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NCERT Class 11 Fine Art Chapter 6 Temple Architecture and Sculpture
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Temple Architecture and Sculpture
Chapter: 6
| EXERCISE |
1. Mark out all the places discussed in this chapter on a map of India.
Ans: Here are the places discussed in the chapter marked on a map of India:
(i) Deogarh – Uttar Pradesh (Deogarh is in Lalitpur District, Uttar Pradesh).
(ii) Eran – Madhya Pradesh.
(iii) Nachna-Kuthara – Madhya Pradesh.
(iv) Udayagiri – Madhya Pradesh (near Vidisha).
(v) Vidisha – Madhya Pradesh.
(vi) Sanchi – Madhya Pradesh.
(vii) Khajuraho – Madhya Pradesh.
2. What are the commonalities and differences between North Indian and South Indian temples? Make a diagram to supplement your answer.
Ans: The commonalities between the North Indian and South Indian Temples are that they are formed on the basis of Vastu Sastras and Shipa Sastras. The North Indian temples and the South Indian temples are different from each other on the basis of their shape, size, the structure of gateway. North Indian temples, the architectural feature of the Shikhara (a tall, spire-like structure) dominates, while South Indian temples feature a Vimana (pyramidal tower). Both styles have a central deity as the focal point, with intricate carvings that symbolize religious themes.
Differences between North Indian and South Indian temples:
| Basic of differance | North Indian Temples | South Indian Temples |
| Architectural Style | North Indian Temples: Known for the Nagara style of architecture, which typically has a curved, beehive-shaped spire (Shikhara). The temples are often built on elevated platforms with fewer sculptural details. | South Indian Temples: Known for the Dravidian style, characterized by massive, intricately detailed temples with pyramidal towers (Vimana). The entrance often features a Gopuram (gateway tower) with elaborate carvings of gods and mythological stories. |
| Size and Scale | Generally larger in size and scale, with multiple sub-shrines for various deities within the same complex. | Tend to be smaller in comparison, focusing on the sanctum and prayer halls, though there are notable exceptions. |
| Materials | Often built from sandstone, marble, or wood. | Typically constructed using stone, especially granite, and are known for their heavy use of stone in their construction and decoration. |
| Layout: | The temple complex is generally simpler with a primary focus on the sanctum and adjoining halls for rituals. | South Indian temples are usually much larger, with extensive courtyards, multiple mandapams (halls). |
3. Bring out the stylistic differences of any two sculptural traditions (such as Pala, Chola, Pallava, Chandella, etc.) using either drawing, painting or clay-modelling. Supplement your project with a written assignment that explains the salient features of the two styles you have chosen.
Ans: The line drawing above highlights the stylistic differences between the Pala and Chola sculptural traditions:
(i) Pala Style: Known for its intricate, elongated figures, the Pala sculptures focus on serene expressions and delicate details. Named for the dynasty that ruled the region from the 8th to the 12th century ce, Pala style was transmitted chiefly by means of bronze sculptures and palm-leaf paintings, celebrating the Buddha and other divinities. Pala-style bronze Buddha, 9th century ce; in the Nalanda Museum, Bihar, India. The forms are more stylized and ethereal, reflecting a sense of spiritual calm and introspection.
(ii) Chola Style: Characterized by dynamic, lifelike poses, the Chola sculptures feature intricate detailing, especially in jewelry and garments. Chola style is often associated with wearing some combination of a long white T-shirt or tanktops, sometimes worn under plaid shirts, baggy jeans, flat black shoes, long hair, spiked bangs, dark or heavy eyeliner, and dark lipstick and lip liner. The figures are often depicted in active, graceful postures, conveying a sense of vitality and grandeur.
According to tamil history Pallavas were an off shoot of early cholas and ruling from Kanchipuram as chola vassals in mid third century. Kalabhras a tribal and agrarian tamil kingdom revolted against the established cheras, chola and Pandyas and defeated them in the late 3 rd century. Chola architecture was a continuation of the Pallava architecture, with some variations. Under the patronage of the Chola rulers, temple architecture reached its zenith. Cholas used material of stone instead of bricks due to its greater durability.
4. Compare any two temple styles in India; supplement with a line drawing.
Ans: Two prominent temple styles in India are the Nagara and Dravidian styles, each with unique architectural features:
(i) Nagara Style(Northern India): The Nagara style of temple architecture was popular in northern India. In northern India, it is common for the entire temple to be built on a stone platform with a staircase leading to it. The Nagara is a large, circular drum with two heads, played with a pair of wooden sticks. The word “Nagara” itself holds multiple meanings in Sikhism. It can be interpreted as a symbol of power and sovereignty, reminiscent of the ancient war drums used in battle. Another unique feature is the lack of elaborate boundary walls or gates. Garbhagriha is always under the tallest tower.
(ii) Dravidian Style (Southern India): Dravidian temple architecture is a style of temple architecture that emerged in the southern regions of India, primarily in the states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh. It is characterized by certain distinguishing features that set it apart from other architectural styles in India. Pillars and pilasters are used extensively in this style. The top part is a bit more curved. There is a pyramidal elevation of the tower with a progression of stories each one smaller than the one below. The gateways were called Gopurams.
Here is the line drawing comparing the two temple styles in India: The Nagara style (featuring a curvilinear Shikhara) and the Dravidian style (featuring a pyramid-shaped Vimana and an ornate Gopuram). This visual highlights the key differences in their architectural features.
5. Trace the development in Buddhist art.
Ans: Gandhara art, style of Buddhist visual art that developed in what is now northwestern Pakistan and eastern Afghanistan between the 1st century bce and the 7th century ce. Buddhist art evolved over several centuries, reflecting the growth and spread of Buddhism across Asia. Initially, during the early Mauryan period, art was aniconic, focusing on symbols like the lotus, wheel, and stupas to represent the Buddha’s teachings. With the Kushan Empire (1st-3rd century CE), Buddhist art became more figurative, portraying Buddha in human form, as seen in the Gandhara and Mathura schools of art. As Buddhism spread and evolved in each new host country, Buddhist art followed in its footsteps. It developed to the north through Central Asia and into Eastern Asia to form the Northern branch of Buddhist art, and to the east as far as Southeast Asia to form the Southern branch of Buddhist art. Buddhism originated in the Indian subcontinent around the fifth century BCE. Buddhism was founded in the north-eastern region of India in what is now Nepal and is based on the teachings of Siddharatha Gautama, The Buddha, or the Enlightened/Awakened One (British Broadcasting Corporation). The Gupta period (4th-6th century CE) witnessed the refinement of Buddha’s image, characterized by serenity and grace. Over time, Buddhist art spread to Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Tibet, incorporating local influences while preserving core themes of enlightenment and compassion.
