Western Chalukya Sculptures

Western Chalukya Sculptures

Western Chalukya sculptures are exquisite representations of Dravidian architecture which developed during 11th and 12th centuries and include sculpture of miniature towers, figure sculpture and deity sculpture existent in the numerous Western Chalukya temples of Tungabhadra.

Western Chalukya sculptures followed the idiom of the Dravidian architecture. These sculptures distinguished themselves from their predecessors in their ornamentation. During the 11th and 12th centuries this style evolved and is also known as Kalyani architecture. The central region for temples lay in the Tungabhadra region of central Karnataka. The main features of Western Chalukya sculptures include the intricate and detailed stone works. Beautiful images of Gods and Goddesses have been carved on stone. The different architectural structures have been adorned with different Western Chalukya sculptures. The 'mantapa', the 'vimana' and the 'gopurams' display different kinds of patterns of sculptures.

The temples bore testimony to the brilliant Western Chalukyan sculpture exhibited in the temple architecture of such ancient temple structures. The Dodda Basappa Temple and Kasi Vishveshvara Temple at Gadag District, Kalleshwara Temple and Mallikarjuna Temple, Davengere District, Amritesvara Temple, Dharwad District, Siddhesvara Temple, Haveri District, Mahadeva Temple at Koppal District, all existent in the southern Indian state of Karnataka are marvellous instances of the sculptures which were prevalent during the reign of the Western Chalukyan rulers, prominent in the region of Tungabhadra during the 11th and 12th centuries. Three principal types of sculptures developed under the reign of the Western Chalukyas are figure sculpture, deity sculpture and sculpture of the miniature towers, belonging to the various spectacular temples of that era.

Figure Sculpture of Western Chalukyas
Western Chalukya Sculptures, Indian Sculptures

Western Chalukyas introduced a brand new style of figure sculptures over the panels and friezes of temples. The early Chalukya temples boast of the sculptures of the heroes of epics like Mahabharata and Ramayana while the later Chalukya temples are adorned with the sculptures of Hindu deities. Miniature towers were decorated with figurines of dancing girls and holy men, particularly alongside the recesses and the temple niches. Cornices and beams of temples were filled with beautiful bracket idols depicting dancing girls. Elephant figures are more commonly employed as compared the horse and erotic sculptural art has seldom been implemented in Chalukyan temples. The only exception is the Tripurantakesvara Temple, Balligavi which possesses a narrow strip of friezes.

Deity Sculpture of Western Chalukyas
Several temples of Western Chalukyan age included the elaborately sculpted figures of the Hindu Gods and Goddesses, wherein each deity was made in a strikingly different pose, varying from each other, depending on its avatar or incarnation. One of the most excellent masterpieces of Western Chalukyan sculptures is the figurine of Goddess Saraswati, present in the Sarasvati Temple, Gadag District, Karnataka. The string of pearls around the neck of the Hindu Goddess of Wisdom and Learning, as well as the pretty curls of hair falling over Her shoulders portray the exquisite and well-developed form of Western Chalukyan sculpture. A bright diadem of jewels has been represented in the form of magnificent form of sculpture which has been placed behind the head of the deity.

Sculpture of Miniature Towers of Western Chalukyas
Dravidian forms of architecture and 'sekhari' architecture have been utilized to embellish the miniature towers of the temples. Unique sculptural art has been demonstrated through those present in the Amritesvara Temple of Annigeri, equipped with floral lintels on the top, portraying Hindu Gods. The Nannesvara Temple is yet another instance of this form of sculpture. Chiselled type of sculpture is noticed in miniature towers which comprise the existence of dual pilasters. A balustrade or 'vedika', cornice or 'kapota', roof or 'kuta' and floor or 'vyalamala' are the main characteristics of the 11th century miniatures while 'tala' or small tiers are present in the 12th century miniature towers. The temple niches are adorned with the idols of Hindu deities, especially the Kallesvara Temple at Hire Hadagalli.

Recently Updated Articles in Indian Sculpture


•	Temple Sculpture of Khajuraho Temple Sculpture of Khajuraho is composed of finely grained stone; this temple pragmatically endorses the eroticism. Khajuraho Temple is located in Central India in the state of Madhya Pradesh.

•	Sculpture of Konark Temple The temple is designed to achieve the shape of a colossal chariot with seven horses and twelve wheels of the Sun God. The temple of the Sun at Konark is magnificent in its construction and if often referred to as the “Black Pagoda”.

•	Saptamatrika Sculptures of South India The Saptamatrika is a South Indian sculpture that is said to contain energies of the deities of the Hindu pantheon. Saptamatrika Sculptures of South India dates back to 3rd century B.C. In most of the ancient temples of South India, the sculptures of the Saptamatrikas are found.

•	Khajuraho Erotic Figures Khajuraho Erotic sculptures are an integral feature of the Khajuraho Temple. However, the erotic carvings have been done only outside the temple. These temples are one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

•	Lion Capital at Sarnath Lion Capital at Sarnath was set up by Emperor Ashoka of Maurayan era. It has four lions sitting back to back and is said to represent the wheel of Law.

E-magazine

Subscribe to E-Magazine on Art & Culture