Temple Styles: The
North Indian temples (Nagara) differ widely from their South Indian counterparts
(Dravidian). In this article, Cincinnati based art historian Tony Batchelor provides
an overview of the various temple architectural styles in India.
gallery of South Indian temple vimanams: A
vimanam is the tower that crowns the innermost sanctum of a South Indian temple (Dravidian
style of architecture). This photographic feature displays vimanams from some of the
important temples of South India.
Chola Monuments I : The
Brihadeeswara temple in Thanjavur in Tamilnadu (11th century CE) is a collossal
structure with a towering vimanam, and is considered to be a masterpiece of Chola
||Imperial Chola Monuments II: The
Darasuram temple described as a
sculptor's dream lived in stone, is built in the form of a chariot and is a grand specimen
of Chola architecture, as are the Gangaikonda Choleeswaram and the Tribhuvanam temples.
Architecture: The Hoysala temples of the
earlier part of the 2nd millennium CE, display a unique architectural style, distinct from
the Dravidian style that prevailed during this period in the neighboring state of
Tamilnadu. Art historian Gerard Foekema describes the Chennakesava temple at Belur,
a grand specimen of Hoysala art.
||The Nagara Style: This is the prevalent
style of temple architecture in North India. The well developed
temples of Khajuraho, and the majestic temples of Orissa, all fall under this
|Kerala Temple Architecture: What
is it that sets the temples of Kerala apart from those elsewhere in the Indian
subcontinent? Study Keralite temple architecture..
History: Experience the old world
charm of Kerala temples. Study the origin and evolution
of the Keralite temple architecture.
the Temples of Karnataka: The Chalukyas, the Gangas, the Hoysalas, the
Vijayanagar rulers and others contributed to diverse temple
styles seen in Karnataka.
||About the Temples of
Andhra Pradesh The
history of Andhra Desa provides an insight into the
various temple architecture styles seen in the state.
Temple History and Architecture: Orissa is a treasure trove of ancient monuments.
Browse through their history and the elements of Orissa
History and Architecture: The Pallavas, Cholas, Pandyas,
Vijayanagar rulers and the Nayakas have made immense contributions to temple art in Tamilnadu.