Category: Chola Architecture

Chola Architecture: A Glimpse into South India’s Majestic Heritage

Chola Dynasty ruled in the Southern part of India between 9th to 13th century and has made various monumental contributions to the Indian architectural heritage that stands till date. The chola Architecture was primarily focused on building temples that showcased their artistic and engineering marvels and a deep spiritual ethos.

The Cholas not only managed to expand their territory over the centuries but also left behind an architectural legacy.

Through this article we will be learning about the grand architectural heritage of the Chola Dynasty.

Style of Chola Architecture

  1. Dravidian Style

The chola dynasty adopted Dravidian style and refined it through building various temple architectures, they emphasized on temple towers with spacious courtyards and intricate sculptures that caught eyes.

  1. Building on experience

Cholas architectural foundation was inspired from its predecessors, the Pallavas, although chola dynasty achieved to elevate temple construction to an unprecedented scale.  

  1. Majestic Vimanas

What you notice most fascinating is the majestic towers above the sanctum sanctorum of Chola temples, the best example is the 66-meter-tall Brihadeeswarar Temple vimana in Thanjavur, which remains one of the tallest temple towers in India.

  1. The Grandeur Gateways

The entrance gateways or the Gopurams were given a very detailed attention, generally adorned with historical figures and deities, although this style faded in the later Dravidian Temples.

  1. Mandapas

The mandapas are pillar halls in temples that are used for rituals, ceremonies and cultural performances. These walls from chola temples were adorned with very intricate stone carvings depicting celestial beings.

  1. Water Tanks and Temple Complexes

Chola dynasty boasts its architectural feat through huge temple complexes that were highly functional with water tanks to facilitate the rituals and maintain water supply. These tanks were a vital support for religious and communal life.

These temples also contribute a huge space in depicting Indian cultural history through scenes of Mahabharata and Ramayana. The Cholas also contributed to temple frescoes, which became an influential design for Vijayanagara paintings.

Some Prominent Chola Temples

  1. Brihadeshwara Temple, Thanjavur

This temple was built by Raja Raja Chola I in 1010 CE. This boasts to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the greatest achievements of Chola architecture. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva with a massive vimana and a monolithic Nandi (bull statue) who accompanies shiva.

  1. Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple

Constructed by Rajendra Chola I. It was built with an intention to commemorate his victory in North India the Pala Dynasty, this temple is renowned for its finely sculpted walls and intricate bronzes.

  1. Airavatesvara Temple, Darasuram

Built by Rajaraja Chola II, you may notice this temple as a smaller monument but magnificence wouldn’t skip to amaze you, one of the most attractive features of this temple is musical stone steps, and a well-preserved structure.

These temples are all dedicated to lord shiva which also tells us about the shaivite nature of the  Chola Dynasty.