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Early Temples of Ancient and Medieval India - Art and Culture Notes

The majority of architectural remnants of India are Ancient and Medieval are religious in origin. Temples in different parts of the country have distinct architectural styles due to geographical, cultural, and historical variances. The country's two major temple orders are Nagara in the north and Dravida in the south. Myths mentioned in the Puranas become part of the Hindu religion's narrative portrayal. This article will explain to you the concepts related to Early temples which will be helpful in Indian Art and Culture preparation for the UPSC Civil service exam.

Table of Contents

  1. Early Temples
  2. Historical background
  3. Temples
  4. Conclusion
  5. FAQs
  6. MCQs
Early Temples

Early Temples

  • The majority of the architectural relics from Ancient and Medieval India are of a religious nature.
  • Geographical, cultural, and historical differences resulted in varied architectural styles of temples in different sections of the country
  • Nagara in the north and Dravida in the south are two broad orders of temples in the country.
  • The Vesara temple style is sometimes discovered as a separate style, resulting from the selective merging of the Nagara and Dravida orders.
  • More surfaces for sculpture were created as temples became more sophisticated, by adding more and more rhythmically protruding, symmetrical walls and niches without deviating from the shrine's basic form.
Other Relevant Links
Mathura, Sarnath and Gandhara Schools Bharhut stupa
Buddhist Monuments of South India Stupas
Chaityas Viharas
Historical background

Historical background

  • Temples in India have a few thousand years of history behind them. Their architecture has evolved with time.
  • They differ in size, style & construction material, depending on geographical location and the resources available.
  • In the early Vedic period there is no clear mention of temples. All worship & rituals were done before the holy fire called “Yagna'.
  • In the later Vedic period, idol worship began and those were kept in elementary dwellings with simple earth mounds that were substituted later by brickwork with grass roofs.
  • Later on, technology and science brought more sophistication and temples were made with more details and designs.
Temples

