General Studies 1 >> Art& Culture

audio may take few seconds to load

NAGARA STYLE OF ARCHITECTURE

NAGARA STYLE OF TEMPLE ARCHITECTURE

1. Context

The Ram temple in Ayodhya will be inaugurated on January 22. Chandrakant Sompura, 81, and his son Ashish, 51, have designed the complex in the Nagara style of temple architecture.

2. Nagara Style of Architecture

The Nagar style of architecture is a distinctive Indian architectural style that emerged in the northern regions of the Indian subcontinent, particularly in the Himalayan foothills and the surrounding areas. This style is often associated with the construction of Hindu temples and is characterised by certain architectural elements and features.

The Nagara style of temple architecture, prevalent in North India and parts of Central and East India, boasts a rich tapestry of regional variations and sub-styles. These subdivisions are primarily distinguished by the distinct forms of their towering shikharas, the crowning elements that dominate the temple silhouette

3. Nagara Architecture Features

Nagar temples are typically characterized by a tall and curvilinear shikhara (tower) that rises above the sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha). The shikhara is often adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures
Nagar temples commonly have a mandapa (hall) in front of the sanctum, serving as an assembly or congregation hall for devotees.
The pillars in the mandapa are often intricately carved and decorated with ornate designs. They may have a bell-shaped capital and a fluted shaft
Nagar temples often feature an entrance porch or vestibule that leads to the main sanctum. This area may also be adorned with carvings and sculptures
The outer walls of Nagar temples often have projections and facets that contribute to the overall grandeur of the temple structure. These projections create a sense of movement and dynamism in the architecture
Elaborate carvings and sculptures depicting deities, mythological scenes, and intricate designs are a hallmark of Nagar architecture. These adornments can be found on temple exteriors as well as on pillars and ceilings
Nagar temples may have dormer windows, known as amlas, along the sides of the shikhara. These windows provide additional architectural ornamentation and contribute to the overall aesthetics
In some Nagar temples, especially in the Himachal Pradesh region, wooden elements such as ceilings and doors may play a significant role in the architectural composition
Nagar temples are typically constructed using stone, reflecting the local building materials available in the region
There may be variations in the Nagar style across different regions, with influences from local traditions and materials

4.Subdivisions of Nagara Style - Based on Style

a. Latina or Rekha-Prasad:

The quintessential Nagara shikhara, characterized by a square base, gracefully curving inwards to a pointed apex
Examples: Kandariya Mahadeva Temple (Madhya Pradesh), Sun Temple (Konark, Odisha)

b. Shekhari:

An evolution of the Latina style, featuring a central Rekha-prasad shikhara flanked by smaller, tiered replicas on either side, resembling miniature peaks
Examples: Khajuraho temples (Madhya Pradesh), Somnath Temple (Gujarat)

c. Bhumija:

Developed in Malwa (western Madhya Pradesh), Bhumija temples sport curvilinear shikharas with bulbous profiles and segmented sections, resembling a stepped pyramid
Examples: Neelkanth Mahadev Temple (Ujjain), Chausath Yogini Temple (Jabalpur)

d. Valabhi:

Found in Gujarat, Valabhi temples possess rectangular shrines with barrel-vaulted roofs over the sanctum, creating a unique horizontal emphasis
Examples: Modhera Sun Temple, Rani ki Vav (Patan)

5.Sub-schools of Nagara style of temple architecture

Within the broader Nagara style of temple architecture, there are sub-schools or regional variations that exhibit unique features influenced by local traditions, historical developments, and cultural influences. Some of these sub-schools include:

