Author: K M Suresh
Publisher: Bharatiya Kala Prakashan
Year: 2003
Language: English
Pages: 358
ISBN/UPC (if available): 8180900134
Description
Karnataka has a rich temple culture and thousands of temples have been erected by the rulers of different dynasties like Kadambas, Badami Chalukyas, Gangas Rashtrakutas, Kalyana Chalukyas, Hoysalas and the Vijayanagara, as well as by Mahamandalesvars, feudatories, ministers, dandanayakas, savants, trading classes, citizens and devotees. The temple architects freely experimented under royal patronage. Aihole in Hunugunda taluk of Bagalkot district known as Cradle of Temple Architecture experimented Nagara, Dravida, Kalinga and Vesara stytles; Mahadeva Temple at Ittagi in Yalburga taluk of Koppal district is known in the inscription as Devalaya Chakravati (Emperor of Temples). Likewise, the Hoysala temples are noted for their star shaped with minute and intricate carvings, and the Vijayanagara temples are noted for magnificent gopuras, popularly known as Rayagopuras.
Although many books on different aspects of Karnataka temples have been published, the author has tried to present a comprehensive study of major and minor temples with full details including ground plans and elevations. In fact, the Karnataka temples are classified on the basis of ground plans. Eight such major categories, viz, gajapristha, ekakuta, dvikuta, trikuta, chatuskuta, panchakuta, saptakuta and navakuta are studied.
Chapter I and II refers to the introduction to temples, general history of important dynasties of Karnataka, their contribution to the growth of temples. Chapter III deals with type of temples constructed by Karnataka rulers. Chapter IV provides the ground plans and elevations of different types of temples in Karnataka.
Contents
FORWORD
PREFACE
ABBREVIATIONS
LIST OF PLANS
LIST OF PLATES
I. Introduction
II. Historical Perspective of Karnataka in General
III. Temples in General
IV. Varieties of Temples
a) Gejaprishtha or Apsidal Temples
b) Eka-Kuta Temples
c) Dvi-Kuta Temples
d) Tri-Kuta Temples
e) Chatus-Kuta Temples
f) Pancha-Kuta Temples
g) Sapta-Kuta Temples
h) Nava-Kuta Temples
V. Ground Plans of Temples
VI. Conclusion
BIBLIOGRAPHY
GLOSSARY
INDEX