Temples

Temple Style and Features
Mahabodhi Temple, Bihar (3rd century)
  • The MahaBodhi Temple Complex is one of the four sacred locations associated with the life of the Lord Buddha, particularly his enlightenment (Bodhi).
  • Lumbini (Birth) in Nepal, Sarnath (Dharma-Chakra-Pravartana - 1st Sermon) in Uttar Pradesh, and Kushinagar (Mahaparinirvana-death) in Uttar Pradesh are the other three.
  • The Mauryan emperor Ashoka erected the original building.
  • It was, however, completely rebuilt in brick during the late Gupta dynasty. T
  • The current temple was built in the fifth or sixth centuries.
  • The Mahabodhi Temple site contains outstanding records of the events surrounding Buddha's life and subsequent adoration.
Mahabodhi Temple
Sanchi temple 17, Madhyapradesh. (5th Century )
  • Temple 17 in Sanchi is built on a low moulded bottom and is located near the north-east corner of Temple 18.
  • It comprises a square sanctum with a flat-roofed entrance porch supported by four pillars.
  • It is an outstanding example of Gupta architecture, with its structural integrity, symmetry, logical proportions, and ornamental restraint.
  • The portico pillars' capitals feature four lions, each with two bodies. A tree stands between the lions at the corners.
Sanchi temple
Nachna Hindu temple, Madhyapradesh. (5th Century)
  • The exact date of the Nachna temples is unknown, but based on its architecture and other constructions that can be dated, they are thought to date from the 5th or 6th century Gupta Empire.
  • The majority of the temples in the area have fallen into disrepair.
  • The Parvati temple in Nachna is the best maintained and studied monument.
  • The temples have a square plan with a square sanctum surrounded by a circumambulation path with perforated screen stone windows and are erected on a raised and moulded plinth.
  • Goddess Ganga and Yamuna guard the entrance to the temple.
Nachna Hindu temple
Bhitargaon temple, Uttarpradesh. (5th century )
  • The Bhitargaon Temple is a terracotta-paneled terraced brick structure.
  • Built during the Gupta period in the 5th century. Though its upper chamber was damaged in the 18th century, it is the earliest surviving brick/terracotta Hindu shrine with a roof and a towering shikhara.
  • The temple faces east and has a square plan with double-recessed corners. Overlooking the garbhagriha is a lofty pyramidal spire.
  • Terracotta panels representing aquatic monsters, Shiva and Vishnu, and other Hindu gods adorn the walls.
Bhitargaon temple
Bhumara temple, Madhya Pradesh (5th century)
  • Bhumara Temple is a Hindu stone temple dedicated to Shiva that dates from the 5th or 6th century Gupta era.
  • The temple is square in shape and features a sanctuary and Mandapa. While much of it is in ruins, enough of the temple structure and artwork has remained to be studied by scholars.
  • The temple is remarkable as one of the earliest examples of enclosed concentric pradakshina-patha construction (circumambulation path).
  • It has a beautiful entry to the sanctum flanked by Ganga and Yamuna deities, as do other early Gupta era Hindu temples, as well as elaborately carved statues.
Bhumara temple
Badami temple, Karnataka (6th century)
  • The Badami cave temples are a collection of Hindu and Jain cave temples in Badami, India.
  • The caves, which date from the 6th century, are noteworthy examples of Indian rock-cut architecture, particularly Badami Chalukya architecture.
  • Badami is a modern name for Vataapinagara, the early Chalukya dynasty's capital, which dominated much of Karnataka from the sixth to the eighth centuries.
  • Badami is located on the west bank of a man-made lake, surrounded on the north and south by forts built in later times by an earthen wall with stone steps.
Badami temple
Deogarh dashavatara temple, Uttarpradesh (6th century)
  • Deogarh is a notable example of a late Gupta Period kind of temple, dating from the early sixth century CE.
  • The main shrine is erected on a rectangular pedestal, with four smaller subsidiary shrines at the four corners, in the panchayatana style of architecture (making it a total number of five shrines, hence the name, panchayatana).
  • This curving latina or rekha-prasada kind of shikhara further indicates that this is an early example of a traditional nagara temple style.
  • The temple displays Vishnu in many forms, it was assumed that the four ancillary shrines must have likewise held Vishnu's avatars, and the temple was misidentified as a dashavatara temple.
Deogarh dashavatara temple
Pattadakal temples, Karnataka (7th century)
  • Pattadakal, also known as Paadakallu or Raktapura, is a Hindu and Jain temple complex in northern Karnataka dating from the 7th and 8th centuries CE (India).
  • This site has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • The Archaeological Survey of India manages the monument, which is a protected site under Indian law.
  • Pattadakal has been hailed by UNESCO as "a harmonic blend of architectural forms from northern and southern India" and an example of "eclectic art" at its pinnacle.
  • The majority of Hindu temples are dedicated to Shiva, but there are also aspects of Vaishnavism and Shaktism doctrine and stories.
Pattadakal temples
Kailashnath temple at Ellora (8th century)
  • The construction of the temple began during the reign of Dantidurga, a Rashtrakuta ruler (735-757 AD).
  • The temple was carved from the top of the mountain, but a trench was constructed around it on the sloping side of the hill afterwards.
  • Aside from the gopura, the main temple contains a sabha griha (hall), vestibules, and a Nandi mandap that leads to the garba griha (sanctum) with the Shivling, all of which are intricately carved and feature Dravidian shikharas (towers).
  • The Nandi mandap and the gopuram are connected by a bridge.
Kailashnath temple
Lad Khan temple at Aihole (8th century)
  • The Chalukya Shiva Temple (formerly known as Lad Khan Temple) is one of the earliest Hindu temples dedicated to Shiva.
  • The temple appears to be based on early timber versions, none of which have survived. This can be observed, for example, in the construction of the mandapa's roof.
  • The temple has a shrine (garbha griha) in front of it with a mandapa in front of it, as well as a covered road for circumambulating the sanctuary, as seen in other early temples.
Lad Khan temple
Chaturmukha temple, karnataka. (9th Century )
  • The Chaturmukha temple is a 9th-century structure. These temples are examples of Hindu temple architecture in the North Indian style.
  • It is known as chaturmukha (four faces) basadi because it has four symmetrical faces (a term used to refer to Jain temples in South India). Images of Tirthankaras Aranath, Mallinath, and Munisuvratnath can be found in the temple.
Chaturmukha temple
Virupaksha temple, karnataka (9th Century)
  • Lord Shiva is honoured at the Virupaksha Temple. This temple was built with the help of Lakkana Dandesha, a general under King Deva Raya II.
  • Krishnadevaraya, a notable Vijayanagara King, was a temple benefactor.
