Architecture of Chola

• Chola were master temple builders and perfected the art of building structural temples which was initiated by the Pallavas before them.
• They near perfected the idiom and classical style of Dravidian temple building in southern India.
• Prominent examples of Chola Art include the Brihadeswara temple at Tanjore (constructed by Raja Raja I in 1010 A.D.) and the Gangaikondacholapuram temple (built by Rajendra I to commemorate his victory in the Gangetic delta).

(Fig.: Brihadeswara temple)

Architectural tradition, an extension of the earlier Pallava style with some modifications, is characterized by several features:

• Enclosed Temples: In contrast to Nagara temples, Dravidian temples were surrounded by imposing boundary walls.
• Grand Entrance: The front wall featured a towering entrance gateway known as the gopuram.
• Panchayatan Layout: The temple premises were organized in the panchayatan style, consisting of a principal temple and four subsidiary shrines.
• Distinctive Spire: The vimana in Dravidian style took the form of a stepped pyramid, rising linearly rather than in a curved fashion.
  • Unlike Nagara architecture, where multiple vimanas could be present, Dravidian temples typically had only one vimana atop the main temple.
• Crowning Element: The topmost element, known as shikhara, was octagonal in shape, resembling the kalash of Nagara temples but without a spherical form.
• Connective Elements: The assembly hall was linked to the garbhagriha through a vestibular tunnel called antarala.
• Intricate Sculptures: Entrance to the garbhagriha showcased sculptures of Dwaarpal, mithun, and yakshas.
• Water Tank: A distinctive feature of Dravidian architecture was the presence of a water tank within the temple enclosure.

In detail:

• During the era of the imperial Cholas, spanning from approximately 850 CE to 1250 CE, South India experienced a remarkable period marked by the enhancement and sophistication of art and architecture.
• The Cholas, having amassed substantial wealth through extensive conquests, dedicated their resources to constructing stone temples and crafting exquisite bronze sculptures.
• In the construction of their temples, the Cholas adhered to the traditional methods of the Pallava dynasty, who, in turn, had been influenced by the Amaravati school of architecture.
• The expansive kingdom of the Cholas, encompassing the plains, Central and Northern Tamil Nadu, and occasionally extending into the entirety of Tamil Nadu and adjoining regions of present-day Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, served as the centers for the proliferation of these temples.

Phases:

1. Early phase: Commencing with Vijayalaya Chola and persisting until Sundara Chola.

• The Cholas, closely associated with the declining Pallavas, gleaned valuable lessons from this architectural style, as highlighted by Nilakanta Sastri in his work, ‘A History of South India.’
• The Vijayalaya Choleeswaram near Pudukkottai in Tamil Nadu stands as an exemplary early Chola construction.
  • Adhering to Pallava influences in design, this temple exhibits a distinctive arrangement featuring a circular garba-griha within a square prakara, surrounded by a circumbulatory corridor.
  • Carvings and rock-cut temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu mirror the Pallava architecture, with 12 life-sized sculptures of Maha Vishnu present in the temple.
• The Varadharaja Perumal Temple, Tamil Nadu, dedicated to Maha Vishnu, showcases the Dravidian style of architecture and serves as a repository of Chola architectural brilliance.
  • Constructed by Parantaka I, the temple bears inscriptions from various Chola rulers, indicating its use as an educational institution teaching the Vedas and Shastras.
  • The Archaeological Survey of India oversees its maintenance as a protected monument.
• The Koranganatha Temple near Thottiyam, Tamil Nadu, devoted to Lord Ranganatha, exemplifies the era of Parantaka I.
  • The temple boasts intricate sculptures and is characterized by a row of sculpted mythical animals on the base of its walls, a distinctive feature of Chola architecture.
• The Muvarkovil Temple in the Pudukkottai region, Tamil Nadu, was built during the second half of the tenth century by a feudatory of Parantaka II.
  • Features three main shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva.

(Fig.: Gangaikondacholapuram temple)

2. Medieval Phase: Featuring the reigns of Rajaraja Chola and Rajendra Chola, witnessed unparalleled achievements that set new standards in artistic and architectural prowess.

• In the early phase of this period, several smaller shrines were erected, with the Tiruvalisvaram temple near Tirunelveli standing out.
• Other notable example include the Uttara Kailasa Temple at Thanjavur.
• The pinnacle of Chola architecture manifested in the magnificent temples of Thanjavur and Gangaikondacholapuram.
• The Brihadeswara/Rajarajesvaram temple (dedicated to Shiva) of Thanjavur, built around 1010 CE, stands as a monumental tribute to the accomplishments of Rajaraja's era.
  • It introduces two gopurams (gateway towers) oriented in the same direction.
  • Despite the massive gopuras, the vimana (Dakshina Meru) majestically rises to a height of 190 feet, dominating the architectural landscape.
  • With the deity Shiva in Linga form known as Peruvudaiyar, the temple is also called Peruvudaiyarkovil.
  • Inscriptions on its walls detail administrative and financial procedures, providing a comprehensive history.
  • The temple, enclosed by 16th-century Nayak-built walls.
  • The Shikharam, has an octagonal crest and is adorned with Nandis and a Kalasam.
• The Gangaikondacholapuram temple, by Rajaraja I, follows the plan of the Thanjavur temple.
  • The temple has only one enclosure wall and gopura compared to Thanjavur's two.
  • The vimana, introduces curves, departing from the straight lines of the Thanjavur vimana, adding to its aesthetic appeal while maintaining its grandeur.

(Fig.: Airavateswara temple)

3. Later Phase: Finally, the concluding phase spanned from Kulottunga I to the decline of the Chola empire.

• The Chola architectural style continued to flourish for another century, resulting in numerous temples.
• The Airavateswara temple at Darasuram near Thanjavur, built during Rajaraja II's reign, showcases a magnificent 12th-century architectural development.
  • Adorned with artistic stone pillars and wall decorations.
  • The front mandapam resembles a colossal chariot drawn by horses, with finely sculpted figures.
• Kampaheswarar temple at Tribhuvanam, Tamil Nadu, built by Kulothunga III.
  • Its architecture mirrors the style seen in the temples at Tanjore, Gangaikondacholapuram, and Darasuram.