![]() The dynasty's shrine construction reached its peak and culmination in the 12th century with over a hundred temples built across the Deccan, more then half of them in present day Karnataka. Apart from shrines, the dynasty's architecture is well known for the elaborate stepped wells (Pushkarni), which served as ritual bathing places, many of which are well preserved in Lakkundi. The Hoysalas and the Vijayanagara Empire later incorporated these stepped well designs in the coming centuries. The Kasi Vishveshvara Temple at Lakkundi, Mallikarjuna Temple at Kuruvatii, Kalleshwara Temple at Bagali and Mahadeva Temple at Itagi are the finest examples produced by the later Chalukya architects. The twelveth century Mahadeva Temple with its well-executed sculptures is an exquisite example of decorative detail. The intricate, finely crafted carvings on walls, pillars and towers speak volumes about Chalukya taste and culture. An inscription outside the temple calls it "Emperor of Temples" and relates that Mahadeva built a ![]() The Vimana of their temples (tower over the shrine) is a compromise in detail between the plain stepped style of the early Chalukyas and the decorative finish of the Hoysalas. To the credit of the Western Chalukya architects is the development of the lathe turned (tuned) pillars and use of Soapstone (Chloritic Schist) as basic building and sculptural material, a very popular idiom in later Hoysala temples. They popularised the use of decorative Kirthimukha (demon faces) in their sculptures. Many of the famous architects in the Hoysala kingdom were Chalukya architects native to places such as Balligavi. The artistic wall decor and the general sculptural idiom was dravidian architecture. This method is occasionally termed Karnata Dravida, one of the richest traditions in Indian architecture. (Last Updated on : 17-04-2012) |
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