  • It is thought that he added the main pillared hall, which is the temple's most ornate building.
  • Along the side of the hall is a stone tablet with inscriptions explaining his temple contributions.
  • There are numerous crumbling mandapams surrounding the Virupaksha temple. In front of this temple, there was a historic retail centre with mandapams.
  • Hampi is a temple town in South India that has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Virupaksha temple
Kamakhya temple, Assam ( 8th Century)
  • Dynasty of Mlechchha. Koch King Nara Narayan and Ahom kings rebuilt it.
  • It is situated on the Nilachal Hill, near the Brahmaputra River's banks.
  • Kamakhya is one of 51 Shakti peethas (holy locations) for Shakti devotees, each representing a different component of Lord Shiva's companion Sati.
  • Narakasura, the demon king, is said to have built the temple. However, records only date back to 1565, when Koch ruler Naranarayana had the temple restored.
Kamakhya temple
Kandariya Mahadeva temple (10th Century)
  • The temple, which dates back to 1050 BC and was built by the Chandela ruler Raja Dhandadeva, is one of the mediaeval wonders.
  • Kandariya Mahadeva temple is one of the most beautiful, tallest, and largest temples in the Khajuraho complex.
  • The large number of stone carvings inside the Kandariya Mahadev temple is one of the most attractive aspects of the temple.
  • These sculptures, which include human and animal sculptures, portray numerous aspects of our daily lives.
Kandariya Mahadeva temple
Lakshman temple at Khajuraho (10th Century)
  • The Lakshmana Temple is a Hindu temple erected by Yashovarman in the 10th century.
  • It's a Panchayatana Sandharaemple. As shown in the photograph, the entire temple complex is built on a high platform (Jagati).
  • All of the components of Hindu temple architecture may be found in the construction.
  • It has an ardha-mandapa (entry porch), Mandapa, Maha-Mandapa, Antarala, and Garbhagriha.
Lakshman temple
Shiva temple of Thanjavur, Brihadeeswara temple (10th Century)
  • Between 1003 and 1010 AD, Raja Raja Chola I constructed this temple.
  • Rajarajeswaram, also known as Peruvudaiyar Koyil, is a Shiva-dedicated Hindu temple in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu.
  • It is built in the Dravidian style.
  • Dakshina Meru is the name given to it (Meru of south).
  • Along with the Chola dynasty era Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple and Airavatesvara temple, which are roughly 70 kilometres apart, the temple is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the "Great Living Chola Temples."
  • The vimana tower, which stands above the sanctum and is made of granite, is one of the tallest in South India.
Shiva temple
Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar (11th Century)
  • It is thought to have been constructed by Somvanshi King Yayati I.
  • The Lingaraj Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and established in the 11th century AD, is the city of Bhubaneswar's greatest temple (Odisha).
  • Garbha Griha (sanctum sanctorum), Yajna Shala (prayer hall), Bhoga Mandap (offering hall), and Natya Shala are the four divisions of the temple (hall of dance).
  • The Bindusagar Lake, which is located on the temple's north side, is another attraction.
Lingaraj Temple
Modhera Sun temple, Gujarat. (11th Century)
  • The Modhera Sun Temple was built in the early 11th century by King Bhima I of the Chalukya dynasty.
  • It is a temple dedicated to the Sun God, located on the banks of the River Pushpavati in Modhera village, Mehsana district.
  • The temple's magnificent architecture is in a class by itself.
  • According to the Konark Temple, the shrine is built in such a way that the first rays of the Sun fall on the picture of Lord Surya.
  • Surya Kund, located in front of the temple, is a deep tiered tank.
  • Lord Surya was the inspiration for the tank's name (Sun God).
Modhera Sun temple
Chausath Yogini temple (11th Century)
  • Devapala (CE 1055 – 1075), a Kachchhapaghata ruler, erected the temple.
  • Chausath Yogini Temple, also known as Ekattarso Mahadeva Temple
  • The temple is located on a hill, with 100 stairs leading up to the entrance. It is round, with a radius of 170 feet, and contains 65 small chambers, each with an open mandapa and a facade of pilasters and pillars.
  • The centre shrine to Shiva has a flat roof, as does the ring of shrines; the circular courtyard is hypaethral, exposed to the sky, and has an open porch as its entry.
  • This temple is supposed to be the inspiration for India's parliament building.
Chausath Yogini temple
Siddhesvara Mahadeva Temple (12th Century)
  • It is regarded as an opulent example of Western Chalukyan art from the 12th century, and it is well renowned for the numerous loose sculptures of Hindu deities that can be found inside.
  • The temple is unique in that it faces west rather than east, as is customary in Chalukyan architecture.
  • Though it is currently used as a Shaiva temple devoted to God Shiva, historians are confused whether faith or sect consecrated the temple and to whose deity it was initially dedicated.
  • This confusion may originate from the numerous loose deity statues that exist, as well as the deterioration of key wall depictions.
Siddhesvara Mahadeva Temple
Jagannath Temple in Puri (12th Century)
  • King Anatavarman Chodaganga Deva of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty is thought to have built the temple in the 12th century.
  • The 'Yamanika Tirtha' of Jagannath Puri temple is where, according to Hindu beliefs, the power of 'Yama,' the god of death, has been negated in Puri due to Lord Jagannath's presence.
  • This shrine is part of the Char Dham pilgrimages and is known as the "White Pagoda" (Badrinath, Dwaraka, Puri, Rameswaram).
  • The Aruna stambha, or sun pillar, sits in front of the entryway and was originally located in the Sun Temple at Konark.
Jagannath Temple
Sun Temple in Konark (13th Century)
  • King Narasimhadeva I built it in the 13th century (AD 1238-1264)
  • The temple is built in the form of a massive chariot.
  • It is dedicated to the God of the Sun. It is immediately and materially tied to Brahmanism and tantric belief systems in this respect.
  • The Konark temple is well-known for its architectural splendour as well as the complexity and abundance of its sculptural art.
  • In 1984, it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sun Temple
Lakshmi narasimha temple (13th Century)
  • The temple was constructed in the early 13th century during the Hoysala dynasty.
  • It has three shrines dedicated to Lakshmi Narasimha, Venugopalaswamy, and Purushothama, and is built in the 'Trikuta' style.
  • The temple's outside walls are adorned with intricate Hoysala sculptures.
  • Devotees use the concrete platform flooring, also known as jagati, as a pradakshina path (ambulatory passageway for circumambulation).
  • Hoysala temples are frequently referred to as hybrid or vesara because their unique style appears to be midway between Dravida and Nagara.
Lakshmi narasimha temple
Conclusion

