Building Blocks of Bharat – Episode - 09

Summary

This episode of 'Building Blocks of Bharat' delves into the architectural marvels of Indian temples, showcasing three distinct styles. The Dravidian style is exemplified by the Brihadeshwara Temple in Thanjavur, known for its towering vimāna and intricate granite construction. The Nagar style is represented by the Khajuraho Temple Complex, featuring its symmetrical designs and erotic sculptures. The Hampi Complex in Karnataka blends both styles, set amidst a landscape of boulders and historical significance. These temples, once the heart of ancient cities, stand as testaments to India's architectural evolution and cultural heritage.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ Temples in India are diverse, ranging from large architectural marvels to small roadside shrines, and serve as symbols of faith, religion, and the evolution of Indian architecture.
• 🌟 The Briadeshwar Temple in Tanjavur exemplifies the Dravidian or South Indian style of temple architecture, characterized by a stepped pyramidal form and built according to the principles of Vastu Shastra.
• 🏰 The Khajuraho Temple Complex showcases the Nagar or North Indian style, featuring curvy linear towers and intricate sculptures, with a focus on symmetry and architectural brilliance.
• 🏞️ The Hampi Complex in Karnataka is a synthesis of the Nagar and Dravidian styles, with temples built using locally abundant granite and terracotta, reflecting an amalgamation of architectural influences.
• 🔍 The evolution of temple architecture in India began with simple structures and evolved into more complex forms, demonstrating mastery over natural resources, technology, engineering, and aesthetics.
• 🏗️ Temples became the nucleus of ancient cities, with markets, palaces, and military garrisons situated around them, indicating their central role in social and economic life.
• 🏆 The Briadeshwar Temple, built by Raja Raja Chola, is a monumental achievement in temple construction, standing at 65.84 meters and showcasing advanced building techniques for its time.
• 🤔 The construction techniques of ancient Indian temples, such as the use of wooden wedges to cut granite and the transportation of massive stones, remain a subject of fascination and study.
• 🎭 Temples were not only places of worship but also served as platforms for cultural expression, including dance, music, and other art forms, contributing to their status as social hubs.
• ⏳ The architectural styles and building techniques of Indian temples reflect the cultural and technological advancements of their respective periods, providing a window into the past.

Q & A

What is the significance of temples in India?

Temples in India are significant as they symbolize faith and religion, and they serve as a living repository of the evolution of Indian architecture and building technology.

What are the three styles of temple architecture discussed in the script?

The three styles of temple architecture discussed are the Dravidian style exemplified by the Briadeshwar Temple in Thanjavur, the Nagar style showcased by the Khajuraho Temple Complex, and the Vesara style found in the Hampi complex in Karnataka.

What is unique about the Briadeshwar Temple's architecture?

The Briadeshwar Temple is unique for its monumentality, architectural grandeur, and powerful sculpture. It is characterized by the stepped pyramidal form of the main tower and was the tallest temple in India upon completion.

How was the Briadeshwar Temple constructed?

The Briadeshwar Temple was constructed using interlocking stones without any binding material like cement, showcasing highly advanced building technology for its time.

What is the theory behind how the Cholas lifted the heavy stones to build the Briadeshwar Temple?

There are theories suggesting the use of elephants to lift the stones, possibly by making them walk up a ramp, or rolling the stones up a circular ramp.

Why were granite stones used in the construction of the Briadeshwar Temple despite the quarry being far away?

Raja Raja Cholan insisted on using granite for its durability and aesthetic appeal, despite the herculean task of transporting the stones from quarries over 100 kilometers away.

What is the architectural style of the Khajuraho Temple Complex?

The Khajuraho Temple Complex exemplifies the Nagar style of temple building, characterized by a curvy linear tower and intricate carvings.

What are some of the unique features of the Khajuraho Temple Complex?

The Khajuraho Temple Complex is known for its symmetrical designs, beehive-shaped central towers called shikhars, and sophisticated water management systems.

How did the Hampi complex come to be a synthesis of the Nagar and Dravidian styles?

The Hampi complex represents a synthesis of the Nagar and Dravidian styles due to its unique architectural features that blend elements from both styles, influenced by the Vesara style temples and regional adaptations.

What was the role of temples in ancient Indian society according to the script?

In ancient Indian society, temples served as places of education, social gatherings, festivities, and marriages, and were often the nucleus of ancient cities with markets and military garrisons situated around them.

How did the construction techniques and materials used in the Hampi complex reflect the local geography and resources?

The Hampi complex utilized the abundant local granite for its construction, with the lower portions of temples made of granite and upper portions often using terracotta, reflecting both the local geography and resource availability.