Mains Marathon

Approach

• Introduce briefly about the Kakatiya Dynasty
• Discuss how the temple architecture was influenced by both the Nagara and Dravida style of Temple Architecture
• Conclude suitably

Answer

The Kakatiya dynasty ruled most of the eastern Deccan region between the 12th and 14th centuries. Their capital was Orugallu, (now Warangal). Kakatiya assumed sovereignty under Prataparudra I in 1163 CE. Ganapati Deva (r. 1199–1262) significantly expanded Kakatiya lands.

Temple Architecture of Kakatiya (Kakatiya architecture):

• Kakatiya architecture of 1052–1323 CE was a notable Vesara temple building architecture developed during the rule of the Kakatiya dynasty 1163–1323 CE.
• Most of the Kakatiya architecture is influenced from Chalukya architecture a fusion of Dravidian architecture and Nagara styles.

Unique features of the Kakatiya temple architecture:

• Trikuta model of temple construction (In this model temples are constructed for Shiva, Vishnu and Surya in a triangular way).
• Sandbox technology Foundation: for upraised platform.
• Floating Bricks
• Selection of Building Materials (Used both stones and bricks)
• Masterful Stone Sculpting.

Influence of Nagara and Dravida style of Temple architecture on Kakatiya Architecture:

• Influence of Nagara style:
  • The iconic Kakatiya Thoranam was built by Rudramadevi’s father in the 12^th Century. This ornate arch is said to have many similarities with the gateways at the Sanchi Stupa and is also the emblem of Telangana.
  • Crucified Ground Plan of temples is also inspired by the Nagara Style of Temple.
  • We may notice Nidhi figure and Chandrasila besides the Ganga –Yamuna high relief sculpture on both sides of the doorjambs. Chandrasila (moon slab) is generally found in front of the doorstep on the floor of antarala and Garbhagruha. Best examples of ornamental members are noticed in the temples of Hanumakonda, Warangal, Jakaram, Nagunuru, Pillalamarri, Kusumanchi etc.
  • High Pedestal (Sand box platform) of Ramappa Temple constructed in the year 1213 CE by Recharla Rudra - a General of Kakatiya ruler Ganapati Deva 1199–1262. Generally, these temples stand on low plinths which is typical of Chalukyan style but the temples of Gangapur and Nandikandi are an exception built on high plinths. When it is used, this is in the manner of jagathi of nagara style.
  • Pradikshana Path in the temple influenced by the Buddhist architecture of northern India.
  • All the temples of Kakatiyas have curvilinear vimana crowned by Amalaka Sikhara with a sukhasana projecting in front and no other early Deccan dynasty is known to have raised this type of Vimana excepting the early Chalukyas.
  • The concept of erecting fence can be traced from Vedic literature to fence around the cattle or entire village. This element gave inspiration to the Buddhist in later times and been adopted by the early Chalukyan architect who erected a free standing torana in front of kuntigudi group of temples at Aihole11.
    • E.g., Alampur temples have similarities with Papanadha and Galugunadha temples at Pattadakal.
• Influence of Dravida Style
  • The star shaped design of garbhagriha at Nandikandi temple is origin of southern temple and in latre time it influenced the temple of Hoysalas.
  • The wall design is composed of intended buttresses like the massive pillar in its look and are Faceted. while this type of wall did not appear before the 11^th century A.D., in Telangana region. However, the sources for this type can be found in the 11^th century temples of Kuntala region, particularly Kasiviswara temple at Lakkundi, the Galeswaranath temple at Galaganath and Ramalingeswara temple at Gudur etc. (IT was later adopted by muhamad bin tughlaq).
  • Single and straight slant pyramid like shikhara of the Ramappa Temple (A UNESCO site) is remarkable feature of Dravida style.
  • Vahana of deity in front of garbhagriha is a unique feature of dravida style of temple is used in the Ramappa temple of the Kakatiya temple architecture.
  • Instead of Mithuna and Dwarpala at the temple’s garbhagriha gate Kakatiya had used the figure of Nidhi and Chandrasila.

The temple architecture was a unique blend of northern and southern style of temple building which contributed to the Vesara style of temple. These temples represent a unique scientific and architectural beauty that is even recognised at the international level.