History Practice Question›› Indian Art and Culture ››
Temple Architecture
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Chalukyan Architecture
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Question 1
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This temple style is characterized by a moderately curved or pyramidal tower, intricate sculptural details, and sometimes a stellate (star-shaped) or circular layout. It originated with the Chalukyas of Badami (500-753 AD), who developed a style that combines elements of both Nagara and Dravida architectural traditions.
Which of the following temple architectural styles best matches this description?
(a) Khajuraho style
(b) Hoysala style
(c) Vesara style
(d) Odisha style
Explanation
The Vesara style of temple architecture is indeed the one that fits the description you provided, especially when considering its combination of elements from both the Nagara and Dravida styles. The Vesara style was developed by the Chalukyas of Badami, around the 6th century AD (500–753 AD), and was characterized by:
● Moderately curved or pyramidal towers: The Vesara style often features towers that blend curvilinear and pyramidal forms, combining the features of both Nagara and Dravida styles.
● Intricate sculptural details: The temples built in this style are known for their detailed sculptures on pillars, walls, and ceilings.
● Stellate (star-shaped) or circular layout: Some temples in the Vesara style have stellate or star-shaped plans, such as the Kailasanatha Temple at Ellora.
Though stellate (star-shaped) was a prominent feature of Hoysala style, some temples in the Vesara style have stellate or star-shaped plans. Hoysala style features star-shaped temples and intricate carvings, but the temples in this style were constructed much later (around the 10th–14th centuries) and are distinct in their own right, particularly in the southern Deccan.
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