Odisha (Kalinga) Nagara Style:
- Region: Primarily found in the state of Odisha (formerly known as Kalinga).
- Characteristics:
  - Rekha Deula (Curvilinear Tower): The main tower, or rekha deula, is curvilinear in shape and is often adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures.
  - Jagamohana: The assembly hall or mandapa is known as jagamohana and typically has a pyramidal roof with a square base.
Khajuraho Nagara Style:
- Region: Associated with the temples of Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh.
- Characteristics:
  - Erotic Sculptures: The Khajuraho temples are renowned for their intricate and explicit erotic sculptures, depicting various aspects of human life and passion.
  - Shikhara Style: The shikharas of Khajuraho temples often feature a combination of both curvilinear (shringara) and pyramidal (vesara) elements.
Gujarat Nagara Style:
- Region: Predominantly found in Gujarat.
- Characteristics:
  - Minimalistic Design: Temples in this style often exhibit a simpler and more minimalistic design compared to some other Nagara sub-schools.
  - Square Plan: The temple structures may have a square plan, and the shikhara is usually pyramidal with minimal ornamentation.
Rajasthan Nagara Style:
- Region: Associated with temples in Rajasthan.
- Characteristics:
  - Ornate Carvings: Temples in Rajasthan often feature highly ornate carvings, including depictions of local rulers, deities, and intricate geometric patterns.
  - Chhatri (Canopy) Motif: Some temples in Rajasthan incorporate chhatri motifs, which are small elevated domed pavilions.
Central Indian Nagara Style:
- Region: Encompasses temples in regions like Madhya Pradesh and parts of Uttar Pradesh.
- Characteristics:
  - Varied Shikhara Styles: The shikharas of Central Indian temples may exhibit variations, including curvilinear, pyramidal, or a combination of both styles.
  - Intricate Sculptures: Temples often showcase intricate sculptures depicting various aspects of Hindu mythology and daily life

6.Famous Nagara temples in various regions of India

The Nagara style of temple architecture, with its towering shikharas and intricate carvings, has graced India's landscape for centuries. Here's a journey through some of the most famous Nagara temples across various regions:

West India:

Sun Temple, Modhera (Gujarat): This 11th-century masterpiece, dedicated to Surya, the sun god, dazzles with its intricate carvings depicting celestial bodies and mythological scenes. Its stepped tank, lined with exquisitely sculpted figures, is a sight to behold
Rani ki Vav, Patan (Gujarat): This grand stepwell, resembling an inverted temple, showcases the beauty of the Valabhi style. Its ornate carvings tell stories from Hindu epics and mythology, while the geometric precision of its architecture is truly awe-inspiring

North India:

Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, Khajuraho (Madhya Pradesh): This 11th-century temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its exquisite erotic sculptures and intricate carvings depicting celestial beings and mythical creatures. Its towering Latina shikhara dominates the skyline, a stunning testament to the skill of ancient artisans
Khajuraho Temples (Madhya Pradesh): The group of over 20 temples in Khajuraho, dedicated to various Hindu and Jain deities, offers a diverse showcase of Nagara architecture. From the iconic Lakshmana Temple with its intricately carved panels to the erotic sculptures of the Chausath Yogini Temple, each structure tells a unique story

East India:

Lingaraj Temple, Bhubaneswar (Odisha): This massive 11th-century temple, dedicated to Shiva, is a prime example of Odia Nagara architecture. Its towering deul, adorned with intricate carvings, dominates the Bhubaneswar skyline. The surrounding complex houses numerous smaller shrines and intricate sculptures, making it a true architectural marvel
Konark Sun Temple (Odisha): The ruins of this 13th-century temple dedicated to Surya still evoke awe, showcasing the grandeur of Nagara architecture. The chariot-shaped base, carved from stone, is a marvel of engineering, while the surviving fragments of the shikhara offer glimpses of its once-magnificent beauty

Central India:

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh): Dedicated to Shiva, this 8th-century temple showcases the Bhumija style, with its distinctive curvilinear shikhara and stepped pyramid-like form. The temple offers stunning views of the holy Shipra River and is a popular pilgrimage destination
Chausath Yogini Temple, Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh): This unique circular temple complex houses 64 intricately carved sandstone statues of yoginis, female practitioners of tantric yoga. The Bhumija-style shikharas of the individual shrines add to the mystical atmosphere of the site

7.Way forward

Both the North Indian Nagara and South Indian Dravida styles have contributed significantly to the rich tapestry of Indian temple architecture, showcasing the diversity and creativity of builders and artisans across the subcontinent

Previous Year Questions

1.Consider the following statements about the Nagara style of temple architecture: (UPSC NDA 2017)

1. This style of temples are commonly found in the areas between Himalayas and Vindhyas.

2. The most striking feature of this style is its pyramidal shikhara.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 Only

B. 2 Only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer (A)

2.'Nagara' temples typically have a _______ style of architecture (SSC MTS 2020)

A.South Indian

B.East Indian

C.North Indian

D.mixed

Answer (C)

Source: Indianexpress

Share to Social

UPSC Article

NAGARA STYLE OF TEMPLE ARCHITECTURE

Related Articles