The 4th to 6th century CE saw significant Cultural Development in the Gupta Period for Indian temple building. During this era, Hindu temple construction saw significant changes.
Cultural Development in the Gupta Period
Gupta temples were mostly built with a combination of brick and stone. Temples were built on elevated platforms with square or rectangular layouts. The sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha) houses the major deity and has an antechamber (antarala) leading to it as conventional characteristics. Some temples included a mandapa, or pillared hall, where devotees may gather and pray.
A significant aspect of Gupta temple building was the shikhara or tower. The shikhara, a prominent feature in North Indian temple design, grew from a flat roof to a curving or pyramidal structure with exquisite carvings and sculptures.
Gupta temples were marked by ornate entrance gateways (toranas) with finely carved sculptures depicting various deities and mythological scenarios. The gateways were generally considered the main entrance to the temple complex.
Gupta temples were known for their magnificent sculptures and carvings, including lifelike figures with detailed detailing. This period’s creative masterpieces depicted deities, heavenly beings, and scenes from Hindu mythology, demonstrating considerable sophistication.
The Dashavatara Temple in Deogarh, Uttar Pradesh, is a prime example of Gupta temple construction, with notable features like the shikhara, toranas, and intricate carvings.
The Gupta period marked a crucial phase in the evolution of Indian temple architecture.
These temples not only laid the groundwork for future developments but also set the
stage for the continuous evolution of temple design in the ensuing centuries.
The progression of temple architecture during the Gupta period unfolded through distinct stages:
- Initial Stage – Square temples with flat roofs.
- Intermediate Stage – Addition of an extra story to the temple structure.
- Progressive Stage – Emergence and development of the shikhara.
- Advanced Stage – Transition to circular base temple structures.
Stage 1
The absence of pillars and the use of porticos defined this phase. Some constructions had a low platform, no pillars, and no raised platform. Temple 17 in Sanchi exemplifies the early stage.
Stage 2
This phase saw an increase in elevated platforms and the construction of a second floor. The two-story temples had a square base, flat roofs, and covered passageways. A covered ambulatory passage and a Garbhgriha were prominent features. The Parvati temple in Nachena Kuthar, Madhya Pradesh, provides as an example.
Stage 3
The Shikhara (curvilinear tower) and Panchayatan type shrines were two significant advancements. Rectangular Mandapas were built in front of the Garbhagriha during this period. The Nagara School of Architecture, exemplified by the Dashavatar temple in Deogarh, emerged during this time period.
Stage 4
Representing a declining phase of the Gupta period, this stage witnessed the
construction of circular base temples. An example is the Maniyar math in Rajgir, marking
the concluding stage of Gupta temple architecture.
The Nagara School of Temple Architecture
The Nagara School of Temple Architecture, which emerged in northern India starting in the 5th century AD, is known for its distinct style. The Gupta period saw the development of the “Vastu Purusha” architectural style, also known as Nagara.
Key Features of Nagara Architecture include
- Garbha Griha
- Antarala
- Mandapa
- Pradakshina path – categorized as Sandhar (with Pradakshina path) and Nirandhar (without Pradakshina path)
- High platform
- Shikhara: Manifesting in three types – Rekha type, Phamsana type, and Vallabhi type.
- The Nagara School of temple building originated in northern India and is known for its high, curved spires and intricate stone carvings.
- The Nagara style has multi-layered shikharas that gradually reduce in size as they ascend. The shikhara is usually capped with an amalaka (round stone disc) and a kalasha (finial). Toranas, or grand arches, are commonly found at temple gateways.
- The Nagara style features numerous ornamental elements, such as sculptures, friezes, and carvings depicting deities, mythological themes, and floral patterns. The temple walls have elaborate patterns and ornamentation.
- During the medieval period, the Nagara style flourished under the patronage of the Rajput and Pala kings, and may be seen in many famous temples today. Some notable examples include the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple in Khajuraho, the Sun Temple at Konark, and the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur.
- The Nagara School of Temple Architecture is significant in India’s architectural heritage, known for its soaring spires, elaborate carvings, and lavish decorations.
Cultural Development After the Gupta Period
Following the Gupta Period, temple architecture evolved to reflect regional influences. During the early medieval period, several sub-schools developed within the Nagara School.
These sub-schools included the Odisha school, Gujarat school, Rajasthan school, Bengal
school, and Hills school. The architectural development was not uniform, and regional
characteristics played a significant role.
The Aparajitpriccha, a temple architecture treatise, demonstrates the varied styles that arose during the early medieval period. The essay highlighted local differences in Nagara architecture, including the Lati and Vairati styles in Gujarat and Rajasthan. In the eastern region, the Bhadra and Gaudiya styles also arose. The Nagara style, which originated in the Ganga-Yamuna plains, was modified to local requirements by incorporating regional names. Local variants were added in temple construction, incorporating indigenous characteristics and materials.
Kalinga style of temple Architecture
Kalinga Architecture, a Nagara style derivative, refers to its shikhara as “Deul”. Kalinga architecture distinguishes between three types of Deuls: Rekha, Pidha, and Khakhara.
This architectural style refers to mandapas as Jagmohan and has numerous forms. The temple has a square ground plan, giving it a cylindrical look. Kalinga temples generally have boundary walls.
Exterior walls were highly adorned, but interior walls were plain.
Examples of Kalinga architecture include the Lingaraj Temple at Bhubaneshwar, Konark Sun Temple, and Jagannath Temple.
Khajuraho style of temple architecture
The Khajuraho architectural style, also known as the Chandela School, is dominant in Madhya Pradesh’s Chhatarpur and Panna areas. These sandstone temples include intricate design on both interior and exterior walls.
Khajuraho is known for its sexual sculptures, which were influenced by Vatsyayana’s Kamasutra. Khajuraho’s architecture is distinct because to its use of the Panchayatan style.
Famous Khajuraho-style temples include Kandariya Mahadev Temple, Lakshman Temple, Parshvanath Temple, and Tantrika-inspired Chausath Yogini Temple.
Solanki style of temple architecture
The Solanki or Maru-Gurjara architectural style is heavily influenced by the Nagara style. This architectural tradition is known for its modest temples, ornate ornamentation, and beautiful wood carvings.
Examples of the Solanki style include the Harihar Temple, Modhera Temple, and Dilwara Jain Temple in Mount Abu.
Temple structures evolved in Bengal and Assam, including the Sidheshwar Mahadev Temple in Bardhaman and the Kamakhya Temple in Assam.
These temples are known for their modest, round roofs, absence of fortification, extensive use of bricks, hut-like structure with sloping roofs, and embellishment with metal sculptures and terracotta bricks.
In the hilly regions of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir, temples with pent
roofs were constructed, with the Martand Temple standing out as a notable example.
Early Medieval period
During the Early Medieval period, the Nagara school of temple construction experienced divergence. Sculpture took on new topics, including sensual and Tantric subjects. Asta Dhatu, a combination of eight metals, has become increasingly popular.
Painting traditions continued, including tiny paintings. During this time, Jainism, Buddhism, and Vaishnavism were still widely practiced.
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