Sculpture & Pottery- 4"

Other Schools of Temple Architecture 

Nayaka School

• Flourished under Nayaka rulers (16th-18th centuries AD), also known as Madurai school.
• Architecturally similar to Dravidian style but larger in scope with Islamic influence.

Unique Features

• Presence of Prakarams or huge corridors.
• Gopurams under Nayaka rulers were some of the largest.
• Intricate carvings in the temple structure. Example: Meenakshi Temple.Meenakshi Temple

Vesara School (Karnataka School)

• Conceptualized under later Chalukya rulers (mid-7th century AD).
• Hybridized style combining Nagara and Dravidian features.
• Features:
  1. Emphasis on vimana and mandapa.
  2. Open ambulatory passageway.
  3. Intricate carvings on pillars, doorways, and ceilings.
• Prominent Dynasties:
  1. Chalukyas of Badami and Kalyani.
  2. Rashtrakutas (e.g., Kailasha Temple in Ellora).
  3. Hoysala Dynasty (e.g., temples at Halebidu and Belur).Kailasha 

Vijayanagara School 

• Rulers of Vijayanagara Empire (1336-1565 AD) were great patrons of art and architecture.
• Combined features of Chola, Hoysala, Pandya, Chalukya styles with Indo-Islamic influence.
• Features:
  1. Highly decorated walls with carvings and geometrical patterns.
  2. Gopurams on all sides, monolithic rock pillars.
  3. Introduction of secular buildings inside temple premises.  Examples: Vittalaswami Temple, Lotus Mahal, Virupaksha Temple at Hampi.Virupaksha

Hoysala Art

 Distinct style under Hoysala rulers (1050-1300 AD) in Karnataka.

• Features:
  1. Multiple shrines around a central pillared hall.
  2. Stellate plan: Shrines in the shape of an intricately designed star.
  3. Use of soft soapstone, emphasis on intricate sculptures.
  4. Zigzag pattern on walls and stairs. Examples: Hoysaleswara Temple at Halebidu, Chennakesava Temple at Belur, Somanathapura.
     Chennakesava 

Pala and Sena Schools of Architecture

• Developed in Bengal region between 8th and 12th century AD under Pala and Sena dynasties.
• Palas were primarily Buddhist rulers, while Senas were Hindus, reflecting both influences.

Monuments under Pala Rulers

• Universities: Nalanda, Jagaddala, Odantapuri, Vikramshila.
• Somapura Mahavihara in Bangladesh.Nalanda

Vikramshila

Monuments under Sena Rulers

• Dhakeshwari Temple in Bangladesh.

Features of Sena Rulers' Architecture

• Curved or sloping 'Bangla roof,' adopted by Mughal architects later.
• Burnt bricks and terracotta bricks as the principal building material.
• Tall, curving shikhara crowned by a large amalaka, similar to the Odisha School.
• Use of both stone and metal for sculptures with a highly lustrous finish.  Examples: Siddhesvara Mahadeva Temple in Barakar, temples around Bishnupur (WB). Mahadeva Temple

Vishnu Forms Commonly Found in Temples

• Sheshashayana - Vishnu reclining on Ananta (sheshanaga).
• Nara-Narayan - discussion between human soul and eternal divine.
• Gajendramoksha - story of achieving moksha, symbolized by Vishnu's suppression of an elephant-shaped asura.

Provincial Schools of Architecture
 

• Bengal, Bijapur, Jaunpur, and Mandu became important seats of architectural development.

Bengal School (1203-1573 AD)

• Characterized by the use of bricks and black basalts.
• Mosques continued the use of sloping 'Bangla roofs.'
• Examples: Qadam Rasul Mosque, Adina Mosque.Qadam Rasul Mosque

Jaunpur School (1394-1479 AD)

• Also known as Sharqi style, patronized by the Sharqi rulers.
• Unique feature: Bold and forceful characters painted on huge screens in prayer hall.
• Example: Atala Mosque, Jaunpur.

Malwa School (1405-1569 AD)

• Prominent in Dhar and Mandu.
• Use of different colored stones and marbles, large windows, stylized arches and pillars.
• Environmental adaptation features like well-ventilated buildings, airy pavilions, 'baulis' for water storage.
• Examples: Rani Roopmati Pavilion, Jahaz Mahal, Ashrafi Mahal.Rani Roopmati Pavilion

Bijapur School (1490-1656 AD)

• Developed under Adil Shah, characterized by three-arched facade, bulbous dome, unique ceilings.
• Use of iron clamps, strong plaster for support, rich carvings on walls.
• Example: Gol Gumbaj (mausoleum of Adil Shah) in Bijapur.

Humayun 

• Foundation of Dinpanah, introduction of Persian style.
• Humayun's Tomb commissioned in 1558, UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Sher Shah

• Qila-i-Kuhna mosque in Delhi, Rohtas Fort in Pakistan, Sher Shah Suri Masjid in Patna.
• Transition from Lodi style to Mughal style.
• Construction of Sadak-e-Azam (Grand Trunk Road).

Akbar

• Interest in art and architecture, use of red sandstone, introduction of 'Pudor arch.'
• Construction of Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri.

Fatehpur Sikri (Continued)

• Buland Darwaza, Salim Chishti's tomb, Panch Mahal, Ibadat Khana, Hiran Minar.
• Blend of Hindu and Persian styles, Charbagh style gardens.Buland Darwaza

Jahangir

• Focus on paintings and other arts.
• Construction of Akbar's tomb in Sikandra, Moti Masjid at Lahore.

Shah Jahan

• Mughal architecture reaches its climax.
• Principal works: Taj Mahal, Red Fort in Delhi, Jama Masjid in Delhi, Shalimar Bagh in Lahore.
• Construction of Peacock Throne, exquisite metalwork.
• Chief architect: Ustad Ahmad Lahori.

Aurangzeb

• Mughal architecture declines under puritanical rule.
• Construction of Bibi Ka Maqbara in Aurangabad, poor imitation of Taj Mahal.

Rajput Style

• Influenced by Mughal style, focus on imposing palaces and forts.
• Use of hanging balconies (jharokha).

Sikh Style

• Developed in Punjab, influenced by Mughal and Rajput styles.
• Features: Multiple Chhatris, shallow cornices, fluted domes.
• Example: Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple).Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple)

Kashmiri Architecture

• Early medieval Hindu phase and 14th-century onwards Muslim rule.
• Kashmiri temple architecture features trefoil arches, cellular layout, pyramidal roofs.
• Monuments: Martand Sun Temple, Temples at Awantipora, Pandrethan Temple.Martand Sun Temple

Islamic Rule in Kashmir

• Blend of Kashmiri style and Islamic sensibilities.
• Monuments: Jamia Masjid and Aali Masjid in Srinagar, Pari Mahal.

Gardens in Kashmir

• Mughal-inspired Charbagh style gardens with water streams and fountains.
• Examples: Chashme Shahi, Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, Achabal Gardens.