{"id":87222,"date":"2021-12-08T15:36:53","date_gmt":"2021-12-08T10:06:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.oliveboard.in\/blog\/?p=87222"},"modified":"2022-03-10T16:29:20","modified_gmt":"2022-03-10T10:59:20","slug":"chola-architecture","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.oliveboard.in\/blog\/chola-architecture\/","title":{"rendered":"Chola Architecture- Vijayalaya Temple, Brihadeshwara Temple"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When we look at Chola architecture<\/strong>, we primarily look at the over 200 temples constructed at that time: early temples made using bricks and influenced by Pallava architecture, and later temples made in stone and show Chalukya influence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All the temples constructed by the Cholas are seen to be surrounded by a boundary wall that runs high. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the temples of the early period are of modest size, the later ones are massive, and their Gopura \/ Vimana dominates the landscape. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The grand architectural structures of the Cholas can be seen mainly at Thanjavur, Gangaikondcholpuram, Darasuram, and Tribhuvanam. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Download Chola Architecture – Study Notes for SSC Exams here<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

These temples are perfect examples of the architectural style that existed in this region from 8th Century CE to 12th century CE.  Its influence is amply evident in the temple architecture of Ceylon and other Southeast Asian kingdoms, such as SriVijay (Sumatra) and Chavakam (Java).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is interesting to know that a temple dedicated to Shiva had been constructed by Raj Raja I at Polanuruva in Sri Lanka. Its architecture was based on the Chola architecture of that period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the temple architecture of the Cholas, there is the spire, a stepped pyramid and is commonly referred to as a Vimana. The Pallava influence is visible in the spire or the vimana, much like the Rathas, and an octagon-shaped crowning element called the Shikhara.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It uses the Panchayatan style, but the subsidiary shrines are devoid of the vimana. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The lion motifs are missing from the base of the pillars, but Kudus decoration is there though different from that which the Pallavas use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the temple, there is generally a grabhgriha, and antarala, and a sabhamandapa and the temple complex itself has a water tank located within the temple\u2019s boundary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The temples are generally constructed by using blocks made of granite and gneiss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A key example of the architecture of the early group is the Vijayalaya temple, and of the later groups are Gangaikondcholpuram\u2019s Brihadishwar temple and Tanjaur\u2019s Brihadishwar temple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let us now take a look at the architecture of some of the temples in a little detail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Take Your Mock Test Here<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Vijayalaya Temple<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Vijayalaya temple is situated in Nartmalai, which is a cluster of hills in the Pudukkotti district.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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It was built in the 9th<\/sup> century CE by the founder of the Chola dynasty, Vijayalaya Choleshwar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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It is located inside a square courtyard and is an East-facing pyramidal-shaped temple. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It has 4 tires, of which the first 3 are square, and the fourth tier is circular.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The shikhar atop the 4th<\/sup> tier is oval in shape and is itself topped with a kalasha shaped piece.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the temple itself, just before the square sanctum, a mandapa has been erected. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Its entrance is decorated and has carved dwarpalakas on either side that rise up to five feet tall. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

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The main temple is surrounded by seven smaller temples, all of which face the main temple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The kornis in the temple are decorated with kudu patterns. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Download Chola Architecture – Study Notes for SSC Exams here<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Brihadeshwara Temple<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It is during the rule of Uttam Chola that we see the rise of the later period of the architecture of the Chola rulers. The Brihdeshwar Temple was built during the time of Raj Raja I in 1010 CE and took 5 years to be complete. It has fortified walls that surround it and were possibly erected in the 16th<\/sup> century CE.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A sterling example of the architecture of this time is the Brihdeshwar Temple built in Thanjavur or Tanjore.  This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and Brihdeeshwar literally means Lord of the Universe. It has been declared a World Heritage site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This temple complex is referred to as Raja Rajeshwaram and Peruvudaiyaar<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was known as \u2018Dakhina Meru\u2019 and seen to complement the \u2018Uttara Meru\u2019, which is the sacred mount Kailash.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is one of India\u2019s largest temples, is made completely of granite, and is the world\u2019s first granite temple.  For 100 kilometres around this area, there is no granite to be found.   The source of the granite used in the temple is not known. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The temple has 3 main entrances, which are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n