from the Pratihara era not only served religious purposes but also became a source of inspiration for subsequent artists and artisans. This legacy is evident in modern Indian art, where traditional motifs and designs continue to find expression in contemporary works. Moreover, the preservation of Pratihara architecture, such as the temples at Khajuraho, has contributed to India's cultural heritage, attracting tourists and scholars alike. The artistic techniques and thematic representations from the Pratihara period continue to be studied and celebrated, reinforcing the dynasty's enduring influence on India's artistic landscape.

Previous Year Questions on Art and Architecture of Pratiharas

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2023

Question: Which of the following temples is associated with the Pratihara Dynasty?

a) Brihadeeswarar Temple

b) Kandariya Mahadeva Temple

c) Sun Temple, Konark

d) Hoysaleswara Temple

Answer: b) Kandariya Mahadeva Temple

Explanation: The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, located in Khajuraho, is closely associated with the Pratihara Dynasty and showcases their architectural brilliance and artistic finesse.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2021

Question: Evaluate the role of the Pratihara Dynasty in the development of medieval Indian architecture and culture.

Answer: The Pratihara Dynasty played a crucial role in the development of medieval Indian architecture and culture, characterized by the emergence of significant temple complexes that integrated various cultural influences. Their architectural innovations, particularly in stone temple construction, demonstrated advanced engineering and artistic skills, resulting in masterpieces such as the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple. This period marked a flourishing of artistic endeavors, with sculptures that depicted mythological themes and intricate designs reflecting the cultural zeitgeist. The Pratiharas also contributed to the spread of religious beliefs, including the patronage of Hinduism and Jainism, which further enriched the cultural fabric of the time. Their legacy can be seen in the continued reverence for their architectural style and the lasting influence on subsequent dynasties in India.