Conclusion

Along with these types and styles, there are many different forms of temple architecture in India, each with its own name based on the location. And they're made of materials that are only found in that area. Kashmir's proximity to Gandhara monuments is notable, while the Himalayan region contains a variety of styles, such as Kedarnath in Garhwal and Jageshwar in Kumaon. As a result, temple architecture in different places has a variety of influences, resulting in a variety of styles with only a few distinguishing characteristics.

Other Relevant Links
Indian Art and Culture Indian Architecture
Art of Indus Valley Civilization Mauryan Art and Architecture
Visual Arts Harappan Art and Architecture
Indian Sculpture Indian Pottery
Post Mauryan Art Rock-cut architecture
FAQs

FAQs

Question: What are the key characteristics of early Indian temples?

Answer: Early Indian temples, from the Gupta period, showcased features like a square sanctum (garbhagriha), a mandapa (porch), and simple flat roofs. Later, a tower or shikhara was added over the sanctum, a hallmark of Nagara architecture. These temples were mostly constructed using stone and brick.

Question: How did temple architecture evolve during the Gupta period?

Answer: Gupta architecture marked the beginning of temple structures in India, with the introduction of distinct temple designs like the square sanctum and flat-roofed shrines. Notable advancements included the introduction of the shikhara and ambulatory paths around the sanctum.

Question: What is the significance of the Dashavatara Temple?

Answer: The Dashavatara Temple at Deogarh is one of the earliest known examples of temple architecture featuring a prominent shikhara. Built in the 6th century, it is noted for its intricate carvings and high platform, symbolizing early advancements in temple construction.

Question: How did the Vesara style emerge?

Answer: The Vesara style emerged as a blend of the Nagara (northern) and Dravidian (southern) styles of architecture. It is predominantly found in the Deccan region and is noted for its hybrid features such as the combination of Nagara shikharas with Dravidian domes.

Question: What is the difference between the Nagara and Dravidian temple styles?

Answer: The Nagara style, predominant in northern India, is characterized by curvilinear towers (shikharas), while the Dravidian style, from southern India, features pyramidal towers (vimanas) and elaborate gateways (gopurams). The Dravidian style often includes vast temple complexes.

