Hindu India: From Khajuraho to the Temple City of MaduraiThere is nothing new under the sun... and then there are the temples of India. For many who have roamed the byways of the subcontinent, it is these myriad mind-expanding palaces of faith that fill the spirit and make the fare worthwhile. They are enough to give you religion. 3-D songs of praise to the fecund possibilities of both environment and human intention, they are as diverse as the landscapes of Asia and yet share a grace and delicacy of invention. Focusing on Jain as well as Hindu constructions, this exemplary volume takes us on a revelatory historical journey to trace both the traditions and developments in their design, from the wood and cave temples of the first few hundred years AD, through early experiments in stone to the three dominant architectural strands. Whether it be Nagara in the north, Vesara in the central highlands or the Dravda ""walled city"" complexes of the south, each style is fully presented and analysed in a series of detailed photographs, drawings, plans and excavations. Just as the temple sancta themselves become more sacred the further in you penetrate, so this book offers greater rewards the longer you spend in its company. |
Contents
ummubks | 7 |
A Consummate Architectural Achievement | 129 |
The Hoysala Style and the Soapstone Temples | 169 |
Copyright | |
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Common terms and phrases
Aihole Badami Belur Bhima Ratha Bhubaneshwar Brihadishvara Buddhist built carved cave cella centre century B.C. chaitya Chalukya Chola circa circumambulation columns complex corbelled cosmic courtyard dance pavilion dates decorated dedicated to Shiva deul divinities dome Dravidian Durga dynasty Elephanta elephants Ellora entrance façade friezes garbha griha gods gopuram granite Halebid Hampi Hindu architecture Hindu temple Hoysala Hoysaleshvara hypostyle hall jagamohana Jain temple Kailasa Kailasa Temple Kanchipuram Kandariya Mahadeva Temple Khajuraho Konarak kudu Ladh Khan Temple Lakshmana Temple linga lions Madurai Mamallapuram mandapa medieval miniature buildings monolithic monuments motifs Nagara style Nandi Nayak ornament Pallava Pattadakal pidas pillars portico precinct pyramidal roof Ranakpur Ratha at Mamallapuram rekha ritual rock-cut roof-structure sacred sanctuary sanctum sculpted sculptures shikhara Shiva Shivalaya Temple shrines side Somnathpur southern India square stands STERLIN stone storeys Surya Temple symbol symbolises TASCHEN TASCHEN TASCHEN Temple at Khajuraho Thanjavur Tiruchirapalli tower Vedic verandas vertical vestibule Vijayanagara Vishnu walls