Consider the following statements withregard to Chalukyan architecture...
- The Chalukyas patronised both Saivism and Vaishnavism. They built temples for Siva and Vishnu.
- Brahmin groups were invited from the Gangetic regions and settled to perform regular pujas and conduct festivals and ceremonies in the temples. Notable Chalukya rulers like Kirtivarman (566- 597), Mangalesa (597-609), and Pulakesin II (609-642) performed yajnas. They bore titles such as parama-vaishana and parama-maheswara.
- Chalukyas gave prominent place to Kartikeyan, the war god.
- Chalukyas patronised heterodox sects also and lavishly donated lands to the Jain centres.
- According to Hiuen Tsang, there were many Buddhist centres in the Chalukya territory wherein more than 5000 followers of the Hinayana and Mahayana sects lived.
- Chalukyan Architecture: Historically, in Deccan, Chalukyas introduced the technique of building temples using soft sandstones as a medium. In Badami, two temples are dedicated to Vishnu and one each to Siva and to the Jaina Tirthankaras. Their temples are grouped into two: excavated cave temples and structural temples. Badami is known for both structural and excavated cave temples. Pattadakal and Aihole are popular for structural temples. x Aihole (Ayyavole): Built-in 634, Aihole, the headquarters of the famous medieval Ayyavole merchants’ guild was an important commercial center.
- About seventy temples are located in Aihole. The earliest stone-built temple is the Lad Khan temple. Its unique trait is a stucco pillar with a big capital distinct from the northern style. A temple dedicated to the goddess Durga was built on the model of Buddha Chaitya. It stands on a raised platform in the form of a semi-circle.
- Another temple, dedicated to the same goddess is called Huccimalligudi, which is rectangular in shape. Chalukyas also built Jain temples. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
- Megudi Jain temple is illustrative of the evolution of temple architecture under the Chalukyas. The mandapa-type caves are preserved at Aihole. x Badami (Vatapi)
- There are four caves in Badami. The largest cave temple built by Mangalesa is dedicated to Vishnu. The reclining posture of Vishnu on the snake bed and Narasimha are exquisite examples of Chalukya art. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
- Pattadakal
- Pattadakal was a center for performing royal rituals.
- The Virupaksha temple was built at the order of queen Lohamahadevi to commemorate the conquest of Kanchipuram by her husband Vikramaditya II.
- The unique feature of the structural temple built by Rajasimha at Mamallapuram was adopted here by the Chalukyas. Monuments are generally associated with the rulers who built them.
- However, here we also have signatures of the architects who conceived the edifices and the skilled craftspeople who created them. The east porch of the Virupaksha temple has a Kannada inscription eulogizing the architect who designed the temple. The architect was given the title Tribhuavacharya (maker of the three worlds). Several reliefs on the temple walls bear signatures of the sculptors who carved them. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
- At the south-eastern corner of the village is the Papanatha temple. Similar to the Virupaksha temple in its basic plan, it has a shikhara in the northern style. The outer walls are richly decorated with many panels depicting scenes and characters from the Ramayana. The eastern wall has a short Kannada inscription, giving the name of the architect Revadi Ovajja, who designed the shrine.
Consider the following statements withregard to Chalukyan architecture...
Chalukyan architecture is a style of architecture that developed during the Chalukya dynasty in India, particularly in the Deccan region. It is known for its unique blend of Dravidian and Nagara styles, as well as its impressive rock-cut cave temples. Let us analyze the given statements in detail:
1. Huccimalligudi temple at Aihole is rectangular in shape:
The Huccimalligudi temple, located in Aihole, is indeed rectangular in shape. It is a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and was built in the 7th century during the reign of the Chalukya dynasty. The temple follows a simple yet elegant architectural design, with a rectangular plan and a flat roof. The outer walls of the temple are adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures, showcasing the skill and craftsmanship of the Chalukyan artisans.
2. The largest cave temple built by Mangalesa is dedicated to Vishnu:
Mangalesa, a Chalukyan king, was known for his patronage of art and architecture. He commissioned several cave temples during his reign, but the largest one is not dedicated to Vishnu. The largest cave temple built by Mangalesa is known as the Ravana Phadi cave temple. It is located in Aihole and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple features a rock-cut sanctum and a pillared hall, with intricate carvings and sculptures depicting various mythological scenes.
3. Virupaksha temple has a Kannada inscription eulogizing the architect:
The Virupaksha temple, situated in Pattadakal, is one of the most iconic and well-preserved examples of Chalukyan architecture. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and was built in the 8th century by Queen Lokamahadevi, the wife of King Vikramaditya II. The temple does have a Kannada inscription, but it does not specifically eulogize the architect. The inscription, known as the Lokeshvara inscription, provides valuable information about the construction and patronage of the temple.
In conclusion, of the given statements, statement 1 is correct as the Huccimalligudi temple at Aihole is indeed rectangular in shape. Statement 2 is incorrect as the largest cave temple built by Mangalesa is not dedicated to Vishnu but to Shiva. Statement 3 is also incorrect as the Virupaksha temple has a Kannada inscription but it does not eulogize the architect specifically. Therefore, the correct answer is option D: 1, 2, and 3.
To make sure you are not studying endlessly, EduRev has designed UPSC study material, with Structured Courses, Videos, & Test Series. Plus get personalized analysis, doubt solving and improvement plans to achieve a great score in UPSC.