MCQs

1. What was a key feature of early Gupta period temples?

A) Elaborate towers
B) Flat roofs and small shrines
C) Gopurams
D) Dome-shaped roofs

Answer: (B) See the Explanation

Explanation: Early Gupta temples were characterized by flat roofs and small shrines, often square in shape, with simple designs. Towers (shikharas) and elaborate designs became more common later.

2. Which of the following temples is an example of early Nagara architecture?

A) Brihadeeswarar Temple
B) Dashavatara Temple
C) Meenakshi Temple
D) Sun Temple at Konark

Answer: (B) See the Explanation

Explanation: The Dashavatara Temple at Deogarh is an example of early Nagara architecture, known for its square sanctum and shikhara, which is characteristic of northern Indian temple architecture.

3. In which region did the Vesara style of architecture develop?

A) Northern India
B) Southern India
C) Deccan
D) Eastern India

Answer: (C) See the Explanation

Explanation: The Vesara style developed in the Deccan region as a hybrid of Nagara and Dravidian styles, incorporating elements from both architectural traditions.

4. What is the primary feature of Dravidian temple architecture?

A) Curvilinear towers
B) Pyramidal towers (Vimanas)
C) Flat roofs
D) Dome-shaped roofs

Answer: (B) See the Explanation

Explanation: Dravidian temple architecture is marked by pyramidal towers (vimanas) over the sanctum, often accompanied by large, elaborate gateways called gopurams.

5. Which dynasty is known for the introduction of the shikhara in temple architecture?

A) Chola
B) Pallava
C) Gupta
D) Maurya

Answer: (C) See the Explanation

Explanation: The Gupta Dynasty introduced the shikhara, a prominent feature of Nagara-style temples, marking a significant evolution in temple architecture.

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Discuss the evolution of temple architecture in India from the Gupta period to the Chola period.

Answer: The Gupta period marked the beginning of temple construction in India, with simple, square-shaped shrines with flat roofs. The introduction of the shikhara in the Nagara style was a significant advancement. During the later periods, the Dravidian style emerged in the south, with elaborate vimanas and gopurams. The Chola period saw the further refinement of the Dravidian style, with larger temple complexes and detailed sculptures, best exemplified by the Brihadeeswarar Temple.

Q2: Explain the significance of the Dashavatara Temple at Deogarh in Indian temple architecture.

Answer: The Dashavatara Temple, built in the early 6th century, is a seminal example of Nagara architecture. It features a high platform and an intricately carved shikhara, marking a significant development in temple design. The temple's iconography and layout served as a prototype for later Hindu temple designs across northern India.

Q3: Compare the Nagara and Dravidian styles of temple architecture. What are the key differences in design and cultural significance?

Answer: The Nagara style, dominant in northern India, features curvilinear shikharas and relatively smaller, single-spired temples. Dravidian architecture, on the other hand, includes vast temple complexes, with pyramidal vimanas and grand gateways (gopurams). While Nagara temples are often built on elevated platforms, Dravidian temples focus on horizontal expansion, featuring pillared halls and large enclosures.

Previous Year Questions on Early Temples

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2019:

Question: The Dashavatara Temple at Deogarh is associated with which style of architecture?

A) Dravidian
B) Vesara
C) Nagara
D) Buddhist

Answer: (C)

Explanation: The Dashavatara Temple is an early example of Nagara-style architecture, known for its square sanctum and towering shikhara.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2020 (GS Paper 1):

Question: "Evaluate the impact of temple architecture on Indian society and religion, with specific reference to Nagara and Dravidian styles."

Answer: Temple architecture played a crucial role in shaping religious and social practices in India. The Nagara style, with its soaring shikharas, inspired spiritual ascension, while the Dravidian style, through its grand complexes, fostered community gatherings and religious festivals. Both styles influenced the arts, literature, and cultural traditions, leaving a lasting legacy on Indian society.

Other Relevant Links
Indian Polity Notes Indian Economy Notes
Art and Culture Notes Governance Notes
Ancient India History Notes Medieval India History Notes
Modern India History Notes Geography Notes
Science And Technology Notes Environment And Ecology Notes
Post Independence Notes Society Notes
Internal Security Notes Ethics Notes
Disaster Management Notes World History
International Relations Social Justice Notes
CSAT Notes Government Scheme Notes

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