Temple Stone Carving - Karnataka
Hindu history is geographically diverse and culturally varied. Countless variations can be seen in temple forms, based on the region, the date it was constructed and the resources used for its creation. Karnataka is a state in the southern part of India which was originally known as the State of Mysore. Over the centuries, architectural monuments within the region has displayed a diversity of inspirations, often spreading much about the inventive trends of the rulers of twelve different empires. One of the earliest ruling empires in the history of south India was the Chola dynasty. Cholas together with the Chera Dynasty and the Pandyan Dynasty were together known as the three Crowned Kings, which formed the three main Tamil dynasties of Iron Age India. The period of the Chola dynasty was the phase of improvements and modification of the Dravidian Art and architecture. The Chola artists and artisans described their inspirations and raised the Dravidian temple designs to refined structures. Their huge fortune earned through widespread victories were applied in structure long-lasting temples of stone and bronze structures. The Chola kings constructed several temples in their territory, which generally included the Cauvery plains, Central and Northern Tamil Nadu and also connecting parts of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The history of Chola art and structural design began with the marvelous temples. In the Chola period several Shaivite and Vaishnavite temples were constructed. The important features of Chola sculptures then was that the earlier Chola temples consisted of comparatively smaller structures, which were made with bricks when compared to the huge monumental structures of the later Cholas. The significant Chola sculptures adorns the temple walls in South India. Most of the temples were dedicated to lord Shiva or lord Vishnu. The main architectural elements that are to be found in the temples of Chola dynasty are garbhagriha, vimana and circumambulatory corridor. These magnificent structures were built according to temple Vastu Shastra. Chola Dynasty produce some of the best stone architectural marvels in the world. Majestic grandeur is a characteristics of Chola art. They sustained a style of beautifying the structures with small sculptures, and carving these structures involved immense manual labour and assets. People were portrayed with round faces and certain poses became very common during the late Chola period, and torsos were depicted with intricate details. The figures were carved with images of Gods and goddesses sculpture, animal descriptions etc. The elegance and the splendour of these temples are impressive beyond doubt. Chola sculpture displayed sophistication, musical movement and elegance in the 11th and 12th century. Stone pillars, gopurams and fine carved sculptures are the main characteristics of the Chola temple. One of the finest examples of Chola sculpture is that of the Nataraj, the Lord of the Dance in Chidambaram.
